Category: Entertainment
UNESCO Adds 26 New Sites to World Heritage List
UNESCO has announced the addition of 26 new sites to its prestigious World Heritage List, recognizing locations of exceptional cultural, historical, and natural value. The newly inscribed sites span across continents, from ancient ruins in Turkey to biodiversity hotspots in Africa and sacred landscapes in Australia. In Turkey, the ruins of Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe—remnants of a powerful Iron Age civilization—were added to the list. The site includes a historic settlement, cemetery, and ancient temples. In Africa, several key locations earned recognition: In Brazil, the Peruaçu River Canyon was recognized for its dramatic landscapes, extensive cave systems, and more than 2,000 plant and animal species. Australia’s Murujuga Cultural Landscape, featuring ancient rock formations and spiritual heritage sites of the Ngarda-Ngarli people, was also inscribed for its cultural and spiritual significance. UNESCO’s list also grew with several Asian sites, highlighting the continent’s rich cultural and natural diversity.
Saudi Tourism Minister Begins Tour of Summer Destinations in Taif
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has kicked off a series of field tours to destinations featured in the Kingdom’s Saudi Summer program by visiting Taif governorate. The program, launched in May under the slogan “Color Your Summer,” runs until September and highlights attractions across Jeddah, the Red Sea coastline, Taif, Baha, and Asir. The initiative offers over 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private-sector entities. During the visit, Al-Khateeb, who also chairs the Saudi Tourism Authority, inspected major tourist landmarks in Taif, reviewed facilities, and evaluated service quality. Al-Khateeb praised Taif’s natural beauty, mild climate, and cultural heritage, noting its potential as a leading tourism hub in the Kingdom and the wider region. According to Saudi Press Agency data, Taif welcomed 3.6 million tourists in 2024, representing a 9% increase from 2023, with annual tourism spending reaching SR3.4 billion ($906 million). At the program’s launch, Al-Khateeb stated: “This year, we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.”
Tosin Ologun’s Journey to Redefine Cultural Fashion Globally
Tosin Kehinde Ologun, the visionary founder of Táàńwá — a Yoruba term meaning “sought after” — is on a mission to elevate African cultural fashion to the global stage. Her design philosophy blends African heritage, storytelling, and sustainable slow fashion, creating timeless pieces that resonate with a diverse international audience. With nearly a decade of experience, Tosin has grown from an apprentice in Nigeria to an influential fashion entrepreneur with a footprint across Nigeria, the UK, and Asia. Her passion for fashion began in secondary school, where she experimented with sewing by crafting bags from local fabrics. In 2016, she formally trained as an apprentice, mastering garment construction and refining her creative skills through courses in fashion sketching, technical drawing, and design illustration. By 2019, she launched her first brand, Omotola Official, which gained recognition in Abuja for its bridalwear, Afro-contemporary pieces, and intricate craftsmanship that celebrated tradition while embracing modernity. The turning point came when Tosin relocated to the United Kingdom. Observing the appeal of her designs among Africans, Europeans, and mixed-race clients, she rebranded her label to Táàńwá, aligning with international standards while staying true to her cultural roots. By 2025, the brand was officially registered in both the UK and Nigeria, marking its presence in the competitive London fashion scene. Today, Táàńwá stands as a symbol of cultural pride and contemporary elegance, inspiring a new generation of designers to embrace their roots while pursuing global recognition.
Akinola Davies Teams Up with Rachel Dargavel for High-Stakes Thriller Delta Force Six
Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies, acclaimed for My Father’s Shadow — Nigeria’s first-ever Cannes entry — is reuniting with Rachel Dargavel of Element Pictures for his sophomore feature, Delta Force Six. The film, described as a hostage thriller and morality tale, will be shot on location in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. Dargavel, who produced My Father’s Shadow, revealed that Delta Force Six is currently in early development and will likely enter production within two years. She emphasized the importance of making the second feature as strong as possible, stating, “You know how hard it is to get a second feature up and away and to make it great. I want for us to not be those people who stumble.” Plot and Setting Co-written by Davies and his brother Wale Davies, who also co-penned their breakout debut, Delta Force Six is set against the turbulent backdrop of Niger Delta militancy — exploring themes of corporate greed, environmental devastation, and local resistance. The story follows rebels who kidnap foreign oil workers and sabotage pipelines, with journalists caught between conflicting forces. “The landscape has been ravaged by the need for oil — or the greed for oil, whichever way you look at it,” Dargavel remarked, highlighting the film’s strong social commentary. Cannes Momentum Davies’ My Father’s Shadow made waves at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, screening in the Un Certain Regard category and receiving a Special Mention from the Camera d’Or jury. The film, which will also screen at the BFI London Film Festival this fall, has positioned Davies as one of Africa’s most exciting new voices in global cinema. Challenges and Collaboration Dargavel, who has extensive experience producing internationally, says working in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted but credits her Nigerian collaborators, including Funmbi Ogunbanwo of Fatherland Productions, for navigating local challenges. “You are not just in it for the money,” she said. “You care about the films, the talent, and the stories being told.” She compared Element Pictures’ commitment to Davies to their long-term support for acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things, The Favourite), suggesting a bright future for the Nigerian director.
Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor Tom Njemanze
Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Tom Njemanze, who passed away after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. The news of his demise was announced by filmmaker Stanley Ajemba Chibueze, popularly known as Stanley Ontop, on Saturday, July 19, 2025. According to Stanley, Njemanze’s family confirmed that the actor died on Friday, July 18, 2025. Sharing the heartbreaking news alongside a photo of the late actor, Stanley wrote: “Good afternoon everyone, it’s another sad period as we just received news from Tom Njemanze’s family that he has succumbed to his ailment and passed on yesterday. May his soul RIP. It’s well. We tried to save him but God knows best. Nollywood loses another legend.” Before his passing, Tom Njemanze had publicly appealed for financial assistance after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Videos shared by Stanley Ontop showed the actor bedridden and attached to oxygen and intravenous lines, highlighting the severity of his condition. Stanley had previously rallied support for the veteran by publicising his situation and sharing his account details for financial aid. Tom Njemanze was a household name in Nollywood, remembered for his roles in classic films such as Died Wretched, Issakaba, Magic Cap, Osuofia in London, Twin Brothers, Full Moon, Last Kobo, My School Mother, and Stronghold. Read Full Details Here
Speed Darlington Sues NAPTIP for ₦3 Billion Over Rights Violation After Wanted Declaration
Controversial Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has dragged the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to court, accusing the agency of infringing on his fundamental human rights after declaring him wanted. NAPTIP declared the artist wanted on June 27, citing allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking, after he failed to honor an official invitation for questioning. The move followed a viral video in which Darlington appeared to boast about having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl, sparking widespread outrage. He later recanted, claiming the story was fictional. In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Darlington argued that NAPTIP’s action was “unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional,” as it lacked a court order. He alleged violations of his rights to personal liberty, privacy, freedom of movement, and protection from inhuman and degrading treatment. The rapper is demanding ₦1 billion in general damages and ₦2 billion in punitive damages, with an additional 5% monthly interest until full payment. He also seeks a public apology from NAPTIP and a permanent injunction restraining the agency from acting on the declaration.
BBNaija Season 10 Premieres July 26 with Record-Breaking ₦150m Grand Prize
LAGOS, July 16, 2025 – The highly anticipated 10th season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) will premiere on July 26, 2025, with a staggering ₦150 million grand prize, the biggest in the show’s history. The announcement was made by MultiChoice Nigeria during a press conference on Wednesday, where the organizers promised an edition packed with thrilling entertainment, drama, and fierce competition. The upcoming season will introduce a fresh format, moving away from last year’s “No Loose Guard” edition, where housemates entered the house in pairs. Physical auditions for the new season were conducted between May 16 and 18, 2025. BBNaija, which debuted in 2006, has become one of Africa’s most-watched reality shows. In the 2024 edition, Kellyrae made history as the first married contestant to win the competition, walking away with ₦100 million. Organizers assured fans that the 10th season will raise the bar even higher, featuring surprises, new twists, and engaging content to captivate millions of viewers across the continent. Full Details: BBNaija Season 10: Premieres July 26 With ₦150m Grand Prize
Woodhall, Polaris Bank, UK and Lagos Governments Launch ₦1.5bn Creative Sector Fund
By Kamal Yalwa: LAGOS – July 15, 2025Nigeria’s creative industry received a major boost as Woodhall Capital, in partnership with Polaris Bank, the UK Government, and the Lagos State Government, unveiled a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund to expand access to structured financing for entrepreneurs across fashion, film, music, and digital content. The fund was announced during the launch of the Creative Currency Podcast, an initiative designed to foster collaboration between creatives, financiers, policymakers, and global stakeholders. The platform will also serve as a policy engagement forum addressing long-standing challenges such as limited financing, weak intellectual property enforcement, and lack of scalable business structures. Speaking at the launch hosted at the Ikoyi residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director at Polaris Bank, said the fund marks a deliberate shift in recognizing intellectual property as a bankable asset. “This fund represents more than capital; it reflects our belief in Nigerian creativity as a global force,” Ozomah said. “We’re not just exporting talent. We’re exporting ownership, structure, and long-term value.” Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, Founder and CEO of Woodhall Capital, emphasized the need for bespoke financial products and investor-matching services tailored for creative MSMEs. The UK Government, represented by Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s creative economy, citing the UK-Nigeria Creative Industries Partnership signed in 2024 as a milestone for trade and investment. Representing the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, highlighted ongoing policy reforms, infrastructure support, and the Lagos Creative Fund, which offers zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to creative businesses. Panelists at the event urged creatives to formalize operations, protect intellectual property, and maintain transparent financial records, while financial institutions were encouraged to rethink risk models to accommodate the unique dynamics of creative enterprises. The Creative Currency Podcast aims to build a knowledge-sharing ecosystem for creators, investors, legal experts, and cultural stakeholders, promoting professionalism, transparency, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s creative sector. The event closed with a unified call to “invest in systems, not just stories”, stressing that a structured, well-capitalized creative economy can drive job creation, exports, and global influence for Nigeria. Polaris Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting MSMEs, noting its extensive portfolio dedicated to growing small businesses and fostering economic inclusion across the country.