Entertainment
94 Countries Jostle For Maiden Edition Of Edo Film Festival, 1,551 Movie Entries Received

…Over 200 Movies To Be Shown In Different Locations
…To Reward Winners With $6,000
The Managing Director of Edo State Skills Development Agency, EdoJobs, Ukinebo Dare says no fewer than 1,551 movie entries have been received from 94 countries for the maiden edition of
Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF).
The Managing Director who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City, ahead of the commencement of the film fiesta, said the event is organised by the Edo State Government in collaboration with private sector partners aimed at spurring the state’s booming creative industry.
The state also unveiled the logo and brand ambassadors for the film festival.
The ambassadors include Nollywood actor and film producer, Nosa Rex Okunzuwa, and actress and television host, Linda Osifo.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: HRH Edun Akenzua Dies, Obaseki Mourns
Dare said the event, scheduled to hold between September 1st and September 4, 2022, aims at boosting the film industry and repositioning the state as a choice location for film and television productions.
She further noted that, as part of the festival, over 200 movies will be shown at different locations in the state, providing an opportunity for networking and developing talents in the state’s creative sector.
Dare said, “Edo State International Film Festival has received 1,551 movies as entries for the festival from 94 different countries. We have an international jury, including film professors and filmmakers from around the world that will watch all these films and select the best movie from these entries that will be shown during the festival. The festival holds from 1st to 4th of September, 2022.”
Noting that winners will receive up to $6,000 in rewards, the EdoJobs Managing Director added, “We have three categories in the festival that have cash prizes of $2,000 each. These categories include the best student film; the best film shot with a phone or a tablet and best used technology in the filmmaking. The winners will be announced during the film festival.”
She continued: “We are going to have 200 movies showing for four days at three different locations in the state as it will create opportunities for film critics, content producers and movie celebrities to interact and build a strong network to improve the art and craft of film making in the state.
“We will be partnering with some reputable organisations to ensure the film festival is a success.”
On his part, the Festival Director, Mr. Davison Izegaegbe, said the film festival will include several training programmes to further expose creatives in the state and showcase the Edo film industry to the international market.
He noted, “The film festival is not for the fun of showing movies but to attract and expose film makers to the international market.”
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Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Hon. Bamidele Olaitan said, “This event is another initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to restore the hope of the Edo people.
“This festival has allowed us to embark on a journey to tell our stories ourselves to the world and change our narratives as well as market ourselves and our cultural heritage to the world.”
Entertainment
Wema Bank, Davido Push 5ive Tour Through Four Regions Ahead Of Abuja Finale
Wema Bank and Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, are set to conclude the Nigerian leg of the 5ive Tour in Abuja on December 14, 2025, after successfully taking the tour through four regions of the country.
The Abuja show marks the latest development in the nationwide rollout of the 5ive Tour, which has so far attracted more than 80,000 attendees across four major cities.
The Nigerian leg of the tour has already made stops in Uyo, Yola, Enugu and Ibadan, covering all four regions in what organisers described as a deliberate effort to ensure diversity, inclusion and nationwide accessibility for fans.
The homecoming tour follows a successful global run earlier in the year, when Davido embarked on the 5ive Tour to celebrate the release of his fifth studio album, 5ive. He later announced in October 2025 that the tour would return to Nigeria, continuing his long-standing partnership with Wema Bank.
READ ALSO:Davido Reacts To Kwara Church Attack, Kebbi Girls Abduction
Since its kickoff, Wema Bank has amplified the tour experience with exclusive customer access, VIP packages and premium Davido 5ive Tour merchandise that has gained nationwide popularity.
The bank’s involvement has been credited with raising the bar for entertainment collaborations, contributing to what has become one of the biggest studio tours on the continent.
The partnership, already widely recognised from previous initiatives, has once again drawn commendation from fans and industry observers, who praise Wema Bank for maintaining a strong connection with youth culture and entertainment trends.
With excitement building ahead of the Abuja finale, Wema Bank has urged fans hoping to secure free tickets or limited-edition tour merchandise to follow its social media pages on Instagram, X and Facebook for updates as the #Wema5iveAliveTour approaches its grand conclusion.
READ ALSO:I Don’t Owe Davido Apology – Ruger On Alleged Rift With Colleague
The tour featured performances in five cities across Nigeria: Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos.
As the headline sponsor, Wema Bank spearheaded the execution of the tour, which promised to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees.
The bank launched an official hashtag, #Wema5iveAliveTour, and offered exclusive freebies and experiences to customers who sign up on the ALAT App using the code ‘Davido5iveAlive’ and remain active.
READ ALSO:Why It Would Be Difficult For Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy To Collaborate – Music Executive
“The excitement is off the charts as Nigerians wait impatiently in anticipation of what the Bank has in store for its customers.
“Anyone interested in getting access to the freebies and exclusives Wema Bank is bringing is expected to download the ALAT App, sign up using the code ‘Davido5iveAlive,’ stay active and follow the Bank on all social media platforms.”
Entertainment
‘There Was No Blueprint For Me’ – Wizkid Claims
Nigerian singer Wizkid has sparked controversy after claiming that he had no blueprint while coming up as an artist, despite having emerged through ace singer Banky W’s imprint.
The Ojuelegba crooner made the statement in a snippet of his upcoming HBO documentary Long Live Lagos.
“There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” he claimed.
His comment sparked debate on social media, with many insisting that it not only downplayed Banky W’s impact on his career but also disrespected the great Nigerian musicians who paved the way for the new generation of artists.
READ ALSO:Wizkid Is Married – DJ Tunez Reveals [VIDEO]
Wizkid, however, admitted elsewhere in the documentary that Fela Kuti inspired him to pursue music.
“Fela Kuti was instrumental to why I believe I could really make music,” he said.
Some of the reactions on X include:
Franko_Nero wrote: “I still vividly remember the day that Bankole [Banky W] announced on a show that he wants to introduce a boy wonder, a germ in the making. Today, this ungrateful child is claiming otherwise. If Banky knew that today would come, I am sure he would have chased him far away.”
READ ALSO:Why It Would Be Difficult For Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy To Collaborate – Music Executive
Arhcent said: “This guy is erasing the role Banky W and EME played in his career. The person Banky picked from school into the studio is saying ‘I had to build a structure for myself.’ God sees all.”
Duke of Isoko wrote: “If he never built a structure, Banky probably wouldn’t have noticed him. This dude came out with his own style of music, dressing sense, etc., but I understand that English is a problem in this place.”
Sir Dickson opined: “People are debating this with reference to Banky’s impact in his life. There is no real context to that. I believe he was speaking about his style of music. He reinvented himself. Wiz has never denied Banky’s impact, nor can he. Let’s calm down.”
Entertainment
‘I Am Not Shy, I’m Just Laid Back’ – Olamide Addresses Misconception
Famous Nigerian rapper Olamide Baddo has addressed the misconception that he is shy.
Speaking in a recent interview with Ada’s Room, Baddo explained that he isn’t shy but laid back.
“One thing I wish people could understand about me is I am not shy, I am just laid back,” he said.
READ ALSO:Olamide Clarifies Seniority Debate Between Him And Wizkid In Music Industry
The host asked: “What is the difference between shy and laid back?”
Olamide responded: “Shy is when you don’t have the confidence and the charisma to stand people or look them in the eye or have conversations with them.
“But being laid back is you just don’t want to be bothered. People think I am shy but I am not.”
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