Entertainment
Colleagues, Fans Pour Tributes As Funke Akindele Marks

Nollywood star Funke Akindele was showered with warm tributes on social media on Sunday as colleagues, protégés, and fans marked her 48th birthday, praising the actress-producer for her friendship, mentorship and contributions to the film industry.
Akindele, best known for her comic creation Jenifa and the popular television series and films that grew from it, has long been celebrated as a mentor and role model to younger talents.
On Sunday, however, tributes poured in beyond her screen achievements to highlight her enduring friendships and influence on emerging entertainers.
In a viral post, skitmaker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State, and acclaimed as Akindele’s adopted son, paid tribute to Akindele with a birthday song and an affectionate caption that referred to her as “Grandma Sonia” and “OLUFUNKE Ayotunde.”
READ ALSO:I’m A Feminist But I Don’t Support Disrespectful Wives – Funke Akindele
He posted, “Happy Birthday Grandma Sonia, lyami Olufunke Ayotunde…Words can’t express how much | appreciate you. You’ve always been more than just a godmother to me, you’ve been a source of strength, love, and unwavering support.
“Thank you for the countless ways you’ve shown me kindness, for believing in me, and for always being there, no matter what. I’m incredibly grateful for your presence in my life…Enjoy your day, lya Beji, Alase gbogbo FaanTV, JENIFA Kan, Lefty Miii,”
Popular actress Eniola Badmus, posting as @eniola_badmus on Instagram, described the box-office star as “more than just a friend,” calling her a “playmate, my gist partner, my safe place” and a source of joy.
“Thank you for all the memories and for making life so much brighter,” Badmus wrote, praying that the new year brings Akindele “endless joy, success, and blessings.”
READ ALSO:Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Becomes First Nollywood Film To Hit N1bn
Another well-wisher, @tobimakinde, lauded Akindele as a “true trailblazer, luminary and exemplar of excellence,” wishing her “greater strength, peace, and overflowing joy” and praying for continued success and good health.
Fans across platforms joined in the celebrations, sharing clips, photos and messages under birthday posts, with many praising her career achievements and role as a mentor in Nollywood.
@Metalistix commented, “Happy 48th Birthday, Funke Akindele! Congratulations to you on this special day. Many of us grew up watching you in our teens, and we’re still watching and celebrating you as adults – and we know we’ll continue cheering you on even in old age. Cheers to a beautiful life, more success, and endless joy. Keep shining, Funke!”
@Tina_rayx described Akindele as “The Wizkid of Nollywood. Number 1. Nobody comes close. Aura upon Aura.”
READ ALSO:VIDEO: Funke Akindele, Ex-husband JJC Skillz Reunite At Movie Premiere
@TowFunFun posted, “Happy birthday to the most successful actress in Nigerian history. The mother of many of us.”
Meanwhile, the creator of Jenifa used the occasion to reveal details of her next big project.
In a birthday message to fans, she announced her upcoming film Behind the Scenes, set for release in December 2025.
She said, “It’s my birthday today, and I feel so fulfilled. I’m graciously grateful to God for the grace to keep telling our stories… I’m using this special day to reveal my blockbuster movie, which premieres in December 2025, Behind The Scenes.”
Entertainment
How I Lost Endorsement Deal For Refusing To Sleep With Company Owner’ – Tiwa Savage

Popular singer, Tiwa Savage has said the demand for sex from female artistes in exchange of opportunities is one of the major challenges women face in the Nigerian music industry.
Speaking in a panel organised by Entertainment Week Africa, Savage said she has had experiences where she was told to go visit influential male executives before she could get booked for certain shows.
She also revealed that she once lost an endorsement deal for refusing to go on holiday to Dubai with the company’s co-owner.
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Savage said the experience made her realise that some executives value her body more than her talent.
She said, “I had been told that if I don’t go and see ‘this chairman’ personally, I would not be put on a show. I lost an endorsement because I refused to go to Dubai with a man who is one of the owners of the company.
“That was when I realised that they don’t value my talent but my body, which I was only flaunting as part of branding. It ended up hurting me because that is all they were seeing.”
Entertainment
Burna Boy Reveals Fighting Secret Battles

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed that he is embroiled in secret battles.
The singer disclosed this while reacting to the uproar over his recent remarks about his fans.
Burna Boy sparked uproar after boasting that he didn’t beg anyone to be his fan, adding that he only wants rich fans.
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Reacting to the backlash via his Instagram story, the ‘Last Last’ crooner claimed that his comment was a joke, which was misinterpreted.
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He emphasised that he was fighting personal battles despite not seeking public sympathy or assistance and begged to be left alone.
He also lent his voice to the calls for the end of insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan.
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Burna Boy said, “I was joking around with my band about something else, not this situation and y’all have spun it as usual saying ‘Burna Boy doesn’t love his fans.’
“If you hate me so much either kilI me or leave me alone. I’m fighting my own battles and I never come out here to look for pity or help. I love who loves me and respect who respects me. Free Sudan, free Congo, free Nigeria”
Entertainment
Davido Reacts To Kwara Church Attack, Kebbi Girls Abduction

Famous Nigerian musician, Davido, has reacted to the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the church attack in Kwara State.
Recall that three people were killed during a church programme at a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, in Kwara State on Tuesday evening, while some members were abducted alongside the pastor.
The tragic attack occurred less than 24 hours after the abduction of 25 secondary schoolgirls in Kebbi State on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Reacting to the frightening attacks in a statement shared on X on Wednesday evening, Davido said: “No family deserves this pain.”
READ ALSO:Bandits Abduct Kebbi Deputy Speaker
Expressing concern over the security situation in Nigeria, the singer stated: “These acts of violence must never become our norm.
“My heart goes out to the young girls kidnapped in Kebbi and their families. No family deserves this pain.
“As Nigerians, we must stand together in unity and continue working towards a country where every child can grow up in safety and hope.
“Also, I am deeply saddened by the tragic attack on the church in Kwara State. I pray for the families who lost loved ones and everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.
READ ALSO:One Of 25 Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls Escapes
“These acts of violence must never become our norm. Everything must be done to bring the girls home safely. I urge anyone with credible information to come forward in whatever safe and responsible way they can, so it can support the ongoing efforts to rescue them.
“May God comfort the grieving families in Kwara, bring peace to our nation, and put every sponsor of violence and disorder to shame.”
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