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16,000 jobs’ll be created when National Theatre’s renovation is completed – Official

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5 years ago

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More than 16,000 jobs would be created during and after the ongoing renovation of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, Prof. Sunday Ododo, General Manager of the 44-year-old complex, said on Thursday in Lagos.

Ododo told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) that most of the jobs would come from the fields of music, movies, fashion and information technology.

“Some of the jobs will be direct. Others will be indirect. The National Theatre will definitely be a hub for lots of activities,” he said.

NAN recalls that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Government recently signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the renovation of the complex.

Under the MOU, the CBN, through the Bankers Committee, will invest N21.894 billion to renovate the National Theatre, refurbish it and run it profitably.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, at the signing of the MOU, said that revamping the complex would unlock a mass of creative talents of thousands of Nigerian youths in various fields.

Information minister Lai Mohammed, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, had also said that the Private-Public-Partnership arrangement would stimulate growth in various sectors of the economy.

Ododo, while assessing the progress of the project, said that work had begun with the contractors fully mobilised to site.

He said he was particularly excited at the prospects of many youths securing jobs at all stages of the renovation.

“The jobs will come directly and indirectly through the ongoing radical restoration, revamping and renovation of the edifice. When completed, the complex, which is 44 years old, will be a huge business centre.

“It will be the place to be. Food sellers and other petty businesses will not be left out. Those coming for events will be served.

“Administration after administrations have ensured the edifice stands. And I must salute our predecessors; I give them kudos. If not for their dedication and efforts, National Theatre would have collapsed long ago.

“It is capital intensive to maintain. So you can now imagine if a huge sum of 21.8 billion naira is being invested to restore the complex.

“If, for instance, we had a maintenance support of a billion naira or even half a billion annually, we will not get to this point where so much is required to fix the edifice.

“That is why we are glad to inform Nigerians that with the new arrangement, there’s a component that says that once the work is finished, a company will be engaged to maintain the facility every day for the next five years.

“If its work is good, it will be re-engaged; if otherwise, another company will be brought on board.

“So, maintenance is part of the new arrangement so that we don’t go back to Egypt,” he explained.

He regretted that hospitality outfits had taken over the business of the centre.

According to him, these outfits make huge profits that could have been taken by the National Theatre.

“When the National Theatre is up and running, some of these event centres will have to be more creative to be in business.

“We don’t want to send anybody out of business, though, but our own prime target is international businesses because we have facilities that can host international events which many of these event centres don’t have.

“We will be making available a media centre that can take care of multi-language interpretation and all that.

“We have a 5,000-capacity main bowl. That one can take any UN event, any World Bank event, and any international event. National theatre will be the centre to beat,” he declared. (NAN)

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Funke Akindele Sets December 11 Release Date for New Movie, ‘The Four’

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2 weeks ago

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August 10, 2026

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Funke Akindele and her team
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Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has announced December 11, 2026, as the cinema release date for her highly anticipated movie, The Four: No One Fights Alone.

Akindele made the announcement on Monday, August 10, via her Instagram page, describing the project as the 2026 movie from Funke Akindele Network (FAAN TV).

“IT’S GO TIME! On your mark… Get set… GO! The relay is ON, and the Funke Akindele Network movie for 2026 is officially… THE FOUR,” she announced.

The filmmaker added that the movie would be showing in cinemas nationwide, with FilmOne Entertainment handling its distribution.

The Four is an emotionally driven drama centred on friendship, motherhood, resilience and the strength of ordinary women. The film explores themes of courage, faith, sacrifice and loyalty while showcasing elements of Nigerian culture through music, fashion, language and tradition.

The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Akindele, Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji, Ali Nuhu, Uzor Arukwe, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Antar Laniyan and Wunmi Toriola.

Other cast members include Waje, Afrobeats artiste Shoday, Samuel Banks, Kolapo Omotosho and Ayomide Iwasokun.

The new production adds to Akindele’s growing list of successful film projects, following popular titles such as A Tribe Called Judah, Everybody Loves Jenifa and Behind The Scenes.

Through her productions, Akindele has remained a prominent force in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, delivering commercially successful stories while promoting Nigerian culture and providing opportunities for emerging talents.

The Four: No One Fights Alone is scheduled to hit cinemas nationwide on December 11, 2026.

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Rema The “Calm Down” Crooner, Releases Teaser for “TEA”

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3 weeks ago

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August 6, 2026

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The  “Calm Down” crooner, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has released a teaser for his forthcoming single, “TEA,” scheduled for release on Friday.

The Ace Nigerian Afrobeat star, shared a 26-second preview of the track in a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday with the caption “TEA Friday”

The teaser features Rema riding a motorcycle at dusk while previewing the song, which is produced by American record producer, Mustard.

The announcement marks Rema’s first single of 2026 and has sparked excitement among fans ahead of its official release.

The teaser has attracted reactions across social media, with many fans expressing anticipation for the collaboration between the Nigerian singer and the U.S. producer.

Rema, known for the global hit “Calm Down”, was born in Benin City. He rose to prominence after signing with Jonzing World in 2019 and has since become one of Afrobeats’ leading global stars.

REMA had his debut album, “Rave & Roses”, released in 2022, while his second studio album, “HEIS”, was released in 2024.

The forthcoming single follows Rema’s release of “Goals”, the official FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack, and further underscores his growing global influence in Afrobeats.

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Roy Murray-Bruce Appointed Chairman of Silverbird Group

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3 months ago

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May 21, 2026

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Roy Murray Bruce
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The founder of Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, has announced the appointment of Roy Murray-Bruce as the new Chairman of the organisation, succeeding him after decades of leadership at the helm of the company.

Ben Murray-Bruce made the announcement on Thursday through his official X handle, where he described Roy Murray-Bruce as a seasoned leader with more than four decades of experience in corporate leadership, governance, and strategic development.

According to him, Roy Murray-Bruce previously served as President of Silverbird Group and played a major role in the growth and expansion of the organisation across several sectors, including television, radio broadcasting, cinemas, retail, and property development.

He also credited Roy Murray-Bruce with contributing significantly to the development of Cineplex culture in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, helping position Silverbird as one of the leading entertainment brands on the continent.

Ben Murray-Bruce expressed confidence in the new chairman’s ability to lead the company into another phase of growth and innovation, stating that the organisation would continue to uphold its tradition of excellence and industry leadership across Africa.

Silverbird Group remains one of Africa’s leading diversified conglomerates, with business interests spanning media, entertainment, hospitality, real estate, and strategic investments across Africa and the United Kingdom.

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