Entertainment
Africa Film Academy: Epe Class Premiers Long Walk To Forever
Africa Film Academy: Epe Class Premiers Long Walk To Forever
The excited faces and applause at the Lagos Theatre, Epe, Lagos could pass for the performance of A-list acts on the big screen. However, the noise were those of family members, friends, parents and classmates of the Epe class of the film project of students of Africa Film Academy (AFA) – Film in a box -premiering their 10 minutes short film; Long Walk To Forever.
The initiative by Peace Anyiam Osigwe in conjunction with the Lagos state government in building capacity in the entertainment industry in three local governments of Alimosho, Badagry and Epe is yielding positive results.
According to Enwai, the coordinator of the Epe project, the students had a four-week theory before embarking on the practical aspect of the project.
She said: The purpose of the premiere is towards actualizing their project for Africa Film Academy (AFA). We came in and had a workshop with the students in different departments like acting, directing, scriptwriting, cinematography. AFA in conjunction with Lagos State put together a workshop for the indigenes of Epe, creative , people who are interested in joining the entertainment industry. We had facilitators coming to take the students on acting, directing, scriptwriting , cinematography and then CDGN craft like costume design, makeup, production design, and set design.
Unfortunately here in Epe, we have more of the makeup creatives. They finished with their workshop and the students out together a short film to showcase what they have learnt. We are hoping this would help the students move on from here into something bigger. Lagos state has been good with grants and the rest. We are hoping they get some money and continue from where they have started but basically what happens is that after the workshop , they are broken into companies and each company is going to continue from where they stopped. They put together stuff and hopefully, they would be empowered. We wish for the best for them. We have a mentoring session that hasn’t ended should they have any question, project or anything that they need help with.”
For Habeeb Seidu, Head, Strategy and Training, it was an amazing experience having 220 students participate in Epe alone which cuts across other areas like sound, editing and same for the film director, Olaoluwa Owoduni, indigene a graduate of Business Administration who described his experience as joyful. He plans to make good use of the knowledge he has gathered to climb to the next level.
The Producer, Toba Obafemi informed that the major cast were 14 but all the 25 students of the class including crew members were given roles.
Peter Chukwuemeka DG, the Executive producer who in his personal capacity has produced a flick is also grateful for the Lagos state for the opportunity and vowed to continue in production, directing and acting.
Though she agreed that her role was challenging and even got to a point of frustration, the lead actress, Nimot Hassan, weathered the storm and currently preparing for greater challenges in acting.
From this smile, one can observe that loverboy lead actor, Olayinka Rotinwa gave a good account of himself on screen.
Assistant director, Oluwaseyi Jimoh said that that it was not his first time in directing but he is happy to be part of the project.
Dickson Omolara Florence, who played the role of the bride’s mother debunked her role as not her actual person off screen as she said that she is a gentle and kind woman.
Adding his voice to the many thanks showered on the Lagos state government as well as giving an overview of the project, Dean of the faculty, veteran actor, Keppy Ekpeyong –Bassey said: “What we do is to recruit interested participants in about Nine (9) departments of filmmaking. We have the mandate to capacity build the three local government areas; Alimosho, Badagry and Epe. And we have been doing this six (6) months at a stretch, we have done it for some time, we have recruited some of the best brains as facilitators in the industry and the good part of it is that they are not just from the academia, we are having working practitioners also sharing experiences. We bring in people like Jide kosoko, probably Saidi Balogun, to share their experiences and encourage the participants at all levels.
Today, the students in Epe have produced their first short film. They put a premiere together and that is what they are screening. They are now more motivated now than ever because they have seen themselves for the first time on the big screen. They are hearing the applause from their classmates, parents, friends who they invited and they are realising that they can do it. The important thing is not size of building capacity, it is the fact that it is translative and already they are producing films.
And the next level after this first short film which is like a class project, it is like that in each of the local governments where we are building capacity. We break the students into four companies randomly, everybody is mixed up with all participants and they are challenged to produce films. So, we have repertoire of short films which they have produced and all the things that would be uploaded shortly and you would see what these people have done in a short time is unbelievable. What that means is not that they are the best at teaching, it is the fact that they are hungry. The participants are rather enthusiastic and they also demonstrate a lot of passion and they are translating it. We are really excited about the Lagos state government. This is about the only government that is investing heavily in entertainment. Averagely we have 250 students in each of our local government. In this present exercise, we have built capacity in over 750 people. During the exercise because of the long duration, we give them a meal a day and we found out that some of them are not really as healthy as they look, so there is a medical team that comes in and check their sugar levels, heart beats and subsequently advise them on what to do.
The scope our curriculum goes beyond the focal areas , so we included project management , mental health issues, personal hygiene, branding – those key areas to give them a more rounded feel about real life and help them key into that and take off. For instance, we started from Alimosho and since then, they have been producing their own films and sending us what they have done. We broke them into companies so that we can keep supervising what they do.
Lagos state has also volunteered to give them loans and grants, all they have to do is, come together of the companies which we have created for them and pitch, then they will consider their pitch and give them grants or loans. It doesn’t just stop now, it is a continuous exercise for them. This is a success story for me. I am waiting to see more. This vision of AFA is a Peace Anyaiam Osigwe initiative; the rest of us are just executing on her behalf.”
Entertainment
Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
Remembering Afeez Adeshina “Destiny Boy” : A Life of Promise, Music, And Quiet Impact ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
The Nigerian music scene is mourning the loss of Afeez Adeshina Ayinde, popularly known as Destiny Boy, whose passing has left a deep sense of grief among family, friends, and fans. Though his life was brief, his story is one marked by determination, creativity, and a steady rise driven by passion rather than noise. Destiny Boy passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 22, cutting short a journey that many believed was only just beginning.
Early Life And Background :
Afeez Adeshina was born on june 24, 2003, into the Adeshina family of Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was the son of Mr. Adeshina Kamorudeen and Mrs. Saidat Adeshina, raised within a close-knit family environment that shaped his values and character.
From an early age, Afeez was known for his calm demeanor and respectful nature. Those who grew up around him often describe him as gentle, focused, and quietly ambitious. Music became an outlet through which he expressed himself, long before public recognition followed. What began as interest and experimentation gradually turned into purpose.
Music Career And Creative Journey :
Known professionally as Destiny Boy, Afeez carved out his place in music through persistence rather than spectacle. He was deeply passionate about his craft and committed to growth, often collaborating and featuring in songs and music videos across Nigeria and beyond.
While he may not have been the loudest voice in the room, Destiny Boy earned respect for his work ethic and humility. He approached music with seriousness, seeing it not just as entertainment but as a path to building something meaningful. Colleagues and collaborators consistently describe him as hardworking, disciplined, and eager to learn — traits that set him apart in an industry often defined by fast success and fleeting attention.
His presence in multiple projects across different platforms reflected a steady upward movement. For many young creatives, Destiny Boy represented the quiet grind: showing up, improving, and letting the work speak.
Family Life And Personal Milestones :
Beyond music, Afeez embraced responsibility early in life. He got married to Oluwatoyin Adeshina, and their union was blessed with a son, Adeshina Usman Obatide, born on November 12, 2024. Becoming a husband and father added new depth to his life, grounding him further and reshaping his priorities.
Those close to him speak of his devotion to family and his desire to build a stable future. Balancing personal life with creative ambition was not always easy, but Afeez carried these responsibilities with maturity well beyond his years.
His Passing :
The news of Destiny Boy’s death on January 17, 2026, came as a shock to many. At just 22 years old, his passing raised a collective sense of loss — not only for what he had achieved, but for the potential that remained unrealized.
While details surrounding his death have been kept private, the impact has been deeply felt across his immediate community and within creative circles. Tributes have highlighted not only his music but his character: kind-hearted, respectful, and sincere.
Burial Arrangements :
The Adeshina family has announced that Afeez Adeshina Ayinde (Destiny Boy) will be laid to rest on:
Friday, January 23, 2026 :
Time : 2:00 PM
Venue : His father’s residence, Odo Rori Compound, Ayetoro Yewa, Ogun State
Family members, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers are expected to gather to pay their final respects and celebrate a life that, though short, left a meaningful imprint.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers :
Destiny Boy’s story is not one measured by chart positions or awards, but by consistency, humility, and quiet influence. He represented a generation of young Nigerian creatives navigating ambition, responsibility, and identity in real time.
In remembering Afeez Adeshina, many will recall a young man who showed up for his craft, valued his family, and treated people with respect. His journey serves as a reminder that impact is not always loud — sometimes, it is built patiently, one step at a time.
As he is laid to rest, his music, memories, and the lives he touched remain.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Entertainment
Benin Summit Group Congratulates Rema, Shallipopi for Flying the Benin Flag at AFRIMMA Awards
Benin Summit Group Congratulates Rema, Shallipopi for Flying the Benin Flag at AFRIMMA Awards
The Chairman-in-Council of the Benin Summit Group, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has congratulated celebrated music stars Rema and Shallipopi for their outstanding achievements at the recently concluded AFRIMMA Awards, where they emerged as shining ambassadors of the Benin Kingdom on the global entertainment stage.
Rema, ( Divine Justice Ikubor) the internationally acclaimed Afrobeats sensation of Benin extraction, carted home three prestigious awards, while fast-rising artiste Shallipopi ( Crown Uzama) also clinched one award, marking a moment of pride not just for Edo State but for the entire Benin Kingdom.
In a statement issued by the Benin Summit Group, Osaro Onaiwu described their victories as a powerful demonstration of Benin excellence, creativity, and global relevance.
“I commend and congratulate Rema and Shallipopi for putting the Benin Kingdom firmly in the global space through their talent, hard work, and discipline. Their achievements are a source of pride to our people and an inspiration to our youths,” Onaiwu said.
He noted that the success of Benin sons in the global entertainment industry reinforces the importance of nurturing creativity and supporting young talents across music, film, fashion, and other creative arts.
“These accomplishments show what is possible when talent meets opportunity and determination. Benin land is rich in creativity, and the world is beginning to take notice,” he added.
Osaro Onaiwu further urged other Benin sons and daughters, particularly those in the creative and entertainment sectors, to remain focused and strive for excellence, emphasizing that global recognition comes through consistency, hard work, and commitment to craft.
“I urge others to strive harder to excel. Let the achievements of Rema and Shallipopi motivate the next generation to dream bigger, work harder, and represent Benin with dignity and pride wherever they find themselves,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Benin Summit Group to promoting unity, culture, and development, including the creative arts, which he described as a powerful tool for projecting the Benin heritage and identity to the world.
According to Onaiwu, celebrating the successes of Benin sons and daughters across various fields remains central to the group’s mission of fostering unity, pride, and collective progress within the Benin Kingdom and the diaspora.
Why Everyone Is Talking About GICANA: The New Nigerian Drama Shaking YouTube
A powerful new Nigerian drama, GICANA, has made its debut during the Yuletide season, sending a strong social message while keeping audiences glued to their screens. The film, now streaming on Mustapha Sholagbade Television (MSTV) on YouTube, explores the dangerous consequences of transacting one’s body for money, portraying it as a risky game with far-reaching emotional and moral implications.
Produced by Almatin Limited, GICANA is directed by the creative duo of Olayemi Adeodu and Ayanbode Simon. The directors bring depth and realism to the story, carefully unpacking themes of desperation, survival, greed, and the silent battles faced by individuals pushed to the edge by circumstance.
The movie, which was shot in Canada and Nigeria, boasts a rich ensemble of industry talents who delivered compelling performances, including Remi Surutu, Dotun Adebanjo, Mustapha Sholagbade, Bukola Kiitan, Temidayo (Starboy), Dare Melody, Jumoke Fadipe, Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Adejoke Adesokan, and several others. Their performances added emotional weight and authenticity to the storyline, making GICANA both engaging and thought-provoking.
Behind the scenes, the production quality of GICANA stands out. Cinematography was handled by Director Keny and Abiodun Bukola, while Mr Perfect served as script supervisor. Sound was recorded by Idrissound, with lighting by Tomcity. Makeup was expertly done by Ifeoluwa Adejumo, and Muhammed Hussein brought the film’s environments to life as set designer.
Released at a time traditionally associated with celebration and reflection, GICANA uses the Yuletide season to challenge viewers to think deeply about societal pressures and the hidden dangers of quick money. The film is already generating conversations online, with viewers praising its message, performances, and strong moral undertone.
With its timely release and compelling narrative, GICANA is more than just a movie, it is a cautionary tale and a must-watch drama for audiences seeking meaningful African storytelling this new year.
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