close
Women Times

Chat Room

News

Funke Akindele Continues Box Office Dominance as Behind The Scenes Surpasses ₦1.1 Billion

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has solidified her reign as the industry’s undisputed box office queen with her latest directorial effort, Behind The Scenes, which has grossed an impressive ₦1,109,463,846 just weeks after its theatrical release.

The milestone was announced by distributor FilmOne Entertainment on December 29, 2025, hailing it as a groundbreaking achievement for West African cinema

According to FilmOne, Behind The Scenes is the fastest West African film to cross the ₦1 billion threshold and delivered the highest single-day earnings ever recorded on Boxing Day with ₦129.5 million.

The film, which explores the pressures of “black tax” and the hidden struggles behind success, currently stands as the highest-grossing theatrical release of 2025, showing remarkable staying power in cinemas across Nigeria and beyond.

This triumph marks yet another record-breaking chapter for Akindele, who is now the only director with three films surpassing ₦1 billion at the box office, Nollywood’s all-time highest-grossing producer, and the first filmmaker to achieve three consecutive billion-naira hits in a single calendar year.

Featuring a star-studded ensemble including Scarlet Gomez in the lead, alongside Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Mr Macaroni, and Big Brother Naija duo Wanni x Handi, the movie has resonated deeply with audiences, blending relatable storytelling with high entertainment value.

As Behind The Scenes continues its run, with expansions to international markets like the UK, Ireland, and the US planned,vAkindele’s unparalleled commercial streak shows no signs of slowing down.

read more
News

Ekiti Amotekun Arrests 20-Year-Old for Alleged Rape of 14-Year-Old Deaf and Mute Girl

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has arrested a 20-year-old man, Dare Omoyajowo, for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl who is deaf and mute.

The incident reportedly occurred in Are Ekiti on Friday, according to a statement issued by the Corps’ Head of Communications, Adeleye Adewale, in Ado Ekiti on Monday.

The arrest followed a report lodged by the suspect’s own mother. The victim’s mother recounted to Amotekun officials that her daughter returned home with visible signs of sexual assault, including seminal fluids on her body. Unable to speak, the girl communicated the incident through sign language.

Amotekun operatives in the Ifedara Local Council Development Area interrogated the suspect, who confessed to the crime. He admitted to luring the girl into his apartment using gestures and body language before assaulting her.

The suspect has been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Ekiti State Police Command in Ado Ekiti for further investigation and prosecution.

This arrest comes amid a series of similar incidents in the state. Earlier in December, the Amotekun Corps apprehended 28-year-old Olapade Ifeoluwa for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl in Ilawe Ekiti. Ifeoluwa reportedly confessed, luring the child with a film before the assault, and later blamed his actions on “the devil.” The victim’s cries alerted neighbours, leading to her rescue.

Additionally, Amotekun arrested five individuals earlier this month for offences including kidnapping, attempted abduction, and fraud.

read more
NewsEntertainment

Asake’s Christmas Reunion with Daughter Melts Hearts

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Afrobeats superstar Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with a touching Christmas reunion with his 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat, and her mother, Adijat.

Viral videos and photos from Christmas Day show the “Mr. Money” singer sharing tender moments with his family in Lagos, including warm hugs, affectionate kisses on the cheek, and family poses. The heartwarming scenes come after a period of public family challenges earlier in 2025.

In March 2025, Adijat publicly accused Asake of neglecting Zeenat for several years following his rise to fame. She claimed to have supported him financially during his university days at Obafemi Awolowo University. Similar allegations emerged from Asake’s father regarding family support.

However, reports indicate Asake reconciled with his family, taking full responsibility for Zeenat and providing support. The Christmas reunion signals a positive turn, with fans praising the singer for prioritizing family amid his global success.

One fan commented online: “This is beautiful  family first, no matter what.” Another added: “Redemption looks good on Asake. Merry Christmas to them.

The reunion coincided with Asake’s triumphant homecoming performances in Lagos, including a headline slot at the Flytime Music Festival.

As the festive season continues, this story serves as a reminder of forgiveness and reconciliation during the holidays.

read more
News

Rena Wakama Makes History as First Female Coach to Secure Back-to-Back Women’s AfroBasket Titles

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Rena Wakama has solidified her legacy in African basketball by guiding Nigeria’s D’Tigress to their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship, becoming the first woman to win the tournament in repeat fashion as head coach.

In a commanding final, Nigeria defeated Mali 78-64, extending an unbeaten AfroBasket streak to 29 games and claiming their seventh overall title. This historic feat, no team had ever won five straight, also secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Amy Okonkwo earned MVP honors, heading the All-Star Five.

Wakama, who first broke barriers in 2023 with Nigeria’s fourth straight title, praised her players as “my queens” for their resilience despite limited preparation. At 33, the US-born coach of Nigerian descent (Rivers State roots) has rapidly risen, previously assisting with the Chicago Sky (WNBA) and earning 2024 Paris Olympics Best Coach after D’Tigress’ quarterfinal run, the first for any African team.

President Bola Tinubu honored the team with national awards, cash, and housing. Wakama’s achievements challenge gender norms in coaching, inspiring greater female participation while elevating women’s basketball across Africa.

read more
News

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Expands Empowerment Programs Through Renewed Hope Initiative in 2025

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has intensified the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) throughout 2025, delivering comprehensive support to women, youths, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and vulnerable communities as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

RHI’s flagship programs included agricultural empowerment, providing farm inputs, tools, agrochemicals, and financial grants to hundreds of female farmers, student farmers, and cooperatives in states like Delta (400 beneficiaries in May) and others.

Economic initiatives featured non-repayable grants of ₦50,000 each to women entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, aiming to reach 18,500 women nationwide. Food outreaches distributed essentials to vulnerable households, widows, and PWDs in states including Ekiti, Kogi, and Niger.

Additional efforts encompassed health interventions (e.g., cervical cancer support), skills acquisition, environmental awareness through school clubs, and recapitalization grants for PWD-owned businesses. Collaborations amplified impact, touching over 100,000 families with education, social investment, and sustainability projects.

Praised by groups like the Arewa Youth Forum for northern impacts, these initiatives underscore RHI’s focus on inclusivity, food security, economic growth, and family strengthening, particularly elevating women as community pillars.

read more
News

Debut Novelist Oyin Olugbile Wins Prestigious 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a landmark victory celebrating emerging literary talent, Nigerian author and cultural storyteller Oyin Olugbile (also known as Oyindamola Olugbile) has been awarded the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).

The $100,000 prize, one of Africa’s most prestigious and valuable literary awards, recognizes outstanding prose fiction in this cycle.

Olugbile’s debut novel, Sanya, triumphed over a fiercely competitive shortlist featuring renowned authors Chigozie Obioma (The Road to the Country) and Nikki May (This Motherless Land).

Described by judges as a captivating mythological retelling with Yoruba influences, Sanya explores profound themes of dangerous love, loss, redemption, identity, destiny, and transformation. Set in a fantastical empire enchanting even to the Òrìṣà deities, the novel boldly reimagines figures like Sango as female, blending lucid prose with sophisticated philosophical depth rooted in African traditions.

The announcement was made during the NLNG Grand Award Night at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, presided over by Advisory Board Chair Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo. She praised the high caliber of entries from 252 submissions, noting that while all shortlisted works demonstrated excellence and improved local publishing standards, Sanya “slightly takes the edge” for its daring narrative and emotional resonance.

A University of Lagos graduate with a B.A. in Creative Arts, Olugbile holds advanced qualifications from institutions including Harvard Business School Online and King’s College London. As a social impact management consultant and chief curator of the Experience Factory, an education, enterprise focused on youth development, she brings real-world insights into her storytelling. In interviews, Olugbile has shared that her “rebellious streak” and fascination with Yoruba mythology inspired the novel, emphasizing storytelling as a tool for cultural reclamation and societal change.

This win positions Olugbile among a rare group of debut authors to claim the prize, highlighting the rising prominence of female voices in Nigerian literature and inspiring aspiring writers nationwide.

read more
NewsEntertainment

Shenseea Set to Light Up Lagos This Detty December with Cheeky Request for a “Rich Man”

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Jamaican dancehall sensation Shenseea has sent social media into a frenzy with her playful announcement that she’s heading to Lagos for the iconic Detty December festivities and she’s got a hilarious shopping list for her Nigerian fans.

In a viral video post, the “Blessed” hitmaker addressed her “Naija people” directly: “My Naija people, I dey come to Lagos for Detty December. Bring me gold. Bring me frankincense. Bring me a man.” With a wink and a laugh, she emphasized her top request: a rich one.

The cheeky biblical twist, referencing the gifts of the Magi but swapping myrrh for a wealthy suitor, has sparked thousands of reactions online, with Nigerians flooding her comments with jokes, invitations, and even “applications” from eligible bachelors.

Shenseea, known for her bold lyrics and electrifying performances, joins a star-studded lineup of international artists flocking to Lagos this festive season. Detty December, the month-long explosion of concerts, parties, beach raves, and nightlife, has become a global phenomenon, drawing diaspora Nigerians and tourists alike to the vibrant city.

This year, Lagos is buzzing more than ever with events like Flytime Fest, Livespot’s Detty December Fest, and headline shows from artists including Rick Ross, Gunna, and local Afrobeats kings. Shenseea’s arrival adds a dancehall flair to the mix, promising high-energy vibes amid the non-stop parties.

Fans are already speculating about potential performances or surprise appearances, given her history of collaborations with Afrobeats stars. Whether she’s here to perform or just to “detty” the season her way, one thing’s clear: Lagos is ready to roll out the red carpet and perhaps a few eligible rich men.

read more
News

Two Women Arrested in Kano for Attempting to Smuggle Illicit Drugs into Prison

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Authorities at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Goron Dutse, Kano, have arrested two young women for allegedly trying to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the facility.

The suspects, identified as Maryam Ali, 19, and Hauwa Musa, 20, both residents of Kano State, were intercepted on December 21, 2025, during routine security checks as they attempted to enter the custodial centre.

According to Musbahu Lawan Knassarawa, Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Kano State Command, the women were found in possession of suspected illicit substances believed to be intended for delivery to inmates.

“The suspects were intercepted during routine security checks while attempting to gain entry into the custodial centre with suspected illicit substances,” Knassarawa said in a statement.

He described the incident as a serious violation of correctional service regulations and a criminal offense under Nigerian law.

Following their arrest, the women were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The NCoS Kano Command reiterated its commitment to upholding strict security measures and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal activities in and around custodial facilities.

This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by correctional authorities to prevent the influx of prohibited items, including drugs, into prisons across the country.

read more
News

Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ Surpasses ₦512 Million at Box Office, Becomes 2025’s Highest-Grossing Nollywood Film

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Award-winning Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has once again shattered records with her latest movie, Behind The Scenes, which has grossed an impressive ₦512 million in just over a week since its theatrical release.

Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film has been declared the highest-grossing Nollywood title of 2025 and the fastest to cross the ₦500 million mark. The milestone was celebrated with a statement thanking audiences across West Africa for their overwhelming support.

Released nationwide on December 12, 2025, following advance screenings, Behind The Scenes exploded out of the gates with over ₦200 million in its opening weekend alone, marking the biggest debut of the year and breaking five opening-weekend records.

The drama explores the pressures of family expectations, often referred to as “black tax,” and features a star-studded ensemble cast. Scarlet Gomez takes the lead, supported by Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakare, Uche Montana, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Mr Macaroni (Adebowale Adebowale), Ibrahim Chatta, Kamo State, and Big Brother Naija stars Handi and Wanni Danbaki, among others.

This triumph adds to Akindele’s unparalleled box office legacy, following her previous December hits: A Tribe Called Judah (2023) and Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), the latter becoming Nollywood’s all-time highest-grosser with over ₦1.8 billion.

As the festive season continues, Behind The Scenes remains in cinemas nationwide, with expectations high for further record-breaking performance. Akindele, often hailed as the “Queen of the Box Office,” continues to redefine commercial success in Nigerian cinema.

read more
News

Aisha Buhari Reveals She Resisted Attempts to Evict Her from Aso Villa

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Former First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, has disclosed that she fiercely resisted efforts by a powerful group of relatives and associates to evict her and her children from the Aso Rock Presidential Villa during her late husband’s administration.

In revelations from a new biography chronicling the life of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Buhari described how extended family members, their wives, and grandchildren occupied multiple residences within the Villa, creating an “ecosystem” that blurred personal and official boundaries.

“With most of our children studying abroad during the first term, the houses filled up quickly with relatives and courtiers,” the book quotes her as saying. She accused these individuals of exploiting President Buhari’s emotional attachments to family and old friends, manipulating access and influence to the detriment of national goals.

Mrs. Buhari recounted concerted attempts to isolate and push her out of the Villa, stating: “They tried to push everybody out, including me.” However, she stood firm, refusing to negotiate space or yield to what she described as scheming by unelected actors with no official roles.

The former First Lady also criticized the administration’s reluctance to remove underperforming officials, a weakness she attributed to the late President’s fear of being seen as dictatorial. She advised successor President Bola Tinubu against repeating such mistakes, advocating a pragmatic approach: tolerate officials delivering at least 50% performance, but remove those who deliver nothing.

Mrs. Buhari’s account adds to longstanding discussions about the influence of informal “cabals” in Nigerian politics, offering a rare insider perspective from the heart of the nation’s highest office.

read more
1 … 18 19 20 21 22 … 82
Page 20 of 82