Broadcasting
TAFTA, Mastercard Foundation Empower 50,000 Youths in Creative Arts
Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) and the Mastercard Foundation have trained about 50,000 youths in theatre and creative arts. Joseph Umoibom, Academy Lead at TAFTA, while speaking at the TAFTA Action Learning Project (TALP-X), stated that with the support of the Mastercard Foundation, TAFTA has trained approximately 50,000 youths across Lagos, Ogun, and Kano States.
“Many of our participants have never stood on such a platform before. To now see them write, script, and perform their own productions on Nigeria’s biggest theatre stage is proof of their boldness and growth,” Umoibom said.
He described the initiative as a celebration of talent, creativity, and teamwork, while highlighting the scale of the impact.
The creativity and achievements of young Nigerians trained in theatre and the creative arts were deployed through two original plays written and performed by Nigeria’s rising creative stars. The second play was performed by 400-level LASU students in the Department of Theatre and Creative Arts.
Speaking at the event, Afeez Oyetoro, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts at LASU, underscored the importance of bridging academic learning with real-world stage experience.
“TAFTA gives them the opportunity not only to learn theory, but also to experience professional stage performances. There’s a difference between having talent and having proper training, and that is what they are gaining here,” Oyetoro said.
The event also featured inspiring stories from TAFTA alumni who are already leaving their mark on the Nigerian creative space.
Happiness Adegbite, now an actor, filmmaker, and content creator, shared how the academy transformed his directionless beginnings into a purposeful career.
“TAFTA gave me structure. I went on to produce Broken Korean Steel Corridor, Letter to My Father, and The Last Boss to Freedom. Today, I mentor others, speak at career summits, and have even received recognition from the U.S. government. TAFTA made me believe the sky is only the starting point.”
Iluyasi Faith, a visual artist who transitioned into animation and digital arts, said, “I discovered TAFTA on Instagram, and what caught my attention was that it was free.
“I stayed consistent and today I’ve built a brand that inspires young women by combining arts and entrepreneurship. TAFTA and Mastercard Foundation gave me that platform,” she said.
Peter Friday, an aspiring filmmaker, emphasised TAFTA’s role in shaping his career, “I’ve always loved performing arts, but TAFTA gave me the structure and blueprint to create. My vision is to tell impact stories that not only entertain but also educate and resonate with society.”
Salma Hamlina, who overcame stereotypes to build an art business, said, “My experience at TAFTA was transformative. I now see myself not just as an artist, but as a businesswoman empowering other women.
“Women’s stories and skills are vital in building a richer, more inclusive creative economy. Your talent is your power, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” she noted.
David Adedeji Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, has shared his past suicidal thoughts as he dropped Oriadé, his sixth studio album yesterday.
Davido
Davido said he chose the date on purpose as it marks exactly 15 years since he began his professional music career.
Oriadé is a Yoruba word combining “Ori,” meaning destiny, and “Adé,” meaning crown.
It translates to “the crowned head.” The album has 13 tracks and features Black Sherif, Aya Nakamura, Leon Thomas, Mayorkun, and Llona.
It follows his 2025 project, 5ive, which reached number two on the Billboard World Albums chart.
Davido also announced an international tour to support the new record.
In the days leading up to the release, Davido gave interviews that revealed personal details about his past and his current life.
Speaking to Vibe Magazine on Thursday, he described a 2014 incident in Ghana that left him feeling suicidal.
He said he invited a woman back to his hotel room after a show, and she later posted a photo of him sleeping online.
He said the fallout overwhelmed him.
“My daddy was calling me. My sisters were calling me. If I saw the balcony that day, I would have jumped,” he said.
He said he was young at the time and did not fully understand the consequences of his actions.
He described the experience as a turning point that changed how he thinks about privacy and fame.
In the same interview, he explained why he often dresses down in public despite his wealth.
He recalled a trip to the South of France where he went out in shorts and slippers without his watch.
“I’ve been on jets, I’ve been flying, I’ve been in all these places since I was a baby. I’ve been seeing money since I was a baby. So all these things don’t really excite me,” he said.
He added that he sometimes prefers to drive a Toyota to the supermarket in Atlanta instead of one of his luxury cars.
In a separate livestream with Davrel, Davido spoke about how his life has changed since marrying his wife, Chioma, and becoming a father.
He said his home no longer holds the large crowds it once did.
“I can no longer have 100 people in my house like before,” he said.
He said he speaks to Chioma every day regardless of his schedule.
He also disclosed that he spends between $200,000 and $300,000 a month on himself, not including costs for his wife, children, jewelry and cars.
He said the amount is lower when he is in the United States, where he described his lifestyle as quieter.
Africa Prudential Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation, revenue diversification and sustainable growth after reporting a strong financial performance for the first half of 2026.
Dr Catherine Nwosu
The company made this known during its H1 2026 Investor Call, which brought together institutional investors, shareholders, investment analysts, regulators and other stakeholders to review its financial performance and strategic outlook.
Dr Catherine Nwosu, managing director and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prudential, said the company’s performance reflected the resilience of its business model and the effectiveness of its long-term growth strategy despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.
According to the company’s financial results, gross earnings rose by 27 per cent year-on-year to N4.28 billion, from N3.34 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Profit before tax increased by 22 per cent to N2.41 billion, while profit after tax grew by 18 per cent to N1.59 billion.
The company also reported a 27 per cent rise in net operating income to N4.21 billion, while total assets increased by 13 per cent to N46.53 billion.
Shareholders’ funds equally rose by 13 per cent to N12.52 billion, reflecting continued financial strength.
Management attributed the performance to sustained growth in its core registrar business, increased corporate action activities in the Nigerian capital market, improved treasury earnings and rising adoption of its technology-driven solutions.
The company said it was steadily transforming from a traditional share registrar into a broader technology and business solutions provider serving Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.
During the interactive session, investors sought clarification on the sustainability of earnings, particularly as interest rates are expected to moderate.
Responding, Nwosu said the company was deliberately expanding its recurring fee-based revenue streams to reduce dependence on treasury income.
“Interest rates influence our treasury income positively, but that is why we are deliberately diversifying our revenue streams.
“Our strategy is to grow recurring fee-based business lines such as our digital solutions, Know Your Customer (KYC) services, Annual General Meeting (AGM) technology, probate services and the SabiVest mobile app.
“Over time, this will reduce our reliance on interest income and create a more balanced and resilient earnings mix,” she said.
Nwosu noted that increasing capital market activities had created stronger demand for seamless digital investor experiences, improved operational efficiency and enhanced compliance solutions.
She said the company would continue investing in technology-enabled products capable of delivering long-term value to shareholders while strengthening its competitive position.
According to her, Africa Prudential has identified five strategic priorities for the second half of 2026.
The priorities include driving sustainable growth across its core registrar and emerging business lines, accelerating technology-led product innovation, strengthening brand leadership, investing in talent development and deepening corporate governance.
She said the investor engagement demonstrated the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability and regular engagement with shareholders and the investment community.
Africa Prudential reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovation, operational excellence and sound financial management to sustain growth and strengthen its leadership position in Nigeria’s capital market.
Gugu Gumede and S’Dumo Mtshali, the power couple in Netflix’s telenovela, The Polygamist, will be guest on this week’s edition of African Voices, which is sponsored by Globacom on Cable News Network (CNN).
The 22-episode sitcom focuses on the misadventures of an adulterous spouse who unknowingly entangles his family in the difficulties of polygamy.
The film depicts a series of intrigues, betrayals, and other events that shattered the harmony of a once-perfect marriage.
The fictional couple in Johannesburg are interviewed by the programme’s anchor, Larry Madowo, for a 30-minute show in which they discuss their personal experiences and the difficulties they have in the film industry, such as coping with popularity and typecasting and advocating for more actor protections.
Gumede, a 34-year-old South African who attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles to study acting, portrayed Joyce Gomora in the telenovela.
In addition to her part in The Polygamist, Gumede has portrayed Mamlambo, a prophetess on “Uzalo”, the most watched television program in South Africa, and Mandisa in “Generations”, one of the country’s most popular series.
Mtshali, a 43-year-old South African actor who portrayed Jonasi Gomora, gained notoriety in 2010 after competing in and winning the SABC1 reality program, “Class Act”. In the same year, he landed his first major part in the drama series “Intersexions” on SABC1.
Among other films, he has starred in “Inside Story” (2011), “Avenged” (2013), “iNumber Number: Jozi Gold” (2023), “Back of the Moon”, and “The Four of Us” (2025).
This special double-cast episode will feature on DSTV channel 401 on Saturday at 8a.m. It will be repeated same day at 11a.m., Sunday at 3.30a.m.,6p.m., Monday at 3a.m. and 5.45p.m. as well as on Tuesday,5.45p.m.
The repeats continue next week Saturday at 7.30a.m., 11a.m.;Sunday 3.30a.m., 6p.m.,and on Monday at 3a.m.
Police Uncover Fake Diplomatic Number Plate Syndicate in Abuja
Davido Shares Past Suicidal Thoughts, Drops Oriadé Album
Gavi Okays $500m for Vaccines, PHCs in Nigeria
82% of Organizations Concerned about AI Risks Even as Adoption Accelerates – Survey Reveals
The Journey to Financial Freedom: Priscilla, a PalmPay Agent Now Owns a Store
NRC, Ponzi Scheme Collapses Resulting Loss of Billions of Naira
EFCC Busts NIS Visa Overstay Racket, Uncovers N700m in an Account
From Scarcity to Scale: What Africa Can Learn from India’s Agricultural Transformation
Tokenization, Blockchain Technology will Transform Financial Institutions – IMF
BON Establishes Six Ad Hoc Committees to Modernize Broadcasting
Telecom3 days agoClydestone Ghana Sues MTN Over Mobile Money
News3 days agoIHS Nigeria Donates Business-Support Equipment to Empower People with Disabilities in Abuja Community
News3 days agoAfrica Prudential Unveils Digital Growth Strategy
E-Business3 days agoKaspersky Uncovers New Mirage Kitten Malware Used in Cyber-espionage Campaign Across Africa, Others
E-Financial2 days agoAccess Bank Debunks Shutdown Report, Vows Action against Perpetrators
E-Financial3 days agoCBN Fines Banks N430m for Ignoring Customers’ Complaints
E-Financial3 days agoSEC Begins Full e-Registration for Capital Market Operators
E-Financial3 days agoAfreximbank Raises $1.5b in Largest-ever Bond Issuance