Circuits, Africa’s premier virtual cinema platform, has launched the Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund—a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria designed to recognize the contributions of veterans who have shaped and contributed to Nigeria’s film industry.
The fund, which targets film veterans from aged 70 and above, offers a monthly stipend for life as well as a comprehensive health insurance programme currently provided by Nem Health Insurance.
Between 30 January and 1 February 2025, ceremonies held in Lagos and Ibadan saw the very first three Veterans honoured for their enduring influence on Nollywood.
Among the distinguished recipients were; Chief Pete Edochie, MON; Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow; and Chief Lere Paimo, MFR.
Each honouree was presented with a commemorative award recognizing their significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, received their first monthly stipend, and was enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance programme.
In a video interview during the event, Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, expressed her gratitude for the initiative.
Many have promised to look after our legacy, but Circuits is the only one who has truly kept their word. It is heartening to finally receive this long-awaited recognition.”
In his video interview, Chief Pete Edochie praised the initiative, saying it was a great honour to have his work in social development through films recognized.
He mentioned that the monthly payments he receives feel like retirement benefits, leaving him very happy and proud to see his lifelong work acknowledged.
Chief Pete Edochie, MON
In his interview, Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, expressed his gratitude to Circuits and praised their efforts in honouring veterans like himself.
He stated that this award holds greater significance than any he has received before
The launch has also resonated with other seasoned players in the industry. Notably, acclaimed actress Kate Henshaw has publicly championed the cause, praising the initiative for its timely recognition of Nollywood’s stalwarts.
The announcement has garnered widespread support on social media, with many expressing admiration for the commitment to honouring the pioneers who have laid the foundations of Nigerian cinema.
The Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund arrives at a time when Nollywood is enjoying renewed global interest, and its establishment is being viewed as an important step in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the industry.
By offering both financial security and healthcare support, the initiative provides a meaningful legacy for those who have dedicated their lives to storytelling in Nigeria.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) implements machine learning to speed up immunisation programs across Central and West Africa.
This initiative is part of the Reach the Unreached (RTU) pilot, which was launched in Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, and Mali.
The program leverages machine learning technologies to break down population data and estimate vaccination coverage more accurately.
RtU is working in collaboration with the Frontier Data Network (FDN). UNICEF officials highlight that this approach has enabled regional and country office teams to map over 1.1 million unreached children.
The goal is to provide participating countries with detailed information to identify regions at risk of falling behind and address child rights inequities, starting with immunisation and birth registration.
“While the spread of granular population estimates and vaccination coverage datasets is beneficial and potentially game-changing, their impact on improving health programming and outcomes will only be realised if integrated into existing information systems and decision-making processes at the country level,” said Rocco Panciera, UNICEF geospatial health specialist.
Manuel Garcia-Herranz, FDN’s principal researcher, emphasised that without technology, experts lack insights into how data bias and algorithmic inequalities affect combined population estimation and vaccination coverage models.
“Even for single models, understanding performance across different socioeconomic contexts is challenging,”Garcia-Herranz said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to the health and survival of Nigerian enterprises, describing them as catalysts for a sustainable economic future.
He said this during a tour of a private company, SecureID Smartcard and Digital Solutions, in Lagos to mark its 20th anniversary.
The Vice President described the company as a shining example of Nigeria’s industrial and technological potential.
He commended the company as the country’s leading smartcard manufacturing company for its two decades of excellence in manufacturing and digital solutions.
Vice President Shettima praised the company’s evolution from a local startup to a continental leader in digital solutions. It is now capable of producing 200 million cards annually, including Nigeria’s international passports and voter identification cards.
He said, “Thisenterprise embodies the promise of what our nation can achieve when our innovative minds are given the support to compete with the rest of the world. From a humble local startup to a continental leader, SecureID has proven that Nigerian businesses can stand tall on the global stage with vision, dedication, and hard work.”
Emphasizing that economic growth is inseparable from enterprise development, the Vice President noted that “time and again, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated beyond words that the health and survival of our enterprises are the true catalysts of a vibrant economy.
“We can no longer afford to pay lip service to support businesses, regardless of their scale, the VP stated, citing examples of government interventions designed to spur industrial expansion, including fiscal reforms and the Manufacturing Sector Fund, which encourages investment in key industries.”
He maintained that the Tinubu administration has introduced strategic measures to bolster the nation’s economy, ensuring that enterprises like SecureID can thrive and drive national development.
“SecureID is proof that Nigeria is not just a consumer nation but a creator of world-class solutions. This is the standard we must uphold to transform our economy, create opportunities, and raise the living standards of millions of Nigerians,” the Vice President stated.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where businesses can flourish, Senator Shettima assured that the administration is ready to help local industries fulfil their potential.
“We will continue to support enterprises by fostering an environment where innovation thrives and where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed,” he added.
The highlight of the occasion was the tour of the company’s production facility by the Vice President, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Hamzat, and other dignitaries present at the event.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has celebrated San Diego FC’s first-ever victory in Major League Soccer (MLS), TrendzNigeria reports.
The “Love Me Jeje” hitmaker, who recently made history as the first female to own a stake in the expansion club, expressed her excitement on social media following the milestone win. She posted on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Listen, our ting is different.”
Tems, a well-known sports enthusiast, was recently seen in the stands at the Emirates Stadium during Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to West Ham United last Saturday. She attended the match alongside fellow Nigerian pop star Ayra Starr, further showcasing her love for the game.
Historic Investment in San Diego FC
Earlier this month, Tems made headlines by becoming the first female investor in San Diego FC, a new addition to MLS. Her involvement in the club reflects a growing connection between the worlds of music, sports, and entertainment.
San Diego FC will play their highly anticipated home debut on March 1, welcoming St. Louis CITY SC to Snapdragon Stadium. Fans are eager to see how the club progresses with the backing of high-profile figures like Tems.
Music and Sports: A Growing Connection
Tems’ investment in San Diego FC highlights a rising trend of global musicians getting involved in sports franchises. Her passion for football, particularly women’s football in Nigeria, aligns with a broader movement of entertainers bridging the gap between their industries and the sports world.
Newly appointed Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has received a boost regarding star striker Victor Osimhen’s fitness ahead of his first squad announcement.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, was forced off in the closing minutes of Monday’s highly anticipated Intercontinental Derby against Fenerbahçe. The match ended in a goalless draw, and he was replaced in the 89th minute by Kaan Ayhan, sparking concerns over a potential injury setback.
Medical Tests Rule Out Major Injury
Initial fears suggested that the former African Footballer of the Year had suffered a serious injury, but reports from Turkish media outlet habersarikirmizi.com have confirmed otherwise. An MRI scan conducted by Galatasaray’s medical team revealed that Osimhen is in good condition and has not sustained a major injury.
This update will be a relief for both club and country, as the 26-year-old remains a key figure for the Super Eagles ahead of their upcoming international fixtures.
Osimhen Absent from Training Amid Cup Match Uncertainty
Despite the positive medical reports, Osimhen was noticeably absent from training images shared by Galatasaray on their official website and social media platforms on Tuesday, February 25.
The Turkish giants have begun preparations for their Ziraat Turkish Cup clash against Tümosan Konyaspor, with training sessions taking place at Florya Metin Oktay Facilities. However, it remains uncertain whether Osimhen will be included in Thursday’s squad or given time to recover.
Notably, the striker has yet to feature for Galatasaray in the Turkish Cup, having missed previous rounds against Basaksehir and Boluspor.
Key Player for Club and Country
Osimhen’s fitness will be closely monitored as he remains a crucial player for both Galatasaray’s league and cup ambitions, as well as Nigeria’s plans under Chelle. With the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifiers approaching, his availability could significantly impact the team’s attacking options.
Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy has opted against switching his international allegiance to Nigeria, despite interest from the Super Eagles, according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.
The 29-year-old, who has represented England at various youth levels, remains eligible to play for Nigeria through his father and the Republic of Ireland through his mother. However, he has decided to decline Nigeria’s approach and keep his options open for future international tournaments.
Nigeria’s Interest in Murphy
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, reportedly reached out to Murphy in an attempt to recruit him for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles have been keen to bolster their squad with experienced players performing well at club level.
Murphy has enjoyed a strong season with Newcastle, scoring five goals and providing nine assists across all competitions. His form has made him an attractive prospect for Nigeria, but he has chosen not to commit at this stage.
Focus on Club and Potential England or Ireland Call-Up
Instead of joining Nigeria’s squad, Murphy will continue to focus on his performances for Newcastle. He is keeping the possibility open for a call-up to England or, more likely, the Republic of Ireland, which could provide him with an opportunity to compete in future international tournaments.
“That would give Murphy the chance to play at next year’s World Cup, but we understand he will not be joining the Nigeria squad any time soon,” Hope reported.
Eddie Howe Praises Murphy’s Contribution
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has highlighted Murphy’s impact this season, particularly in supporting star striker Alexander Isak.
“(Murphy) has been very, very important and probably more than people realize,” Howe said. “Isak probably owes him the majority of his goals with his crossing ability, which has always been very strong.”
With his strong club form and international future still undecided, Murphy remains a player to watch as Newcastle push for success in the Premier League.
Rapper Hospitalized After Crash Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has survived a car accident and is currently receiving medical treatment. The 31-year-old artist shared images of the wreckage and his hospitalization on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, reassuring fans that he had made it out alive.
Details of the Accident Odumodublvck was involved in a head-on collision that left the front of his vehicle severely damaged. While he sustained minor injuries, he was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention. It remains unclear whether he was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Rapper’s Reaction to the Incident Following the accident, Odumodublvck took to social media to express his relief and determination. Posting photos of the damaged vehicle and himself in a hospital bed, he wrote: “SURVIVED. THE MACHINE MUST ARRIVE IN ONE PIECE. IT IS A MUST. THE MACHINE IS COMING.”
Odumodublvck’s Rise to Fame Odumodublvck gained widespread recognition with his 2022 hit song Picanto, featuring Zlatan and Ecko Miles. In 2023, he signed with NATIVE Records under Def Jam Recordings and released the EZIOKWU mixtape, which included the chart-topping single Declan Rice. Known for his unique fusion of hip-hop, grime, and Afrobeats, he has solidified his place as a key figure in Nigeria’s contemporary music scene.
Fans Express Support Following news of the accident, fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to send their well wishes, hoping for a speedy recovery for the rapper. His resilience and commitment to his music continue to inspire many within the industry and beyond.
In the relentless downpour at the Etihad Stadium, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson stood resolute, their expressions unyielding. Their chest-thumping and fist-pumping gestures were not mere celebrations but declarations of intent, locking eyes with the Liverpool faithful to convey a singular message: the Premier League title is within reach.
Liverpool’s Commanding Position in the Premier League
This 2-0 triumph over Manchester City marks a pivotal moment in Liverpool’s campaign. Having previously bested the reigning champions at Anfield in December, any residual skepticism about their title aspirations has been emphatically quashed. An 11-point cushion atop the league standings speaks volumes, especially when juxtaposed against an Arsenal side that, while persistent, lacks the cutting edge to mount a genuine challenge.
Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, Liverpool exudes a palpable sense of purpose. This determination is epitomised by stalwarts like Alisson, Van Dijk, and the indomitable Mohamed Salah—players wholly engrossed in the pursuit of glory.
Mohamed Salah: The Relentless Force
Salah’s extraordinary season continues unabated. Netting his 25th goal in 27 Premier League appearances, he also provided a deft assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s strike. While his season highlights reel showcases mesmerising dribbles, incisive passes, and clinical finishes, it’s his unwavering consistency and focus that truly set him apart in this Premier League era.
Salah
When probed post-match about the proximity of the title, Salah’s response was measured: “I wouldn’t say it’s close. It’s just, like, we need another title for us—me and the big guys here in the team.” This hunger stems from a desire to replicate the 2020 league triumph, which, due to the pandemic, unfolded in the eerie silence of empty stadiums. For Salah and his teammates, lifting the Premier League trophy amidst the roar of their supporters has become an obsession.
Last Hurrah for the Veterans With Van Dijk at 33 and Salah at 32, both nearing the end of their contracts, this season carries added significance. Negotiations are ongoing, but their performances suggest a determination to seize the moment, playing each match as if it’s their swan song.
This veteran resolve has been instrumental in Liverpool’s ascendancy, especially in a season where rivals have faltered. Arsenal, beset by injuries and contentious officiating, have struggled to replicate past form. In contrast, Liverpool’s unwavering consistency has left competitors with scant hope.
After 27 matches, Liverpool boasts 67 points—outstripping Manchester City’s tally at the same juncture in their treble-winning 2022-23 campaign. Such dominance is rare, with only a handful of teams in Premier League history amassing more points at this stage.
European Endeavours and Domestic Focus
Liverpool’s prowess isn’t confined to domestic competitions. Topping their Champions League group with seven consecutive victories—including scalps like Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Milan—they’ve showcased their continental credentials. A surprising FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle was a blemish, but Slot’s lineup that day indicated a strategic prioritisation of other trophies, notably the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on March 16.
In the Premier League, their primary objective, Liverpool is on pace to breach the 90-point barrier. With 15 of their 19 away fixtures already navigated, the advantage of hosting seven of the remaining 11 matches at Anfield—where they’ve been formidable since 2017—cannot be overstated. Even with a potential dip in form, their current buffer affords a margin for error.
Arne Slot’s Measured Approach
Despite the favourable position, Slot remains cautious. “In every other league, a lead like this would be very comfortable,” he remarked post-match. “In this league, every single game gives you a lot of challenges.” This pragmatic outlook underscores the unpredictability of the Premier League, where complacency can be costly.
Liverpool’s recent fixtures have tested their mettle. A grueling sequence of five matches in 15 days included a contentious 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby against Everton, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, another 2-2 stalemate at Aston Villa, and the recent conquest of Manchester City. This demanding stretch concludes with a home clash against Newcastle, after which the schedule offers a brief respite—just one league match over the ensuing six weeks. This lull could prove advantageous as they gear up for the season’s climax.
Manchester City’s Struggles
Manchester City, languishing in fourth place, faces an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification. Recent months have been unkind, with only Real Madrid (twice), Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and now Liverpool handing them defeats. While diminished, City remains a formidable opponent, and overcoming them requires a performance of the highest calibre.
In their latest encounter, Liverpool showcased maturity, composure, and resilience—qualities that eluded Pep Guardiola’s side. City’s youthful wingers, Jeremy Doku and Savinho, frequently found themselves in promising positions but lacked the decisive final touch. Against a Liverpool defence marshalled by the imperious Van Dijk and the steadfast Ibrahima Konaté, perfection was a prerequisite.
Salah’s Tactical Mastery Salah’s dismantling of City’s defence was a masterclass in tactical acumen. Whether confronting the inexperienced duo of Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis or the seasoned Nathan Aké and Joško Gvardiol, Salah was a constant menace. Supported by the dynamic runs of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai, he orchestrated attacks with surgical precision.
The opening goal, a product of a well-rehearsed set-piece, saw Salah capitalise on a clever corner routine. In his post-match interview the Egyptian star remained measured. “I wouldn’t say it’s close,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s just, like, we need another title for us — me and the big guys here in the team.” His hunger is unmistakable. Salah has openly expressed his desire to reclaim the Premier League title, particularly after the muted celebrations of 2020 when Liverpool’s first league triumph in three decades was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Salah, this title is about more than silverware—it’s about legacy. And that desire has seeped into every fibre of this Liverpool squad.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, have announced the extension of their Worldwide Olympic Partnership (TOP Partnership) through to 2032. Originally formalized in January 2024, the agreement will now cover an additional Olympic cycle, including the 2030 Olympic Winter Games in the French Alps and the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
Celebrating Success and Future Plans
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, particularly highlighting AB InBev’s success during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The brewer’s Corona Cero campaigns were lauded for their global reach and impact, celebrating the Games through messages of connection and moderation. Bach remarked on the strength of the collaboration and the excitement surrounding the upcoming Olympics.
Commitment to Responsible Consumption
AB InBev’s CEO, Michel Doukeris, reflected on the significance of the partnership, emphasizing the shared commitment to responsible consumption. As the official beer sponsor, Corona Cero will continue to engage with fans worldwide, focusing on moderation while celebrating the Olympic spirit. In the United States, Michelob ULTRA will support the Olympic and Paralympic Games, promoting an active lifestyle.
Positive Impact and Global Reach
AB InBev’s brands, including the rapidly growing Corona Cero, were successful in connecting with Olympic fans globally. The company’s commitment to responsible sports marketing was evident, with its “For Every Golden Moment” platform encouraging fans to reconnect with nature and each other. The extension of this agreement further strengthens AB InBev’s position in global sports sponsorship and reinforces the positive impact of sports on society.
The deal also includes marketing rights for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Paralympic Games, solidifying AB InBev’s continued involvement in the global sporting community.
Looking Ahead
AB InBev’s Chief Marketing Officer, Marcel Marcondes, noted that the Olympic Games’ 24/7 nature makes Corona Cero an ideal product for global celebrations. The company looks forward to delivering more “golden moments” through its sponsorship of the next four Olympic Games.
