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Nollywood in 2023: From the Oscars to the closure of NetNaija, a look back at a landmark year for the Nigerian film industry

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This year has been marked by several highlights in the Nollywood film industry. From sending Mami Wata to the Oscars to shutting down download site NetNaija, here are the moments that marked the year.

First, Mami Wata’s sending to the Oscars broke a two-year stretch without Nigerian submissions. This black and white film, directed by CJ Obasi, tells the story of an African mermaid in a village facing chaos. The film’s Oscar selection was hailed as a victory for the Nigerian film industry and recognition of Pidgin English as a foreign language.

Another notable moment was the release of the film The Black Book on Netflix. Directed by Editi Effiong, this big-budget thriller attracted attention thanks to its international star cast and high production cost. This success has sparked discussions about the future of film productions in Nigeria.

When it comes to box office receipts, epic indigenous language films have dominated. Orisa, directed by Odunlade Adekola, broke the record for the highest Nollywood box office opening and became the highest-grossing film of the year. Kesari, directed by Ibrahim Yekini, also performed well, as did Afamefuna in the Igbo language. These successes showed the potential of films in indigenous languages.

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However, the year also saw some tough times, including the shutdown of download site NetNaija. The fight against piracy has been a major area of ​​concern this year, and the closure of NetNaija was seen as a victory in this fight.

Finally, Nollywood has been represented in several renowned international festivals. Films like Orah and I Do Not Come To You By Chance were picked up and won major distribution deals. Additionally, the short films Her Perfect Life and Iyawo Mi, directed by Mo Abudu, were screened at festivals and contributed to the international visibility of the Nigerian film industry.

In conclusion, the year 2023 has been full of highlights for Nollywood. From sending Mami Wata to the Oscars to shutting down NetNaija, box office success and international representation, the Nigerian film industry continues to make its mark on the global stage.

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Entertainment

Lizzy Anjorin Questions Court Order Over Priscilla Ojo’s Son

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Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has questioned the authenticity of an interim order issued by the Lagos State High Court on 2 September 2026, restraining her from publishing photographs of Priscilla Ojo’s one-year-old son, Rakeem Mkambala, and from posting editorials concerning the family on specified social media platforms.

Anjorin raised the issue during an Instagram Live session on Friday, 4 September, after Priscilla shared a copy of the court order online.

The actress argued that publicising court documents before formally serving the respondent undermines the case.

“Your case na dead on arrival. If you post court letter on any platform before serving person wey you wan go serve, that court case na fake court case,” Anjorin said during the live session.

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Her comments came shortly after the High Court of Lagos State granted an ex parte application brought by Priscilla, her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their son, Rakeem.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6646/2026.

The order restrains Anjorin, as well as people acting under her authority, from publishing, posting, circulating, uploading or broadcasting photographs of Rakeem on specified social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok.

The court also directed Anjorin to cease publishing or broadcasting editorials concerning the applicants on the platforms covered by the order.

An ex parte order is made at an interim stage without the respondent being heard. The order is therefore not a final determination of the dispute and remains subject to further proceedings.

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Priscilla shared the certified copy of the order on her Instagram Story on Friday, bringing the legal development into public view.

Anjorin’s reaction centres on the timing and manner in which the court documents were publicised. Her assertion that such publication makes a case “fake” is her own claim and is not a finding contained in the court order.

The development marks another chapter in the prolonged public dispute between Anjorin and Priscilla’s family, particularly Priscilla’s mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.

The disagreement has played out largely on social media and has previously resulted in legal action, including a ₦1 billion defamation suit filed by Iyabo Ojo against Anjorin.

In recent weeks, the dispute has also drawn Priscilla and her young son into the controversy, following public comments by Anjorin concerning the family.

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BBNaija Kess Says Big Brother Makes Life Harder

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Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.

“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.

The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.

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Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.

His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.

Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.

However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.

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Damilola Oni Suffers Backlash at Mama Deola Movie Premiere

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Damilola Oni

Nigerian actress Damilola Oni has come under heavy fire across social media over her controversial outfit at the star-studded Mama Deola movie premiere (more…)

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