Remember when you had to wait until midnight before calling that person you had been trying to speak to all day?

MTN Nigeria is bringing back some of those memories with its Y’ello Street Experience in Lagos, as it celebrates 25 years of connecting Nigerians.

One of the most talked-about installations is a set of bunk beds recreating the era of free midnight calls.

For Adaobi Nnamani, a fashion entrepreneur who visited, the setup immediately brought back memories of late-night conversations.

“The bunk beds were such a throwback. People used to plan their nights around those midnight calls. It was almost a routine,” she said.

The experience goes beyond nostalgia, taking visitors through the evolution of communication from calls and SMS to smartphones, mobile data and digital services.

It also shows how connectivity has changed the way Nigerians socialise, work, run businesses and stay informed.

The Y’ello Street Experience is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until August 17 at MTN Plaza, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

Registration is available at mtnyellostreet.com.

Held at the hotel’s elegant Victoria Island property, the evening brought together guests for an immersive experience that reflected Heliconia’s evolving vision of modern hospitality, one that blends luxury, lifestyle, business, wellness, and meaningful social engagement in a refined and welcoming environment.

Guests were treated to an evening of curated music, premium cocktails, a guided tour of the facilities, exceptional dining, and engaging conversations, all thoughtfully designed to reflect the brand’s commitment to elevated hospitality experiences. From the ambience to the service and carefully selected culinary offerings, every detail reflected Heliconia’s broader mission to create spaces where guests feel comfortable, connected, and at home.

At Heliconia Park Hotel & Spa Lagos, we are creating spaces that are not only refined but truly welcoming,” said Pasquale Fiore, Managing Director of Heliconia Park Hotel & Spa Lagos. “With our growing hospitality offerings, we are extending the brand’s philosophy of luxury into experiences where every guest feels extra special, comfortable, and at home.”

The cocktail evening also provided guests with a closer look at Heliconia Park’s expanding offerings, including its premium, newly inaugurated restaurant and Pool bar OASIS Gourmet, the luxury poolside experience, the upcoming wellness centre and spa, and the anticipated convention centre, all of which form part of the brand’s long-term vision to become a complete destination for both corporate and lifestyle audiences in Lagos.

Speaking on the significance of the gathering, the management highlighted the importance of creating hospitality experiences that go beyond accommodation to foster connection, relaxation, networking, and memorable experiences within the city’s growing social and business landscape.

The evening brought together a dynamic mix of government representatives, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and hospitality stakeholders, reflecting Heliconia’s growing reputation as a destination for premium experiences and high-level engagement.

As the brand continues to expand its offerings, Heliconia Park Hotel & Spa Lagos remains focused on delivering exceptional service, outstanding experiences, and premium amenities that contribute to Lagos’ evolving hospitality, tourism, and lifestyle ecosystem.

For reservations and enquiries, please call: +234 707 452 5979

LAGOS, Nigeria — Following another landmark run at the box office, award-winning filmmaker, actress and producer Funke Akindele has announced her next feature film, The Four: No One Fights Alone, set for a global cinema release, December 11 2026. Produced by Funke Akindele Network (FAAN TV), distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the announcement marks the next chapter for one of Africa’s most commercially successful filmmakers, whose films have consistently redefined the possibilities of Nigerian cinema.Ěý

The Four is a powerful, emotionally charged drama celebrating friendship, motherhood, resilience and the extraordinary strength of ordinary women. Set between the picturesque Odu Community and the vibrant pulse of the city, the film follows Esosa and three fiercely loyal women whose journey to fight for the future of a young man they love tests their courage, faith, and loyalty in unimaginable ways. Through music, fashion, language, tradition and breathtaking cinematography, the film celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural identity while weaving together authentic storytelling around hope, sacrifice and the enduring power of unity. 

The film brings together one of Nollywood’s most accomplished ensemble casts, starring Funke Akindele, Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji, Ali Nuhu, Uzor Arukwe, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Antar Laniyan, Wunmi Toriola. The film also features award-winning singer Waje, afro-beats star Shoday, alongside entertainment personalities, Samuel Banks, Kolapo Omotosho and Ayomide Iwasokun.Ěý

“Audiences have grown with us over the years, and they expect stories that entertain while reflecting who we are,” said Funke Akindele, writer, director and producer of The Four. “With The Four, we are exploring the relationships that shape us, challenge us and stay with us. I think audiences will find a part of themselves in this story.” 

Funke Akindele has become one of the defining forces in African cinema, directing and producing a string of record-breaking theatrical releases including Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah, Everybody Loves Jenifa and Behind The Scenes. Her films have repeatedly rewritten Nigerian box-office history, cementing her position as the country’s highest-grossing filmmaker and one of the continent’s most influential creative voices. 

The Four opens in cinemas on December 11, exclusively distributed by FilmOne

Every day, children experience abuse that often goes unseen, unheard, and unreported. It is a painful reality we cannot afford to ignore, because awareness can be the first step towards protection.

That is why, during AXA Week for Good 2026, more than 700 AXA Mansard employees took to communities across Lagos, raising awareness on the prevention, identification, and reporting of domestic and sexual violence.

This year’s theme, “Being a Child Shouldn’t Be a Risk,” reflects a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves to grow up in an environment where they feel safe, valued and protected.

For AXA Mansard, protection has always meant more than insurance. It means standing with communities, listening to their realities, and using our voice and our people to make a positive difference where it matters most.

The week concluded with a symbolic awareness walk across participating cities, a visible reminder that ending abuse requires all of us.

Ěý

For decades, MILO has been more than a household name. Beyond delivering its iconic Malt, Milk and Cocoa Beverage to millions of Nigerian families, the brand has consistently championed initiatives that create meaningful impact. From inspiring an active lifestyle among children through the  MILO Building Champs initiative to nurturing future sports stars through the MILO School Basketball Championship and inspiring environmental stewardship through the MILO ELEVATE Recycling Initiative, MILO has built a legacy of nourishing potential, inspiring champion values, empowering communities, and earning the trust of generations of Nigerian families. 

Today, that legacy is taking on a new expression with the launch of the MILO Text & Win Promotion, a nationwide campaign that transforms appreciation into action by rewarding the consumers who have made MILO part of their family traditions over the years.

Running from July to September 2026, the three-month promotion gives more than two million consumers the opportunity to win airtime worth over ₦2.9 billion, cash prizes ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦1 million, and six brand-new vehicles. Five lucky winners will drive home new cars through the bi-weekly draws, while one grand prize winner will receive a brand-new family SUV.

Taking part is designed to be as simple as opening a sachet of MILO. Consumers only need to purchase a participating MILO 20g promotional sachet, uncover the unique nine-digit code inside the pack, and submit it by dialling *8011*4# or scanning the QR code on the back of the sachet. Every valid entry unlocks another opportunity to be rewarded.

The campaign was officially unveiled at NestlĂ© Nigeria’s headquarters in Lagos, bringing together representatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), members of the media, distributors, and NestlĂ© executives to mark the beginning of a campaign centred on recognising the people who have stood behind the brand for decades.

For Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager for MILO, the promotion is about making appreciation tangible. Rather than simply thanking consumers for choosing MILO over the years, the Text & Win Promotion transforms an everyday purchase into an opportunity to celebrate the people whose continued support has shaped the brand’s journey.

Delivering a campaign of this scale requires more than exciting rewards; it also requires a process that consumers can trust. From the launch, transparency remained central to ensuring that every participant had confidence in the promotion.

Representing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Dr. (Mrs.) Olubunmi Oti explained that the Commission’s role is to provide oversight, monitor the promotion, and ensure consumers receive their rewards exactly as advertised.

For a campaign designed to reach millions of consumers, widespread availability is essential. According to Commercial Director Boladale Odunlami, strong collaboration across the value chain has brought together distributors, trade partners, and retailers to ensure participating promotional sachets are widely available across the country, giving consumers in communities nationwide an equal opportunity to take part.

As the campaign unfolds over the coming months, millions of consumers will have the opportunity to win exciting rewards, but perhaps the greatest reward is knowing that their loyalty is seen, valued and celebrated.

The month-long tournament brought together eight tertiary institutions across Imo State, providing a platform that celebrated football, promoted healthy competition, and fostered unity among students.

Earlier in the day, the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) secured third place after defeating Federal Polytechnic Nekede 2–1 in the third-place playoff. As champions, IMSU received ₦1 million, while Alvan received ₦750,000 and FUTO took home ₦500,000.

The grand finale attracted an estimated 4,000 spectators, while the tournament recorded an estimated 13,500 attendees across all match days, reflecting the enthusiasm and support the competition received from students and the wider Imo community.

Representing the Governor of Imo State at the grand finale, Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, commended the participating institutions for their sportsmanship and praised the organisers and sponsors for creating a platform that positively engages young people.

“I want to thank the schools that competed until the final. Thank you immensely for using your youthful energy so resourcefully,” she said while congratulating IMSU on their victory and encouraging students to continue embracing opportunities that promote unity and personal development.

As title sponsor, used the tournament to engage directly with students through on-ground activations, branded experiences, merchandise distribution, and educational sessions introducing attendees to the platform. Students also participated in social media challenges, created user-generated content, and interacted with the OneDosh team throughout the competition.

Reflecting on the tournament, a lead from , described the inaugural edition as a success.

“Seeing students from different institutions come together with so much excitement, energy and unity was exactly what we hoped to achieve. Beyond football, this tournament created an opportunity to connect with young people in a meaningful way, and we’re proud to have been part of something that brought communities together.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Imo State, the Commissioner for Sports Development, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, members of the Imo State House of Assembly, university management representatives, sports administrators, student leaders, and other stakeholders.

The successful conclusion of the maiden Imo State Unity Cup reinforces the tournament’s objective of promoting unity, sportsmanship, youth engagement, and community development while demonstrating OneDosh’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that create lasting value for young Nigerians.

About OneDosh

is a global finance platform that enables individuals and businesses to receive, manage, and spend money across borders through innovative financial solutions, including USD wallets, virtual accounts, stablecoin wallets, and global payment cards.

Surrounded by family, close friends and notable personalities,, including a host of BBN alumni and industry personalities,  Kola celebrated the new decade in an atmosphere defined by great conversations, heartfelt toasts and genuine connection.

Throughout the evening, The Singleton naturally became part of those shared moments, reinforcing the idea that the best experiences are not rushed, but savoured. As the celebration moved from dinner to the rooftop, guests settled into an evening of music, laughter and effortless conversation, capturing the spirit of The Singleton Unplugged.

“At The Singleton, we believe some of life’s most meaningful moments happen when we intentionally slow down,” said Ifeoma Agu, Head of Culture & Influencer Partnerships. “The Singleton Unplugged is our invitation to embrace those moments, to disconnect from the noise, reconnect with ourselves and the people around us, and savour experiences that leave a lasting impression. Kola’s milestone celebration reflected that philosophy beautifully, creating space for genuine conversations, meaningful connections and the simple joy of being present.”

The celebration is accompanied by a new digital content series featuring Kola Omotoso, offering a glimpse into the routines, rituals, playlists, creative inspirations and relationships that shape his everyday life. Through each episode, the series explores the value of slowing down, embracing the present and finding meaning in life’s quieter moments.

As Kola steps into a new decade, his journey serves as a reminder that the moments worth savouring are often the ones we make time for. Whether it’s sharing a glass of The Singleton with friends, reconnecting with loved ones or simply taking a moment to unplug from the demands of everyday life.

ABOUT THE SINGLETON 

The Singleton is a premium single malt Scotch whisky, crafted with a commitment to quality, patience, and character. Known for its smooth and rich profile, the brand celebrates the art of slow craftsmanship and invites consumers to savour meaningful moments and exceptional stories.

Are you the big-picture dreamer, the London returnee with pure steeze, the anti-Lagos operational genius, or the military-grade skeptic?

The true, unvarnished story of how five friends built VFD Group out of the 2008 financial crash is finally out in the hit new book, The Challengers by renowned novelist Dr. Eghosa Imasuen. But before you go read the ultimate blueprint on homegrown grit, take this quiz to find out which Challenger you’d be in the boardroom!

Now That You Know Your Energy… What Next?

Finding out your founder lookalike is just step one. Understanding how 5 completely different personalities survived the 2008 economic crash and built a multi-billion-naira powerhouse without tearing each other apart? That’s the real story.
1. Claim Your Bragging Rights

Screenshot your result or share the link with your group chat to see who in your squad is fixing the operations and who is bringing the wild ideas!

2. Read the Story Behind the Steeze
Want to know how your founder’s match actually made their millions? Get the full corporate thriller that everyone in Nigerian business is talking about right now.
Written by Eghosa Imasuen with a foreword by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, The Challengers is officially out and available in bookstores nationwide and globally on Amazon.

Click here to get your copy of The Challengers –Ěý

About the Author of The Challengers

Eghosa Imasuen is a Nigerian writer, publisher, and medical doctor. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Fine Boys (2012), a coming-of-age novel that was inducted into Ohio University’s prestigious Modern African Writers series in 2021. A long-time facilitator at Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s annual writing workshop, Imasuen also served as a consultant for the CANEX Book Factory under Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus initiative.
A 2018 Civitella Ranieri Fellow, he lives in Lagos with his wife and twin sons. The Challengers (2026) is his third book and his first major work of narrative nonfiction.

On the 25th of June, 2026, BellaNaija launched the Next Gen Creator House, a high-energy, digital-first, experiential full-day immersive workshop designed for Next GEN Creators, in partnership with Google Gemini. 

The event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, brought together some of Nigeria’s most promising young creators aged 18 to 25, industry leaders, and technology experts, and served as a hub for learning, collaboration, and innovation.

From panel sessions to presentations and interactive, practical Google Gemini sessions, young creators learned directly from industry experts such as Toke Makinwa, Tosin Ajibade, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Korty O, Abisola Alawode, Uzoamaka Power, and Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade.

ĚýDuring the fireside chat, Toke Makinwa encouraged creators to be hungry for success and to follow their paths and dreams, regardless of their unconventionality. Enioluwa told creators to treat creation as work, not as a pastime. “You should provide structure around what you do, have your work hours, and a team if you can afford it. Above all, create.” Korty shared the secret to her brilliant interviews: “Be interested in your guests, be curious about them and their journeys – that is the only way you can have great conversations with them”Ěý

For young creators who cannot afford to be entrepreneurs, Abisola said they can be creators within their organisations, in line with their organisations’ policies and visions. 

As the world becomes more algorithm-driven, Taiwo encourages young creators to constantly check their analytics, ensuring it guides how they create. Uzoamaka Power encouraged creators to be true to themselves and not simply imitate trends. Tosin Ajibade had one major piece of advice to creators: “Follow the trend but evolve while at it”.   

It didn’t end with panel sessions; there were hands-on workshops, creator challenges, and interactive discussions, and participants gained practical knowledge in content creation, storytelling, personal branding, audience growth, and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.Ěý

The practical Google Gemini session taught participants how to make music, create designs, write the perfect prompts and more using Gemini. 

As BellaNaija clocks 20, the Head of Editorial and Innovation, Oluwadunsin Sanya, touched on 20 years of positive storytelling, innovation and impact, encouraging creators not to succumb to sensationalism. “The stories you tell today are the stories we’ll become tomorrow,” she said.  

As the creator economy continues to reshape how people learn, connect, and build careers, BellaNaija is providing young creators with access to the resources and guidance needed to unlock their full potential and bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.

Reflecting on the vision behind the initiative, BellaNaija’s Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy, and the Programme Director of the Next Gen Creator House, Mary Edoro, said Next Gen Creator House is BellaNaija’s answer to a question we’ve been asking ourselves throughout our 20th anniversary year: what does it mean to genuinely invest in the next generation, not just talk about them? “This wasn’t just a conference about young creators. It is a space we have intentionally built for them, with the tools, mentorship, and access to actually build something real for Africa’s future.”

About BellaNaija

BellaNaija is one of Africa’s leading digital media platforms, dedicated to amplifying the best of Africa and its people through storytelling.  

Through news, entertainment, lifestyle, cultural stories, social campaigns and more, BellaNaija continues to inform, inspire, and connect millions of people across the globe.

“He picked up other people like a taxi” — Choice*, 24

The driver wanted to avoid traffic by taking a route I wasn’t comfortable with, but I insisted we stick to the one shown on the app. That’s when he told me I’d have to pay extra if we stayed on that route.

When I refused, he threatened to pick up other passengers. I thought he was bluffing until he actually stopped and let two strangers into the car while I was still inside. I complained the entire time, but he kept telling me to ‘do my worst’. After reporting the incident, all I got from the app was a discount on my next ride.

“The fees doubled by the time we arrived” — Bolaji*, 31

Last December, I booked a ride from the airport to the Island, and the app quoted about ₦24,000. I usually pay before the trip ends, but this time I forgot. When we got to my destination, the driver asked if I’d seen the updated fare. I checked, and it had jumped to ₦55,000.

I still don’t know how it happened. I definitely didn’t have that kind of money on me, so I had to start calling family members to help me pay. I tried reporting it through the app afterwards, but nothing meaningful came out of it. It honestly felt like a scam.

“He re-routed so the price increased” — James*, 29

I was in a hurry and booked a ride to a route I know like the back of my hand. But instead of following the road I kept pointing out, the driver kept taking random turns. Every time I questioned him, he’d insist he knew a better route.

Then he suddenly drove far off the route and pulled into a filling station. When I asked what was going on, he said his tank was almost empty and this was the closest place to buy fuel. By the time we got back on the road, the fare had jumped from about ₦3,000 to ₦8,000. I refused to pay the extra amount because none of it was my fault, but he started insulting me and causing a scene. I eventually paid because I just wanted to leave. I got to my destination late and frustrated.

“I was abandoned at a deserted area” — Mary*, 24

Earlier this year, I booked a ride without any issues because I was happy with the fare the app showed. We hadn’t even covered a quarter of the journey when the driver suddenly said I’d have to pay more than the quoted price.

I told him I only had enough to pay what the app showed, but he got angry, then pulled over and threatened to drop me by the side of the road if I didn’t agree. Before I could even process what was happening, he drove off and left me in a deserted area. I had to walk a long distance before I finally found a taxi. It was a terrifying experience.

“The driver threw a stone at me” — Ayo*, 19

Everything was fine until we got close to my destination. The driver suddenly said he wouldn’t drive down my street because the road was bad. I told him I shouldn’t have to pay the full fare if he wasn’t completing the trip.

I transferred the money minus ₦1,000 because I’d now have to walk the rest of the way. He completely lost it. As I walked away, he kept insulting me and even threw a stone that hit my back and injured me.

If there’s one thing these stories prove, it’s that Lagos commuters aren’t asking for too much. They just want rides that are comfortable and drama-free. That’s exactly what VOLTAA is building.

VOLTAA is a premium, zero-emission, all-electric mobility ecosystem designed around the everyday frustrations Lagosians know too well. An all-electric fleet means no unexpected fuel stops halfway through your trip, while trained, professional drivers help ensure every ride starts and ends smoothly.

Ready to experience a different kind of commute? Download the VOLTAA app on the or to join the early access waitlist and receive a welcome discount code.