Veteran Nollywood actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known for his role as Papa Ajasco, laments that despite his long career in the film industry, he currently does not own a house or a car.

“I don’t have a car of my own. I don’t have a house of my own,” he said.

Ayoyinka, who retired from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture about five years ago, said that the situation highlights the financial struggles many veteran actors face in the Nigerian film industry.

Ayoyinka disclosed that while starring in the long-running television series Papa Ajasco & Company, he was paid ₦22,500 per episode at the peak of the programme’s popularity.

He added that his current earnings from the show range between ₦45,000 and ₦60,000 per episode, noting that the irregular production schedule makes it difficult to earn a steady income.

According to the actor, he was paid ₦22,500 per episode at the peak of the programme’s popularity.

The actor explained that the series typically records only a limited number of episodes each year, significantly reducing his overall earnings.

Ayoyinka also raised concerns about the restrictions tied to the Papa Ajasco character, explaining that the name and costume are registered trademarks of Wale Adenuga Productions.

As a result, he said he cannot use the character for personal endorsements or public appearances without the production company’s permission.“That character is a very strong character.

Anyone that wants to use me outside wants me as Papa Ajasco, but I cannot use the name or costume without permission,” he said.

In a historic moment at the 98th Academy Awards, Michael B. Jordan took home the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his powerful dual performance in the film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler.

The victory marks Jordan’s first Academy Award win and first nomination in his career. He portrayed twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the supernatural vampire allegory, a role that blended intense drama, racial commentary, and genre elements in the blockbuster hit.

Jordan triumphed over a competitive field that included nominees such as Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ethan Hawke.

The category was widely seen as one of the evening’s closest races, with four of the five contenders vying for their first Oscar.

Accepting the award to a roaring ovation at the Dolby Theatre, Jordan delivered an emotional speech. “God is good,” he began, before expressing deep gratitude: “I stand here because of the people who came before me,” acknowledging trailblazers like Denzel Washington and Halle Berry.

He thanked his family, the film’s team, and supporters throughout his journey, noting the significance of the milestone as one of the few Black actors to win in the category joining legends such as Sidney Poitier and Washington and the first to earn the honor for portraying twins.

Sinners, a critical and commercial success, also earned recognition in other categories, including a win for Original Screenplay for Coogler.

Jordan’s performance was praised for its depth and versatility, contributing to the film’s strong awards momentum.

The win solidifies Jordan’s transition from acclaimed actor and producer to Oscar-winning talent, capping a celebrated night for the film and its collaborators.

•Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa , and music icon, Innocent Idibia (2Baba)

Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, alongside his team has met with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa to discuss the prospect of using music as a tool to counter violent narratives among young Nigerians.

During the meeting held in Abuja, 2Baba unveiled an initiative designed as a national, culture-driven intervention that leverages music to promote behavioural change and youth reorientation.

The campaign seeks to transform entertainment into a force for positive social influence, particularly at a time when some music narratives and visual aesthetics risk normalising aggression and harmful “hustle culture.”

Explaining the vision, 2Baba said the campaign aims to turn up conversations around lasting solutions to insecurity, break down barriers limiting access to creative talent, and activate youth engagement through experiential platforms, and ultimately helping to turn down the culture of violence.

In response, the Minister described the initiative as one that strongly aligns with the Federal Government’s non-kinetic strategy for tackling insecurity, noting that 2Baba’s influence and credibility among Nigerian youths position him as a powerful mentor and voice for positive change.