The African Business Chamber (AfBC) has nominated Alistair Soyode African – Growth – Diaspora – Engagement – Founder, Nigeria in Diaspora Leadership Forum & Chairman, Ben Television for the AfBC Creative, Media & Entertainment Industry Excellence Award.

The award ceremony , scheduled for 29 May 2026, recognises outstanding achievement and leadership within the creative, media, and entertainment industries.

It celebrates individuals, organisations, or enterprises that have demonstrated exceptional creativity, commercial success, and cultural impact across sectors such as film, television, music, fashion, digital media, publishing, advertising, and the performing arts.

Recipients are recognised for elevating African narratives, driving innovation, expanding global reach, and contributing meaningfully to economic growth, cultural influence, and industry development.

Veteran actress Joke Silva has recounted how she met her husband, Olu Jacobs, on a movie set, revealing it wasn’t an instant attraction for her.

Joke Silva and Olu Jacob exchanged vows in 1985, with Silva being 24, and Jacob 44.

In an appearance on TVC’s ‘Your View’, Silva revealed that while Jacobs fell in love at first sight, she took time to warm up to him.

“Yes, we met on stage, and when we met on a movie set, everybody knew the great Olu Jacobs was coming, except me.

When he came, we got on very well, and I discovered his age only after we started dating because he looked so good. For him, it was love at first sight, but for me, it wasn’t,” she said.

Their union, which has produced two children, has lasted decades, with Silva crediting Jacobs’ understanding as a key factor in their enduring relationship.

“This older man allows you to get away with a lot of things”, she said.

Their union, which has produced two children, has lasted decades, with Silva crediting Jacobs’ understanding as a key factor in their enduring relationship.

“This older man allows you to get away with a lot of things”, she said.

• Mercy Johnson-Okojie

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has appointed prominent actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, as special adviser on public engagement and advocacy.

Johnson-Okojie was, in 2017, appointed as senior special assistant (SSA) on Entertainment, Arts and Culture to former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

This is disclosed by Secretary to Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, describing Johnson-Okojie as an accomplished Nigerian actress, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

“Johnson-Okojie, in her new role as special adviser on public engagement and advocacy, would deploy her vast public influence, communication expertise and grassroots reach to strengthen citizens’ engagement with government policies and programmes,” said the statement.

It said the appointment underscored Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to harnessing the expertise, credibility and public goodwill of distinguished Nigerians in advancing the administration’s vision for a prosperous and united Edo State.