Cover
Creating shared value and culture through local content
Skills development is one of the fundamental engines of growth for any industry. Training allows aspiring young people to enter the economy, passionate about building careers and contributing to the growth of the business. Their energy is infectious and vital, but it must be shaped through training.In creative industries, however, training has a wider effect. It not only equips emerging young professionals with skills, but it also drives shared value and enriches culture through the work and the content that those young creators go on to produce.Africa-wide trainingA case in point is the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), an Africa-wide network of training institutions headquartered in Nairobi, Lagos and Lusaka, and founded by MultiChoice, a Canal+ company.The effectiveness of MTF courses, grounded in three decades enriching lives as Africa’s most-loved storyteller, are widely recognised. But the close relationship with the MultiChoice network also means that graduates of the academies soon go on to rewarding careers creating content for the pan-African network.This is local content; homegrown, relevant and resonating with the tastes and the cultural needs of African audiences – allowing viewers to see themselves reflected in the shows they love. These might be iconic reality shows like Big Brother Naija, Heartbeat, Real Housewives of Lagos, or popular drama such as Tinsel.The films they produce are broadcast to audience acclaim on MultiChoice channels across the continent. These culturally impactful films include West African fantasy drama Grown.Applications are currently open for this year’s intake of students at the MTF Academies in Lagos, Nairobi and Lusaka. African graduates who aspire to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers can now apply for fully funded courses at the industry-leading network of academies. As part of the CANAL+ family, MultiChoice has rededicated itself to empowering young people with filmmaking, production and storytelling skills.Enriching lives through contentThis homegrown content is cultural output, entertaining and inspiring audiences from Maputo to Accra, strengthening African and national identity, while creating further jobs, boosting entrepreneurship and business opportunities and building a trove of African intellectual property.MultiChoice functions as an ecosystem catalyst, building partnerships with broadcasters, guilds, financiers, and educators that scale opportunity beyond a single platform. MTF graduates then enter this ecosystem upon graduation, and enrich it with their passion, ideas and awareness. In an economic sense, training academies like MTF are engines of growth. Feeding the creative economy with up to 60 graduates every year gives it energy and impetus that leads to new productions, and fresh approaches to existing ones. Those productions build audiences and revenue, which in turn funds more creative projects, jobs and skills across the value chain.Homegrown Culture EngineMultiChoice stands out as a homegrown culture engine, shaping modern African culture through decades of local content. It drives social-media trends, memes, gossip, and watch parties. Shows like Big Brother Naija attract millions online, sparking conversations and creating culture.Big Brother Naija has launched stars across West Africa, like Mercy Eke, whose fame has brought multi million endorsements and business like MNM Luxury and Lambo homes. Sparking conversations, inspiring comments, and creating culture.Creating this culture demands more than technical skill, it requires the instincts of Africa’s digital generation, people who understand how modern Africans live, engage, and consume content. For audiences, this approach ensures entertainment that reflects their tastes, lifestyles, and values.Those who are interested in joining the next generation of storytellers can apply to the MTF 2026 cohort. Applications close on 27 February 2026. Prospective students can visit https://multichoicetalentfactory.com/mtf-applications/index.php to learn more about the MTF programme requirements.For aspiring filmmakers, this could be their first step towards a career at the cutting edge of African entertainment.
Cover
Primate Ayodele Commissions Mosque, Names It After Tinubu’s Mother
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has commissioned a mosque he built and named it after the mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mrs. Abibatu Mogaji.
The commissioning took place during his annual thanksgiving ceremony on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Oke-Afa, Lagos State.
The event was attended by several dignitaries from the religious, traditional, political, and entertainment sectors, among others.
Among the dignitaries were the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the first daughter of President Tinubu, who sent several delegates due to her unavoidable absence; the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, represented by his Special Adviser on Islamic Matters; delegates of the Etsu Nupe, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; the House of Representatives member representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II, Hon. Joe Oke; the Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, Sheikh Seifudeen Ademoritan Ayinla; the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Isa Abiodun Olakunle; the Chairman of Egbe/Idimu LCDA, Hon. Idris Balogun; the Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Hon. Adebayo Olasoju; and the Eze Ndigbo of Ejigbo, among others.
Speaking on the mosque commissioning, Primate Ayodele explained that it is simply a house of worship for God and that it was a divine instruction given to him, which he would not dare to go against. The prophet stated that the mosque would be handed over to a Muslim cleric, whom he presented to the audience during the event, making it clear that he has no interest in the operations of the mosque.
“Building this mosque isn’t because I want attention or anything from anyone; it was a divine instruction that I cannot ignore. It’s a place of worship just as we have churches, and I am not afraid of what anyone might say about this. I am only answerable to God, so whatever anyone says doesn’t matter to me as long as God is pleased with me.”
When asked about the reason for naming the mosque after Tinubu’s mother, Primate Ayodele revealed that it was God who gave him that direction and that he had initially wanted to name it after someone else, but God instructed him to change it.
“People see me as someone who hates Tinubu or as an APC critic, and I think that’s why Governor Sanwo-Olu doesn’t respond to our letter of invitation, but it doesn’t matter. I named it not because I want Tinubu to give me an appointment or anything at all. I initially wanted to name it Folawuyo Mosque, but God said no. God chose the name. If anyone likes, they can condemn me; I don’t care. We have done it already.”
While speaking on the mosque building, one of the invited Muslim clerics, who began his speech by singing Christian hymns, appreciated Primate Ayodele for promoting unity through the prayer house he built for Muslims. He quoted Proverbs 3:3 while commending the prophet for his decision.
“This is a sign that we are one, and we will always reciprocate. Our father loves Primate so much, and we thank God for what he has done. There is a difference between religion and character. With this act, Primate Ayodele has shown that we are one, as stated in Proverbs 3:3.”
Likewise, the Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, through his representative, preached on the need to fear God. He affirmed that God has indeed sent Primate Ayodele as a true prophet, comparing him to Prophet Elias in the Holy Quran.
“There is no one who does not know God, and that is why we should all fear Him. Primate Ayodele Elijah has been sent by God, and that is why he is able to do this. His name, Elijah, has significance in the Holy Quran, and everything he is doing aligns with the character in the Quran. We also want to urge everyone not to fight because of religion; we need unity across the board.”
Continuing, the Etsu Nupe prayed for Primate Ayodele and called on other clerics to emulate the good works the prophet is doing.
“I thank God for our prophet. God will always see you through. We see the good things you do, and God will always be with you. If we have more people like you in the country, we will be much more united.”
Apart from the mosque donation, Primate Ayodele engaged in extensive empowerment programmes, including the donation of about five vehicles, multiple tricycles and minibuses, free WAEC forms, accommodation payments, sewing machines to tailors’ associations, and home appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines, among others.
While speaking, the Osolo of Isolo Kingdom applauded Primate Ayodele for his philanthropic works and his decision to sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of humanity. He noted that the prophet is supporting the government by assisting the people.
“I appreciate you for all you have been doing. If we have more pastors like this, the world would be a better place, but most of them just want to buy private jets. I am happy that what you desire is not a private jet. What you have done is more than that. There are many churches in Nigeria, but I have never seen anyone do something like this—selling items at subsidised prices and giving to the people. Unity is very important for our nation, and you have brought everyone together with your own resources. I am so happy to witness this today.”
Furthermore, the Eze Ndigbo praised the man of God for his wisdom and declared that the Igbo community will always support him. He also promised to assist an ailing man, Emmanuel Udoh, who is battling kidney disease and is due for a transplant.
“Thank you, my good daddy, Primate Ayodele. The Lord who gave you this knowledge will take you higher, and I wish you many more years. I have known you for so long, and I declare that every support you need from the Igbo community will be granted.”
Cover
Arik Air: How Primate Ayodele Warned Against Emergency Plane Landing Few Weeks Ago (VIDEO)
Usually, during prayer sessions at his church programmes, Primate Ayodele always releases prophecies for the country, international organisations, presidents, and sometimes asks his church members to pray about certain issues in the nation.
January 21, 2026, was one of these days when Primate Ayodele was leading a prayer session in his church and shared some prophecies with his members. Among these prophecies, he asked that they pray so that any plane would have an emergency landing in any of the airports in Nigeria.
While an emergency landing due to weather conditions or a bird strike is common in Nigeria, Primate Ayodele specifically said on this very day that it would be a serious emergency landing, which means it would not be about bird strike or weather conditions, it would definitely be serious.
These were his words:
“Let local flights in Nigeria pray against emergency landing that can be serious, that can cause panic.”
Apart from that, in his 2026 prophecies, which were released in December 2025, Primate Ayodele warned the aviation industry to pray against any form of emergency landing.
“Let us pray that no aeroplane will experience emergency landing. I foresee a jet will crash within the Nigerian airspace. I foresee the FAAN will ground some airplanes that are not air worthy. Let us pray for all CEO of Airlines operating in Nigeria for protection.”
Yesterday 11th of February 2026, Nigeria would have been thrown into mourning if not for the mercy of God, who preserved the lives of about 80 passengers on an Arik Air plane which was going to Port-harcourt and had to land in Benin.
There was panic among passengers of an Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday morning when the aircraft was diverted after developing an engine issue mid-flight.
The airline confirmed that its Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, operating Flight W3 740, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the flight crew heard a loud bang from the left engine.
In videos seen after the incident, the engine was visibly blown, with passengers praying and speaking in tongues after experiencing the near death experience.
WATCH PRIMATE AYODELE’S VIDEO BELOW:
Cover
Nigerian Prophet, Primate Ayodele, to Commission Mosque on Saturday
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has concluded plans to commission a mosque, which he single-handedly built, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The commissioning will also commemorate his 21-day annual thanksgiving programme, which began in January and will end on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The mosque building, which the prophet announced plans for last year, is the first of its kind, as there has never been a prominent Christian leader reported to have built a mosque before now.
According to Primate Ayodele, his decision to build the mosque is not because he wants to change his religion, but rather a representation of a direction given to him by God many years ago.
He explained that his church has been home to Muslim faithful, and at different times, he has been invited to preach at Muslim gatherings. Therefore, building a mosque was not difficult, especially after receiving divine direction regarding it.
“My decision to build a mosque is not because I want to become a Muslim, but a direct representation of what God told me to do. I have Muslims attending my church, I attend Muslim programmes to preach when I am called upon, and I have several Muslim friends, so following the God-given instruction was not too hard for me.”
Primate Ayodele also noted that building a mosque as a Christian cleric sends a message of religious tolerance across the globe and further showcases his love for humanity, regardless of differences.
“Beyond being a divine instruction, this is a message of religious tolerance across the globe. If we can resolve the issue of religion in the world, it would definitely be a better place for all of us. I love everyone, regardless of their religion or tribe, and building a mosque further showcases that. God created everyone equally; we should not celebrate things that further divide us.”
Speaking on the operations of the mosque, Primate Ayodele explained that he would be handing it over to the Islamic community without any form of interference in its administration.
“By God’s grace, the mosque will be named after the late mother of President Tinubu, and we will be handing over its operations to the Islamic community without any interference.”
It is worth noting that Primate Ayodele has both privately and publicly supported other churches, especially financially. He has donated funds for church buildings, empowered individuals who are not members of his church, and raised funds for churches other than his own.
