The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) wishes to clarify recent misconceptions circulating about its  mission, holdings, and role  within Benin City’s cultural landscape.

1. MOWAA holds His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II (CFR), the Oba of Benin, in the highest esteem and continues to uphold deep respect for the Benin Throne, making every effort to foster understanding and good will. We remain dedicated to engaging respectfully and are committed to a collective effort to contribute to the preservation and advancement of West Africa’s rich cultural legacy.

2. MOWAA does not hold, nor have we ever claimed title to anyBenin Bronzes. Since our inception in 2020, the Museum has consistently affirmed that it has no claims to these artefacts. Our focus for the last four years has been firmly on broader West African art, research, education, and conservation, with a strong focus on modern and contemporary, as well as historical works from Nigeria and beyond. There are no Benin Bronzes on display at the Museum, nor have there ever been.

3. With regard to recent references to the Benin Royal Museum, we wish to clarify that MOWAA has never claimed nor presented itself as the Benin Royal Museum in order to secure funding. We would suggest that the relevant authorities confirm directly with any and all of our donors that we have never misrepresented our status.

4. We are committed to supporting other museums and cultural institutions in Benin City and across West Africa as part of our mission to contribute to the city’s economic development and strengthen its image as a cultural capital for the region. MOWAA’s goal has always been to complement, not compete with, other cultural institutions. We do this by fostering collaboration with artists, researchers, universities and museums across the region. We look forward to working as part of this wider ecosystem, supporting and strengthening Nigeria’s growing network of cultural institutions.

5. MOWAA wishes to clarify recent claims about a formal commissioning or official opening of the Museum. No such event has taken place. What we hosted was a private preview for partners and stakeholders, marking the start of our preview week for our first contemporary exhibition and a showcase of recently conserved historical works from Nigeria and West Africa. None of the historical works on display were of Benin heritage.

“We were saddened by the events of yesterday,” said Phillip Ihenacho, Director of MOWAA. “But we hope this moment can lead to renewed dialogue, engagement and understanding, so that together we can realise the full potential of what MOWAA can represent for Nigeria and Africa at large.”

Ore Disu, Director of MOWAA Institute said: “We set out to demonstrate that it’s possible to build world-class conservation facilities, research, and exhibition spaces right here in Nigeria. We’ve shown that African stories can be told on our own terms, and I’m incredibly proud and grateful for what we’ve accomplished so far. This is a gift for black and African people everywhere; for people today and future generations.”

This is the only official press statement from MOWAA on 10 November 2025. All other communications on this issue do not represent the Museum.

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On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Africa’s most promising young talents gathered at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, for the 19th edition of The Future Awards Africa. It was an unforgettable night as the boldest and brightest defining the future of Africa were honoured for their contributions across diverse sectors.

Themed “Threads of Legacy”, it was a glamorous and star-studded affair from the red carpet to the stage. This year’s event was brilliantly co-hosted by the charismatic duo of Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin and media personality Azeezah Hashim, the first-ever East African host, who dazzled the audience with their effortless wit, charm, and on-stage chemistry. Together, they guided attendees through a night of celebration and reflection, spotlighting the stories and achievements of those shaping Africa’s next chapter. 

On the red carpet, former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Sabrina Idukpaye, brought her signature flair to the night along with her red carpet co-hosts Desmond Ekunwe and Adaeze Aduaka. Together, the trio ignited the night with an electric energy, welcoming guests, asking heartfelt questions, and capturing the best looks of the night. On the carpet were also singers Savy Henry and Naomi Mac, who serenade arriving guests with delightful melodies to start the evening off.

Adding to the innovation and flair of the night was the first-ever live podcast recording on the red carpet hosted by Lynda Aguocha, creative entrepreneur and host of the CreativiTea podcast. The special segment offered guests an intimate space to share their journeys and aspirations, marking a historic first for the TFAA experience and setting a new standard for red carpet storytelling. 

Reflecting on this year’s edition, Ayodeji Razaq, the Executive Director of The Future Awards Africa, said, “We are proud to honour the exceptional young people adding the threads to our collective legacy. Tonight’s winners have proven with their powerful work and impact that legacy is not built in a single moment but through every decision we make.  After tonight, we will keep weaving our collective tapestrey to bring Africa into the glorious future we all deserve.” 

This year’s TFAA  was a step above the usual celebration, as this was the first year the category for performing arts was introduced. The award went to beloved hype man Olugbesan Olatubosun (Big Bimi), making it the first time hype culture is recognised at an award show and marking a revolution for the art form, which has become integral to African celebrations.

The glamorous evening also featured a celebratory tribute to beloved broadcaster and on-air personality, Dan Foster. This was followed by moving performances from some of Africa’s biggest stars who have dominated radio play over the years. Faze and Ruggedman, two icons of Nigerian music, delivered nostalgic and high-energy performances that had the crowd singing along to early 2000s hits. Zadok, one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers, electrified the audience with his performance, while Dwin The Stoic, songwriter and poet, serenaded them with soulful melodies, and Dotti the Deity closed out the night with a passionate performance that perfectly balanced the night’s emotional highs.

Among the big winners of the night were Tomike Adeoye, Fola David, and Mariam Apaokagi (Taoma), who snagged awards in the Entrepreneurship, Young Person of the Year, and Content Creation categories, respectively. 

From laughter and music to historic moments on the red carpet, the 19th TFAA ceremony was a powerful reminder of the creativity and brilliance that define Africa’s youth.

Here is a rundown of the incredible winners who made this year’s TFAA one to remember:

Creativity and Innovation

Chiamaka Iwenofu

Umearigolu Casmir Chukwuebuka

Taiwo Abisoye Joel (Winner)

Daniel Obasi 

Julie C. Godwin

Photography

Ayo Makinwa

Amazing Klef (Winner)

Emeka Amafor

Thompson Ekong

Chika Onuu

Education

Adeola Abayomi

John Onuigbo(Winner)

Chioma Ukpabi

Abigael Anaza-Mark

Afeez iyiola

Journalism

Blessings Mosugu 

Muhammad Ibrahim

Yousra Elbagir

Madina Dahiru Maishanu(Winner)

Emmanuel Onwuka

Content Creation

Mariam Apaokagi (Winner)

Destiny Ogie Osarewinda

Lawal Nasiru Bolaji

Adesokan Adedeji Emmanuel

Steven Ndukwu

Folagade Banks

Health and Wellness

Victor Ugo

Kieva Chris-Amusan

Kemi Olakunle

Imodoye Abioro

Lola Aderemi(Winner)

Community Action

Fatima Mohammed Habib

Aderinsola Akinwumi

Akinyemi Oluwaseun Omotayo

Hammed Kayode Alabi (Winner)

Grace Oyemade

Arts

Uzo Njoku

Ahmed Alsagheer

Haneefah Adam

Samson Bakare

Ayobola Kekere-Ekun (Winner)

Literature

Adedayo Agarau (Winner)

Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu

Troy Onyango

Chioma Rosemary

Chukwuebuka Ibeh

Activism and Advocacy

Claire Benson Idoko (Nedeevah Aid Foundation)

Damilola Osuolale (KIDNEY HEALTH EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION)

Solomon Ayodele (Boys Quarters Africa) (Winner)

Aisha Hamman (Lift Africa Foundation)

Ufuoma Nnamdi Udeh

Fashion

Richmond Barnes (Will and Barnes Group) (Winner)

Elyon Adede (Elexiay)

Dongio Casil (Djec fashion) (Cameroon)

Makililo Nelson (Maklinscout)

Mohammed Abbas Ossu (Abbaswoman)

Law

Markanthony Ezeoha

Annie Oti

Mina Obeten

Bernice Asein

Ogenetega Adedipe(Winner)

Film

Femi Dapson

Oluwadamilola Apampa(Winner)

Ella Chikezie

Adedapo Adedeji

Niyi Fagbemi

Professional Service

Tomiwa Aghedo

David Onilude

Muyiwa Babarinde

Bode Roberts (Winner)

Oreoluwa Agunbiade

Entrepreneurship

Dr. Bukola Jaiyeola

RJ Musah

Fatima Babakura

Ogechukwu Obah

Tomike Adeoye (Winner)

Technology

Kieva Chris-Amusan

Oluwatobi Oseni 

Christiana Onoja 

Toluwanimi Adegbite

Kelvin Umechukwu (Winner)

Performing Arts

Sheilah Gashumba 

Babatunde Kasumu

Daniella Peters

Big Bimi (Winner)

Iweh Pascal Odinaka

Intrapreneurship

Samuel Frank

Abiodun Ayobami 

Hakeem Akiode 

Elizabeth Abati 

Solomon Ayodele (Winner)

On Air Personality

Adaeze Aduaka

Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On-air)

Azeezah Hashim (Kenya) (Winner)

Daniel Adaaja

Riyah Abdul (Ghana)

Agriculture

Basirat Abdullahi

Ajoke Amusat

Baliqees Salaudeen

Adetiloye Aiyeola (Winner)

Owoyemi Olasunkanmi

Governance

Otobong Obo

Nafisat Buge

Muhammed Kadade Sulieman

Daniel Otabor (Winner)

Abdulhaleem Ringim

Music

Okeowo Oladotun Alani (Winner)

Ayo Maff

Folarin Odunlami

Oluwafisayo Isa

Nasiru Lawal

Sports

Chijioke Mbaoma

Sodiq Ismail

Ola Aina

Chiamaka Nnadozie

Rasheedat Ajibade (Winner)

Acting

Gbubemi Ejeye

Teniola Aladese

Debo Adedayo (Winner)

Mike Afolarin

Tomi Ojo

Service to Young People

Ali Baba (Honorary)

Young Person of The Year

Fola David (Winner)

Tolulope Makinwa

Alma Asinobi

Kemi Olakunle

Ayelabola Ololade

Hammed Kayode Alabi

Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale

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MAGGI, Nigeria’s leading culinary brand from Nestlé, has reaffirmed its leadership in driving Africa’s creator economy with the successful second edition of the MAGGI Creators Conference, themed “The MAGGIVerse 2.0.”

Held from November 1–2, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, the two-day event brought together hundreds of digital storytellers, food influencers, and creative entrepreneurs from across West and Central Africa. The conference served as a vibrant hub for learning, collaboration, and inspiration—exploring how creativity, storytelling, and innovation continue to shape Africa’s digital and culinary landscape.

In her welcome address, Funmi Osineye, Category Marketing Manager, Culinary (MAGGI), Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the brand’s long-term commitment to empowering African creators:

“The creator economy in Africa is redefining how stories are told, livelihoods are built, and communities are shaped. Through the MAGGIVerse, we’re helping creators turn passion into purpose while building a connected ecosystem that celebrates culture, creativity, and shared growth.”

Building on the success of its debut edition in 2024, this year’s conference featured panels, workshops, and masterclasses on storytelling, brand building, and digital monetization. Highlights included a TikTok Masterclass on content algorithms and authentic influence, as well as engaging discussions on “The Palette of Digital Content,” featuring Sisi Yemmie, Noble Igwe, Dr. Jamila Lawal, and Gina Ehikodi-Ojo.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, former Nestle Director, Marketing Services Manager at Nestlé Nigeria and CEO of Entod Marketing Ltd, spoke on the importance of authenticity in food storytelling:

“We are witnessing a cultural evolution. Preserving traditional dishes and presenting them authentically online will be key to maintaining Africa’s culinary heritage.” 

Brian Nwana, Guinness World Record holder and digital food creator, delivered an inspiring session on “The Future Plate: Marrying Culinary Arts with Digital Frontiers.” He encouraged creators to stay consistent, leverage data, and seize seasonal opportunities to grow visibility and influence. Detty December is coming, an opportunity to trend food content because tourists will surely need to know where and what to eat.

Ghanaian lifestyle creator Kojo Junior described the Maggi Creators Conference as a powerful platform for cross-border collaboration and creativity in Africa’s digital space. It’s a great bridge for creators across countries. 

Adding a platform perspective, Vivian Chuene, Publisher Partnerships Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, noted:

“The world is watching African creators. Global audiences are curious about African content, and now is the time to position creators to take advantage of that demand.”

A major highlight was the unveiling of 12 new MAGGI Food Ambassadors, including Sisi Yemmie, Ify’s Kitchen, Geenafoodiesandspice, Dr. Jamila Lawal, and Brian Nwana, among others. These ambassadors embody the next generation of culinary innovators driving authentic African food storytelling across digital platforms.

Other newly announced ambassadors include Anisah Lawal (the.chefnisah), Mariam Buhari (Fabulous_nosh_and_recipes), Egbe Chukwualuka (cookwith_aluks), Okeke Oluebube (cookwith_mimii), Samira Abdullahi (Samrahs_cuisine), Zainab Saad Ahmed (Hanan_malab), and Bello Yasmine Mansur (Yasmieen_ymb).

Reflecting on the milestone, Funmi Osineye added:

“The MAGGIVerse represents creativity without limits. By connecting creators, innovators, and storytellers, MAGGI is shaping a future where African voices continue to inspire the world—one meal, one story, and one post at a time.”

Now in its second year, the MAGGI Creators Conference has solidified its role as a catalyst for Africa’s creator-led growth—bridging communities, driving innovation, and strengthening MAGGI’s legacy as a brand that nourishes both body and creativity.

About Nestlé Nigeria

Nestlé Nigeria is one of the largest food and beverage companies in Africa. The Company’s purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come. For over 62 years of its operation in Nigeria, Nestlé has delighted consumers around Nigeria by consistently delivering high quality nutritious food and beverages under its iconic brands:  MAGGI, MILO, GOLDEN MORN, NESTLÉ PURELIFE, CERELAC, NESCAFÉ and NIDO. 

With 3 manufacturing sites, 7 branch offices and a head office located in Lagos, Nestlé Nigeria is a force for good, helping to improve the wellbeing and livelihood of individuals and families to build thriving communities while taking action to protect the planet. 

Media Contact:

Toritseju Egbebi

Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria

Email: Toritseju.egbebi@ng.nestle.com

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We’ve all been there. You dress up, spray your last drop of perfume, and pull up to that “five-star” restaurant everyone’s been hyping on TikTok only to meet slow service, mid food, and mosquitoes doing choreography around your suya. By the time the bill lands, you start wondering if the “reviews” were written by real people or by the restaurant owner’s cousin in Canada.

Welcome to the world of fake reviews and paid hype where “vibes” are louder than facts, and your hard-earned money is the collateral damage.

But guess what? Maoni said “not on our watch.”

Imagine if your funniest, most brutally honest friends all decided to start one review app together. That’s basically Maoni. It’s the space where Nigerians can finally share real opinions about real experiences.

From restaurants to gyms, salons to tailors, everything is fair game on Maoni. It’s like Twitter threads, but with receipts and rewards.

Here’s the gist: every time you review a spot maybe that new shawarma joint, your go-to yoga studio, or that delivery plug that either saved or ruined your day; you earn points.

And those points aren’t just for ego; Maoni partners with brands to give you free vouchers, meals, and products. Basically, you get rewarded for being real. Talk your truth, help others dodge the wahala, and get jollof in return. We call that balance.

Of course, Naija people are sharp — and where there’s reward, there’s always someone ready to cap. But Maoni’s got that covered too.

They’re using a mix of AI and community reporting to detect fake or offensive reviews. If someone’s out here lying for clout or dropping nonsense, the system flags it faster than LASTMA spotting expired roadworthiness. On Maoni, honesty actually pays — and fake hype gets benched.

The Maoni app shows you top-rated spots in your city based on what real users said not what ads paid for.

You can search for anything:

• “Romantic spots in Lagos” (for when you want to impress without crying at the bill),
• “Sunday brunch in Abuja” (because vibes are a lifestyle), or
• “Best amala joints near me” (because sometimes swallow > stress).

Whatever you’re looking for, Maoni connects you with the spots that actually deliver.

In a country where noise travels faster than facts, Maoni is helping people find the real gems and in the process, supporting small Nigerian businesses that genuinely put in the work.

It’s not just about reviews. It’s about building trust, community, and better experiences; one honest comment at a time.

So next time you’re about to risk it all at that new “fine dining” spot with 10 suspiciously perfect reviews, chill. Check Maoni first.

Download the app, join the crew, and start sharing your truth. Because on Maoni, if it’s good, we’ll tell you. And if it’s bad… we’ll still tell you with receipts and small laughter on top.

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There was no better way to close out Heineken Lagos Fashion Week than with Heineken taking the runway. On November 1st, the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos came alive with pure electric energy as Heineken delivered a closing showcase that had the city beaming with pride — a performance that perfectly captured the style and spirit of Lagos.

Tagged “City of Cities – Our Rhythm, Our Runway,” the performance was a love letter to Lagos — its chaos, charm, colour, and creativity. Through a bold fusion of fashion, music, movement, and scenography, the showcase traced Heineken Lagos Fashion Week’s evolution from legacy to innovation.

As the sound of local drums and sonorous voices chanting eulogies of Lagos filled the room, models in regal, expressive looks walked the stage, each one a tribute to the city’s beauty, grit, and authenticity.

From raffia to sequins to hand-beaded masterpieces, the 46-piece collection, curated by Omoyemi Akerele, founder and CEO of Lagos Fashion Week, featured some of Africa’s top designers: Atafo, ESO by Liman, Nkwo, Onalaja, Dimeji Ilori, LFJ, Cynthia Abila, Eki kere, Oshobor, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Odio Mimonet, Kilentar, LDA, Orange culture, Iconic Invanity, Onalaja, Imad Eduso, Ywande, Bridget Awosika, Sisiano, Abiola Olusola, Studio Imo, Hertunba, Ajanee, Ti Nathan, Re-Bahia, Gozel Green and FIA Factory.

On the runway, the signature Heineken green glowed like the city after dark. There was movement, texture, and attitude, which all mirrored the life of Lagos itself. A dance tribute to Fela and a stirring performance by the LOUD Urban Choir tied the story together, reminding everyone that this was not just a collaboration — but that Heineken stood at the heart of a conversation between fashion, culture, and the city’s unstoppable spirit.

“Heineken’s partnership with Lagos Fashion Week stands as a celebration of the creativity and cultural robustness that make this city so unique. We believe fashion is a force for expression, progress, identity and is way more than just aesthetics. This year, we’ve pushed the boundaries once again, proving that the future of fashion is fearless, it is innovative and is undoubtedly African,” said Sandra Amachree, Head of Marketing Communications, Nigerian Breweries Plc.

The evening wrapped up with an after-party celebration featuring performances by Adekunle Gold, Dope Caesar, DJ Consequence, and DJ Tinny, which had everyone out of their seats, singing and dancing along.

With this closing showcase, Heineken reminded everyone that leadership is not just about being seen; it is also about showing up differently and daring to tell new stories. And with this, Heineken Lagos Fashion Week 2025 did not simply come to a close, it lit up the City of Cities, celebrating fashion, innovation, partnership, and the restless spirit of Lagos. Eko for show!

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