NIGERIA NEWS
Tinubu insists on withdrawal of police officers from VIPs, warns ministers, govt officials
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the order to remove police officers from VIP and VVIP security assignments will stand, stressing that the directive is final and must be obeyed without delay.
The President made this clear on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja.
He cautioned ministers and government officials against ignoring the directive, noting that any concerns should be channelled through the Inspector General of Police.
President warns ministers against non-compliance
President Tinubu said police personnel were trained to protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups, and should not be restricted to guarding a few privileged individuals.
He explained that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, would oversee full implementation of the new policy.
He added that the Ministry of Interior, led by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, would coordinate the replacement of withdrawn police officers with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who are also trained and armed for VIP protection.
Police officers to be redeployed to tackle insecurity
President Tinubu stressed that redeploying police officers to frontline duties would strengthen the fight against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
He noted that exceptions would be considered, but only through proper clearance from the police leadership.
The President further urged the NSA to ensure strict adherence, saying the security structure must be reviewed to meet the needs of communities affected by violence.
Tinubu directs stakeholders on ranching reforms
During the meeting, President Tinubu also instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to sensitise governors on ranching reforms aimed at reducing clashes between herders and farmers.
He directed the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin mobilisation in conflict-prone areas and identify grazing centres suitable for rehabilitation.
The President emphasised that states maintain constitutional control over land, adding that proper ranching systems would help protect rural communities and minimise long-standing conflicts.
NIGERIA NEWS
Tinubu orders nationwide security overhaul, directs NEC to convert grazing reserves into ranches
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Inspector-General of Police, security chiefs, and the National Economic Council (NEC) to restructure security deployments, arm forest guards, and rehabilitate grazing reserves into economically viable ranches nationwide.
The president issued the directive at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday as part of broader efforts to curb kidnapping, terrorism and recurring farmer–herder conflicts nationwide.
The Nigerian leader noted that he is aware that “our people are exposed” and said there is an urgent need to make exceptional provisions for their protection.
“I know some of our people are exposed and I understand that we have to make exceptional provision for them, and civil defence is equally armed, and I want the NSA to arm our forest guards too, take it very seriously,” Mr Tinubu said.
He stressed that his directive must be carried out, adding: “We face challenges of Kidnapping and terrorism, we need all the forces that we can utilise.”
Livestock reform
The president directed the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to task the NEC with identifying which grazing reserves can be transformed into livestock settlements.
“Again, especially livestock reform, I think the Vice President should get the NEC first of all to see which villages or grazing reserves can be salvaged or rehabilitated into Ranches, Livestock settlements,” he said.
Mr Tinubu explained that should officials encounter any security concerns while implementing his directives, they must immediately notify the police chief.
“And I told the IGP, and I hope the minister of police affairs is here. If you have any security concerns because of the nature of the assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.
READ ALSO: No going back on directive to withdraw police officers from VIPs – Tinubu
He directed the Minister of the Interior to collaborate with the IGP and the Civil Defence structure to replace police officers currently deployed on special duties, ensuring that communities are not left unprotected.
“NSA and DSS to provide further information and form themselves the committee and review the structure,” he added.
Mr Tinubu reiterated that the government must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn the livestock reform agenda into a viable economic venture.
“The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it,” he said.
He noted that since land belongs to states under the Constitution, governors should determine which areas can be converted into livestock villages.
“Let us stop this conflict area and turn it into economic opportunities and prosperity,” the president said.
On 23 November, President Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIPs across the country. The Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has since begun enforcing the directive.
Recently, the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed that 11,566 personnel attached to VIPs had been recalled following the presidential order. Earlier today, the Senate requested that President Tinubu exempt lawmakers from the directive.
NIGERIA NEWS
Family planning: Commodity crisis’ll negatively affect Nigeria’s health system, economy, national security- Group warns
By Hassan Zaggi
The inability of the Federal Government to address and overcome Family Planning (FP) commodity crisis will have huge negative consequences for Nigeria. The effect will negatively impact health, economy, and national security.
The Programme Delivery Lead and Francophone Liaison of the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), Amina Haladu Mohammed, disclosed this at the 9th annual conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ), in Abuja, recently.
According to her, the commodity crisis if allowed the linger, will further result in overwhelmed health system, increased child poverty, more unsafe abortions and more unintended pregnancies.
“These issues will hinder Nigeria’s demographic dividend and create instability,” Amina stressed.
While commenting on the devastating impact of underfunding for family planning commodities, she noted that: “The reality of under-funding in family planning has dire consequences. In 2024 alone, the funding gap led to tragic outcomes that underscored the urgent need for action.”
Amina revealed that in 2024, there were over 800,000 unintended pregnancies resulting from inadequate access to family planning and that over 300,000 unsafe abortions took place, which are direct consequence of lack of access to contraception.
She disclosed that over 10,000 women’s lives were lost due to preventable complications and lack of basic contraceptive methods and over $200 million lost health savings which is the economic benefits that could have been realized with proper investment.
Reacting to the inconsistent funding of family planning commodities, the AHBN Programme Lead, said: “Nigeria has a history of struggling with timely and full release of family planning funds. This inconsistency has weakened procurement cycles, made forecasting unpredictable, and led to widespread stockouts.”
In 2022-2023, she lamented, Nigeria missed United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) Supplies Match Fund, losing approximately $1.5 million each year and that in 2024, the country lost approval for a second tranche of $6 million worth of commodities due to unmet commitments.”
She regretted that there was no federal budget for contraceptive procurement in 2025, a stark departure from previous years and that the UNFPA Basket Fund-the $4 million annual commitment to the UNFPA basket fund was not reflected, hindering pooled procurement.
Amina, however, warned that donor confidence has been weaken as, according to her, failure to release committed funds jeopardizes donor partner contributions and future support.
NIGERIA NEWS
“I Gave out all the Money in My Account as Offering on Sunday”: Lady Says Now She’s Suffering
- A Nigerian lady has taken to social media to lament her situation after giving all her money as offering in church on Sunday
- According to the lady, she has been suffering since she made that decision, triggering mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter)
- Some internet users made fun of her sorry situation and trolled her for giving all her money, while others faulted her motive for giving such an offering
A lady, @kaaego, has cried out on X (formerly Twitter) over her sorry financial situation after emptying her account and giving it as an offering in church on Sunday.
She said she has been suffering since last week.
A lady says she gave out all her money as offering o Sunday.
Photo Credit: Bloomberg, X/@kaaego
Source: Getty Images
Her tweet read:
“I gave out all the money in my account as offering on Sunday and told God to surprise me. Guys I’ve been suffering since last week.”
The lady’s tweet blew up on X, garnering more than 202k views, 5.2k likes, 1k retweets, and 1k comments. Some netizens trolled her for giving all her money as an offering.

Read also
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Others faulted her for attempting to engage in a transactional offering.
A lady decries suffering after giving out all her money as offering in church on Sunday.
Photo Credit: @kaaego
Source: Twitter
See her tweet below:
Offering: Lady’s lamentation sparks reactions online
Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the lady’s tweet below:
@FaotuHappy said:
“In 2021, I was in church during a building project appeal. I had only 20k, but the way the pastor spoke about God’s favour stirred me. I gave 15k. That month was hard. No miracle money came, just silence and struggle.”With time, as I continued walking with God, learning His ways, I realized something deeper. I did not give out of love or obedience. I gave out of greed, hoping God would quickly repay me. My heart was focused on what I could gain, not on supporting His work or honouring Him.”God later taught me that giving is not a transaction. You do not give to force His hand. You give because you love Him, because you believe in His work, and because generosity reflects His nature in you. When you expect nothing, that is pure love. That is how God truly moves mountains, not through manipulation, but through transformed hearts.”
Read also
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@DirekturJayjay said:
“See why they say ‘give according to what you have’You gave everything, now you’re waiting for heaven to reimburse you. Faith is not financial recklessness abeg.”
@Abassdegem said:
“This is hilarious. “God no send you oooh.”Money wey you give for church na pastor and elders go chop ham ooh.”
@MoremiofAfrica said:
“God will definitely surprise you if you believe.”I’ve been in your shoes before and God actually surprised me but not in a way I expected. (Beyond my expectations).”I guess you already have a preconceived idea of the way you want to be surprised in your head and it’s not coming through, take your mind off it cuz it might not come in a way you expect.”Also, when giving to God, let it be done cheerfully, it doesn’t always have to be transactional.”May God bless you beyond your expectations 🙏.”
@Niyo_676 said:
“You no specify the kind surprise you want nah, that one no be God fault again.”
Read also
Shola Allyson opens up on why she refuses to reference Jesus in her songs: “Never introduced Myself”
@iAmPODii said:
“God is going to multiply your giving and bless you with things that money can buy and things that money can’t buy.”
@PreciousLetswa1 said:
“Pray hard and remember scripture says count it all joy when you face trials and tribulations.”
@orbit_86
“Back in 2005, I gave my 2k salary as a seed in orisumbare during a church program. His grace Still sustain me n my family till today. I dey feed 3 mouth n still don’t know how. God dey.”
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that a lady had made an observation about paying tithes and offerings during Hallelujah Challenge.
Damina says men spend offerings, not God
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Pastor Abel Damina had said that offerings and tithes are spent by men and not God.
His statement, made during a Sunday sermon and now circulating widely online, directly contradicts the teachings of many Nigerian pastors.

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He stated, “No offering goes to heaven; men spend it every time we gather offerings in this church. All the offerings we give to God go to men.”
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
Osun: Tinubu meets APC aspirants, says party must win governorship election
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday met with leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State and governorship aspirants in the state, while emphasizing the need for the party to win the upcoming governorship election.
During the meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu called for unity and consensus-building among the aspirants ahead of the party’s primary on December 13.
The meeting had in attendance notable figures such as former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Also in attendance at the meeting were the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors, Hope Uzodimma; and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu harped on the importance of party supremacy in picking candidates and encouraged the aspirants to ensure the party’s victory in Osun State.
”You all have a duty and obligation to the party by ensuring the candidate of our party wins the next election in Osun State.
“You must strengthen the bonds of unity, party supremacy and collective responsibility,” he said.
NIGERIA NEWS
Osun APC aspirants pledge to back consensus candidate after meeting with Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night met with All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants from Osun State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where they collectively agreed to abide by the party’s decision to produce a consensus candidate for the December 13 primary.
The meeting, attended by eight aspirants and top party leaders, focused on preventing internal rifts that contributed to the party’s loss in the last governorship election in the state.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, those at the meeting included former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Harater Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Also present were APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma; and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu praised the aspirants for their commitment to the party and urged them to avoid divisions that could undermine APC’s chances in the forthcoming election.
He appealed for unity, discipline and respect for party supremacy, warning against a repeat of internal disputes that enabled the Peoples Democratic Party to win the last governorship contest.
“You all have a duty and obligation to the party by ensuring the candidate of our party wins the next election in Osun State. You must strengthen the bonds of unity, party supremacy and collective responsibility.
“I have absolute confidence in your ability to deliver victory to our party in Osun State. You have my support and that of the National leadership of APC to win the coming election”, he told them, assuring that the National leadership of the party would back the agreed candidate.
At the end of the meeting, the aspirants and party leaders issued a joint declaration committing to support the candidate who emerges through the agreed consensus process.
In the statement, they affirmed party supremacy in determining the nomination procedure, unanimously agreed to accept a consensus flagbearer, and pledged full support to whoever emerges from the process for affirmation at the December 13 primary.
They also undertook to maintain peace, unity and cohesion within the party, refrain from actions capable of undermining the process, and work collectively to secure APC victory in the 2025 Osun governorship election.
“We, the undersigned aspirants for the 2025 Osun State Governorship Election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), having met and deliberated in the presence of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and in the spirit of unity, discipline, and loyalty to our great party, hereby declare as follows:
“That we affirm and uphold the supremacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in guiding and determining the most appropriate process for selecting the party’s flag bearer for the 2025 Governorship Election in Osun State.
“That we unanimously agree to abide by the party’s decision to nominate a consensus candidate for affirmation at the APC Primary Election scheduled for Saturday, 13th December 2025.
“That we accept the outcome of the party-led nomination process in good faith, and pledge our total support to the candidate so nominated and affirmed.
“That we commit ourselves to peace, unity, and cohesion within the APC, and pledge not to engage in any act, public or private, that may undermine the integrity of the process or the standing of the party.
“That we will work collectively and individually to ensure the success of the APC at the polls and the consolidation of good governance in Osun State.
“We make this declaration voluntarily, in absolute loyalty to our great party, and in recognition of the guidance provided by Mr President and the National Chairman in the overriding interest of the progress and stability of Osun State”, the statement said.
NIGERIA NEWS
Police arraigns 51-year-old man over cousin’s murder in Enugu
The Enugu state police command has arraigned and secured the remand of Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu, a member of a neighbourhood security watch group, over the alleged murder of his 19-year-old cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, in Nsukka.
The suspect was arraigned on Wednesday following the conclusion of investigations by the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Police said the suspect was arrested on December 1, 2025, after allegedly assaulting the deceased during an incident in Nsukka.
The command said the assault resulted in injuries that later led to the death of the victim.
Police said Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commissioner of police in Enugu, ordered a thorough investigation and immediate prosecution of the case.
The suspect was charged before an Enugu state magistrate court on a one-count charge of murder.
The court ordered his remand and directed that the case file be sent to the ministry of justice through the directorate of public prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
Giwa conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them that justice was in progress.
NIGERIA NEWS
Nigerian lady files for divorce after husband requests £1,000 monthly house contribution in UK
A UK-based man has revealed how his friend’s marriage reportedly collapsed months after he sponsored his wife’s relocation from Nigeria.
He explained that both spouses work in the healthcare sector, with the husband earning £2,700 monthly and the wife earning £2,300. Their combined monthly bills stand at £2,300.
Dispute Over Financial Contribution
The husband reportedly asked his wife to contribute £1,000 toward their monthly expenses while he paid the remaining £1,300.
According to him, she agreed and paid her share for three months. However, her attitude allegedly changed afterwards, creating tension in the home.
Divorce Filing
The situation has now worsened, with the wife said to have filed for divorce. The account has drawn attention online as many reflect on the financial and emotional strain couples often face when adjusting to new responsibilities and life abroad.
The post read: “My friend brought his babe from Nigeria to UK – both of them nurses. He earns £2,700/month and she makes £2,300.
“Their monthly bill is £2,300, he asked her to bring £1,000 while he adds £1,300. Since then, her attitude changed. She’s filing for divorce.”
Watch the video here…
“My friend brought his babe from Nigeria to UK – both of them nurses. He earns £2,700/month and she makes £2,300. Their monthly bill is £2,300, he asked her to bring £1,000 while he adds £1,300. Since then, her attitude changed. She’s filing for divorce.”
pic.twitter.com/wf4jACuLYI
— OurFaveOnlineDoc 🇬🇧 🇳🇬 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) December 9, 2025
Public Relations
John wrote: “After getting the divorce, she’ll start paying for all the Bills herself including groceries. She’ll definitely spend more than £2,300 per month. Peak delusion”.
Afam said: “The marriage dynamics in Nigeria and the West are not the same. Ironically, many women who once loudly criticized patriarchy and its “buzzwords” back home end up craving the very same patriarchal structure they once rejected after relocating abroad.”
Riken commented: “I think is time for men to start drawing up legal documents with their wives before movin to another country cos this is getting out of hand.”
Olileanya said: “As a Nigerian man who moved to the UK. No 1: Fear Black women in general, they will ruin your life/send you to jail faster than European women.
“No2: Fear naija women. No3: Before you bring your wife over here, be ready to loose her. UK changes most African women. Be careful.”
NIGERIA NEWS
FEC approves construction of Bank of Industry headquarters at Eko Atlantic City
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the design and construction of a new headquarters for the Bank of Industry (BoI) at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, marking a major step in the Federal Government’s drive to reposition Nigeria’s industrial and financial infrastructure.
The approval was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
According to Enoh, the council approved five key memoranda relating to the ministry, with three focused on industrial development and two on trade and investment.
BoI Headquarters project gets greenlight
Enoh confirmed that the BoI project received formal approval from the council.
“Council approved the award of contract for the design and build of the Bank of Industry headquarters in Eko Atlantic City,” he said.
The new headquarters is expected to serve as a central hub for the BoI’s expanded role in financing industrial growth, small and medium-scale enterprises, and export-oriented manufacturing.
FEC approves purchase of 200 electric buses
As part of broader industrial and automotive sector reforms, the council also approved the purchase of 200 electric buses for the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
“The first memo that was considered and approved was the award of a contract for the supply of 200 units of electric buses at the cost of N58 billion for the National Automotive Design and Development Council,” Enoh said.
He explained that the project aligns with the administration’s strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem while promoting cleaner energy solutions and industrial expansion.
Nigeria industrial policy 2025 approved
Enoh described the approval of the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 as the most consequential outcome of the FEC meeting.
“The Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 was finally approved today, and it provides the framework that will guide industrial growth and development,” he said.
He noted that the absence of an updated industrial policy had previously hindered international partnerships and donor engagement.
“Many of our development partners would not even listen to us because there was no industrial policy, so this approval is extremely significant,” Enoh added.
He said the policy directly supports President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda under the administration’s eight-point policy framework.
Lekki medical tourism park, trade fair hosting approved
On trade and investment matters, Enoh disclosed that FEC approved the construction of internal and access roads within the Lekki Medical Tourism Park in Lagos.
“The approval for the construction of internal and access roads within the Lekki Medical Tourism Park was granted,” he said.
He also confirmed that the council was formally briefed on Nigeria’s selection to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
“Nigeria has officially been selected to host the Intra-African Trade Fair after a competitive bidding process,” Enoh stated.
Lagos chosen as host city
According to the minister, Lagos will host the trade fair, with the Lagos Creative and Cultural Centre (former National Arts Theatre) designated as the main venue.
He said hosting the IATF strengthens Nigeria’s strategic position within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework and complements ongoing industrialisation programmes being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
What you should know
Last week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a key fiscal document that outlines Nigeria’s revenue expectations, macroeconomic assumptions, and spending priorities for the next three years.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said the Federal Government is projecting a total revenue inflow of N34.33 trillion in 2026, including N4.98 trillion expected from government-owned enterprises.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Police raid fake drug factory in Lagos, hunt for mastermind
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has announced the successful discovery and shutdown of a large-scale fake drug manufacturing site in the Ojo area of the state.
Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday at the raided building on Alhaji Oki Road, Mosafejo, in Ojo, Jimoh described the operation as a significant breakthrough in safeguarding public health.
He said that the illegal facility had been producing counterfeit pharmaceutical products intended for public consumption.
He said that many of the items recovered were orally administered drugs that posed serious health risks to unsuspecting buyers.
“Fake drugs injure and endanger the lives of thousands. The last floor of the three-storey building was where these items were being produced illegally.
“The machines used to alter drug expiry dates and repackage expired products were also recovered,” he said.
CP Jimoh stated that the operation was conducted in accordance with the powers granted to the police under Nigerian law, which mandates officers to investigate and arrest individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs.
He said that the police collaborated with relevant agencies throughout the investigation.
According to him, the alleged mastermind behind the operation is still on the run, and efforts are underway to track him down.
“We will extend our investigation to all his activities; we are not going to limit our work to this building. Our collaboration with relevant agencies will continue until every person involved is brought to justice,” he said.
The police boss issued a stern warning, urging the public to exercise caution when buying medicines and to verify the authenticity of drugs before use.
He noted that counterfeiters often target unsuspecting buyers and encouraged people to report any suspicious activities.
“Consumers must be very careful about where they buy their drugs. If you have doubts, verify before you buy,” he said.
The commissioner also commended officers of the command, community leaders, and members of the public whose credible intelligence led to the raid.
“We appreciate the valuable information from the community. Once you give information to the police, we will protect you. This success came from actionable intelligence, and we want the public to have confidence in us,” he said.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to intensifying crime detection and prevention, adding that the fight against counterfeit drugs remains a priority.
Jimoh stated that investigations were ongoing, with more arrests expected as the command works to dismantle networks involved in distributing counterfeit medical products. (NAN)
The post Police raid fake drug factory in Lagos, hunt for mastermind appeared first on Vanguard News.
NIGERIA NEWS
Why I Finally Entered Nollywood — Papaya Ex Speaks On ‘The Night Market’ Debut
Popular Nigerian media personality and influencer, Papaya Ex, has officially taken a bold step into Nollywood with the premiere of her debut film, ‘The Night Market’.
The movie features an impressive lineup of stars, including Tony Umeh, Tina Mba, Chidi Dike, Sydney Talker, Sexy Steel, Chichi (BBN), MC Lively, Pinki Debbie, James Brown, Hermes, Akeem Ogara, and Rosemary Afuwape.
Beyond the excitement of the star-studded cast and production, Papaya Ex opened up about what inspired her decision to transition into acting after years of dominating the digital space.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared that acting has always been a quiet ambition she held close to her heart.
“Honestly, acting has been something I’ve wanted for a long time. I just kept it to myself because I didn’t want to rush it,” Papaya Ex said.
She credited her fans for encouraging her to take the leap, explaining that their response to her brief character skits online pushed her to recognise and develop her natural talent.
“The day I stepped on a real set and felt completely at home, I said, ‘Okay, this thing is really in me.’ That was when I knew,” she added.
Papaya Ex explained that shifting from content creation to full-time acting transformed her entire creative process.
While content creation thrives on spontaneity and speed, she noted that acting requires a deeper emotional connection and a high level of patience.
“Content creation is quick… you get an idea, film it, move on. Acting is deeper. You have to understand the character, feel their emotions, and carry their story,” she said.
This new journey, she added, has taught her to slow down, engage more deeply with her craft, and tap into a more profound creative space.
As she looks ahead in Nollywood, Papaya Ex emphasized that she is particularly drawn to roles layered with depth and meaning.
“I love roles that have depth. Stories that carry emotion, culture, mystery, something people will watch and say, ‘This one touched me,’” she said, explaining that she grows the most when she takes on roles that challenge her and reveal different shades of her artistry.
Responding to critics who argue that influencers get acting roles without proper training, she maintained a calm but resolute stance.
“People will always talk. But one thing about me is that I’m putting in the work. I’m learning, training, and taking this career seriously. I prefer to let the work speak for me,” she stated.
She also acknowledged the sacrifices that come with this new chapter, noting the discipline, strength, and emotional commitment acting demands.
“Acting takes time, energy, emotions, sometimes even your peace. You give up comfort, you give up sleep… Starting something new also comes with fear, but I still chose it because the dream means so much to me. And honestly, it’s worth it,” she said.
With a massive and loyal online community, Papaya Ex added that she is intentional about the scripts she accepts and the narratives she aligns with.
“I choose stories that make sense, that align with who I’m becoming,” she noted.
She also expressed deep appreciation for her fan base, acknowledging their impact on her growing acting career.
“My online community has helped me a lot… they share it, talk about it, hype it, and give it life. It brings attention to whatever I’m working on… It’s not just followers; it’s real support, and I don’t take it for granted.”
Papaya Ex’s debut marks a pivotal moment in her career, signaling her determination to evolve beyond social media and establish herself as a serious actress, with passion, dedication, and a devoted audience supporting her rise.
