ENTERTAINMENT
127 Films To Feature At 2024 Rivers Film Festival
A total of 127 local and international films are slated to compete at the 2024 Rivers State International Film Festival (RIFF).
The Director of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo, revealed this during a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday.
She said the 2024 festival, which is the second edition of the event has the theme, “The Shift”
Kate revealed that RIFF received 2,230 films from 172 countries, with the United States of America and India having the highest submissions.
According to her, the criteria for submission of films included cultural analysis, focus on gender inequality, sexuality, power dynamics, security and racism; issues on social justice at the national and regional levels.
She she revealed further that other criteria include stories addressing indigenous and cultural or racial groups that are usually marginalised such as the disabled. Also included among the determining criteria are stories that focus on a wide variety of other cultures and communities who make up the diversity of human life and films about technology, psychology, medicine and spirituality and their impact on human beliefs and practices.
As part of RIFF social responsibility to the creative industry, the director said this year’s edition of the film festival would feature free medical outreach, empowerment of the less privileged, Tour Rivers Initiative among others.
The medical outreach, according to her is to help address some of the health challenges of films practitioners.
“In recent times the sudden death of film practitioners in Nigeria became alarming and scary. We embarked on research and found out that because of the peculiarity of their job being very tedious and time-consuming they barely a have the time to do a routine check on their health,” she said.
Ezeigbo also expressed her gratitude to the many sponsors that are backing up this year’s event.
One of Nigeria’s fast-rising street music stars, Amb. Christopher Ogar – better known by fans as Jay Moni – has just released a brand-new single titled ‘WTMD’, short for Where The Money Dey.
The song, which dropped on 19th April 2025, is already making waves across streaming platforms. Jay Moni teamed up with fellow Nigerian artist Tobless (real name Oluwatobi Adeniran), who brought his signature Afrobeats and hip hop style to the track. Tobless, who is also known simply as Oluwatobi online, adds a unique flair that fans are loving.
‘WTMD’ was produced by JayClasic at the Jay Moni Recording Studio in Lagos, Nigeria, and has quickly started climbing music charts.
To celebrate the release, Jay Moni and his team were hosted by GT Boiz for a special listening party on 2nd May, with several notable personalities in the music industry in attendance, followed by the official release of the music video on 3rd May 2025.
The artist has been building a strong following, thanks to his consistent quality and streetwise sound. His fans say they feel connected to his lyrics and style.
Earlier this year, Jay Moni released Congratulations, another single that became a breakout hit and continues to enjoy massive airplay on radio stations across Nigeria. That track helped cement his place as a name to watch in the country’s vibrant music scene.
With ‘WTMD’, Jay Moni is proving he’s not just a one-hit wonder but a powerful voice in the next wave of Nigerian street music.
The Federal Capital was abuzz with glitz and glamour as nightlife mogul Adewumi Segun Gabriels, popularly known as Theapilifestyle, hosted an exclusive All-White Party to ring in the New Year in grand style.
The high-profile celebration drew an array of celebrities, industry elites, and entertainment powerhouses, including Timini Egbuson, Efetommy, Nimi Briggs, Fantana, Ilebaye, and Ice Prince.
As the co-founder and CEO of Tokyo Nightlife and the visionary behind Apitainment and Apitix, Adewumi has been a driving force in redefining Abuja’s nightlife scene. In his welcome speech, he expressed gratitude to his supporters, business associates, and colleagues for their unwavering backing throughout 2024. He highlighted key milestones, including the successful execution of The Capital Picnic, Young Jonn Live in Abuja, AWG Fest, Rema Live in Abuja, and other premium social events that have solidified Tokyo Nightlife as Abuja’s top luxury entertainment destination.
The night, hosted by the ever-energetic Chuks D’ General, exuded an air of sophistication with guests dressed in dazzling white ensembles. Attendees were treated to electrifying live performances, including a special set by Ice Prince and a captivating live band session, adding to the evening’s unforgettable atmosphere. The culinary experience was equally indulgent, featuring gourmet dishes that complemented the event’s opulence.
More than just a celebration, Theapilifestyle’s All-White Party set the tone for a year of unparalleled entertainment. It reinforced his commitment to curating premium experiences that continue to elevate Abuja’s nightlife culture, promising an even more thrilling 2025.
By Ebriku John Friday
Following the intervention and impact on humanity, the African Union Commission, AUC, has deemed it fit to honour Nigeria rising street music artist, Christopher Ogar (aka Jay Moni) with the prestigious ‘Ambassador for Global Peace Award’.
The Award is being conferred on Jay Moni, CEO Jaytech Group of Companies and a BOT of the Wayward brand, for his passion and compassion for humanity and his commitment to make other Africans comfortable and have a sense of belonging through his humanitarian interventions and philanthropic activities.
According to the AUC, Jay Moni is a young Nigerian and African artist who does what would change the narrative among Africans, and the young and vibrant celebrity has given himself to service and development of the entire young populace across the country and continent.
Meanwhile, in an emotion laden voice of excitement and humility, Jay Moni expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the AUC for the rare honour done on him.
He said the ‘Ambassador for Global Peace Award’ is a call to duty to escalate what he has been doing to a new level, and he said Africans’ well-being should be of priority to every well meaning African, therefore, Africans who are well doing should show love, care and concern to other less privileged Africans.
Recently, Jay Moni and his entourage embarked on a charity mission in honour of his late father, Pa Raphael Ogar Oluohu, while commemorating the 10th anniversary of his burial, which he was at his home town in Yala Local Government Area and Ogoja, where he started pursuing his music career, which him and his team visited the Ogoja Correctional Centre, where he facilitated the release of inmates whose bail terms are negotiable, and he was at the orphanage home in Ogoja, and doled out cash, food items, with several other items.
Meanwhile, at the Okpoma General Hospital, Jay Moni paid the medical bills of all patients.
Jay Moni (middle) and his team members after his decoration as an AU Ambassador for Global Peace recently
He also distributed food items to locals on the streets of Okuku and shared cash to support the people.
According to him, it is his humble way of give back to the society from the blessing of God upon his life.
He said: “I am beyond honored to be seen worthy by the African Union to be made an Ambassador.
“I do not take this honour for granted in any way as this only propels me to do more for humanity.
“I sincerely appreciate the AU for this recognition, which I never thought of but was just being concerned and doing what God had laid in my heart.
“Not that I have too much but thought it wise to share part of what God has blessed me with because I understand what it means to be far below the poverty line and how unbearable it becomes to the extent people even die out of want and lack.
“Therefore, Africans’ well-being should be of priority to every well meaning African, and I call on Africans who are well doing should show love, care and concern to other less privileged Africans.
“Meanwhile, my big shout-out to my team and everyone who’s been a part of this… Love y’all immensely…#Alhamdulillah.”
Jay Moni, middle, and others
