Entertainment
Nigerian Excellence celebrated in London at Lux Afrique’s Nigerian Independence Dinner
APO Group, the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to have been an official sponsor at the Lux Afrique Nigerian Independence Dinner at Claridge’s Hotel in the heart of London last night.
This was the fourth annual staging of the event celebrating Nigerian excellence on the global stage. Organised by Lux Afrique, the luxury lifestyle platform dedicated to Africa, the guestlist represented the crème de la crème of the British and international Nigerian community.
Stars of sport, fashion and entertainment rubbed shoulders with distinguished guests such as Nigerian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Ambassador George Adesola Oguntade to celebrate 59 years of Nigerian independence.
High profile attendees recognised for their contribution to the promotion of Nigeria in the UK included Love Island’s Ovie Soko, actor Charles Venn, former World Champion and Olympic athlete Kriss Akabusi and footballer Peter Odemwingie.
Also in attendance were boxer Richard Riakporhe, Capital XTRA radio presenter Yinka Bokinni, Kojo Annan (son of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan), Top Boy actor Kola Bokinni and singer Banky “W” Wellington.
The event began with a red-carpet welcome, followed by dinner, speeches and spellbinding performances by DJ Fasida and renowned Afrobeat musician Dele Sosimi and his band. There was also an exhibition of the latest iconic diamond jewellery from legendary fashion house Chanel.
For APO Group, who sponsored the event alongside the FCMB UK bank and fashion brand Marina Rinaldi, this celebration of African excellence and success epitomises their philosophy of promoting African business, culture and development on a global scale and connecting African people from all walks of life.
Boasting the largest economy on the continent – as well as the two wealthiest individuals in Africa, Aliko Dangote and Mike Adenuga – Nigeria is an emerging power on the global stage.
According to Bloomberg , demand for luxury goods in the country is higher than ever due to significantly increased prosperity. They cite a report predicting that the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria will rise 90% by 2024 – and global luxury brands are starting to take notice, with Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci among companies establishing a presence in Lagos in recent years.
The Independence Dinner is a chance to inspire the next generation of Nigerians to emulate that success. Last night’s event featured a ‘silent auction’, with guests keen to remember their roots and support people back home. The main beneficiary this year is Lagos Food Bank which helps people in deprived areas of Nigeria with basic food and supplies.
“The Nigerian Independence dinner is always one of the highlights of the calendar,” said Lux Afrique founder and event host Alexander Amosu. “It is inspiring to have so many people from diverse industries come together to celebrate Nigerian spirit and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, it is a great opportunity to network, share stories and showcase the very best of our wonderful nation.”
“This is a fantastic event for APO Group to be part of,” said APO Group Chairman and Founder, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard. “Lux Afrique events highlight the success of Africans and positive developments across the continent, and we feel passionate about helping them tell these compelling stories to new audiences around the world. It is a privilege for us to be able to share in tonight’s celebrations and promote African excellence”.
Nigerian singer and humanitarian Sean Dampte has expressed deep concern over reports of mass abductions and growing insecurity across communities in South-West Nigeria, calling for urgent action to protect lives and restore public confidence.
In a heartfelt statement, Dampte lamented the fear and uncertainty facing families, students, and educators in affected communities. He stressed that no child should leave home for school only to become the subject of desperate prayers before returning safely, and that no teacher should have to work under the constant threat of abduction.
Describing the situation as a national concern that transcends politics, ethnicity, religion, and social media debates, the entertainer emphasised that real lives and families are being affected by the crisis.
“My heart is heavy over the reports of mass abductions and the fear spreading across communities in South-West Nigeria,” he said, adding that the pain experienced by victims and their loved ones should never be ignored or normalised.
Sean Dampte expressed solidarity with affected families and communities living in fear, while also joining other Nigerians in demanding immediate and decisive action from authorities. He urged relevant security agencies and government institutions to strengthen the protection of schools, secure vulnerable communities, and ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
The singer concluded by reiterating his vision for a safer nation, stating that “Nigeria must be a place where children can dream without fear.”
Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, and his wife, Simisola Kosoko, also known as Simi, have welcomed a set of twin babies.
The singer announced the good news via his Snapchat story on Wednesday.
“Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” Simi wrote.
Although the gender of the babies has not been disclosed, the announcement has since attracted congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues and well-wishers across the entertainment industry.
The development comes months after Simi had hinted at her pregnancy. In December, she shared a video on Instagram, captioned, “From my baby, for my babies,” with the clip showing her baby bump.
The arrival of the twins also comes weeks after Simi featured in a snippet from Adekunle Gold’s recently released music video titled My Love Is the Same.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration. Both artistes were formerly signed to X3M Music early in their careers and have since remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrity couples.
The couple welcomed their first child, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.
Renowned Tungba gospel musician, Dr Yinka Ayefele, has released a new studio album titled Reflections, adding another chapter to his long-standing influence in Nigeria’s gospel music scene.
The album, which was released on Monday, December 22, 2025, blends introspection with praise, as Ayefele reflects on life, faith and gratitude to God, drawing from personal experiences marked by trials, near-tragedies and triumphs.
Announcing the release in a statement, the Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Fresh Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, Samson Akindele, said the album captures the musician’s deep reflections on life and his renewed commitment to thanksgiving and praise through music.
Musically, Reflections is rooted in Ayefele’s signature Tungba style, featuring energetic drum percussions, rich string arrangements and call-and-response patterns, supported by harmonious backup vocals from the Merry Makers Band.
The album also incorporates diverse elements, including Tungba hymnals and an Arabic praise chant rendered by a budding female talent, Harike Jesu, who additionally delivers a danceable Fuji-inspired track.
According to details of the project, the opening track focuses on Ayefele’s life journey and lessons drawn from past experiences, while subsequent tracks express appreciation to fans and sustain a flow of upbeat, dance-friendly rhythms.
Reflections is available on major digital streaming and download platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Audiomack, YouTube Music, Deezer and Tidal.
The compact disc version is expected to be released in the coming days under the Yinka Ayefele Music label.
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