Showbiz

Another Nollywood Actor, Diewait Ikpechukwu Dies

Published

19 minutes ago

November 6, 2026

Aderemi Yussuf Olubodun

Diewait Ikpechukwu

By Bumbo Jegede

Weeks after popular Nollywood actor, Francis Duru died, another Nollywood actor, Diewait Ikpechukwu has reportedly died at the age of 71.

The veteran actor, a former footballer, died on Thursday after a prolonged illness, according to a family source.

Although details surrounding his death were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, an announcement by a certain group, Veterans All Stars International Football Club Enugu, confirmed Ikpechukwu’s demise.

The Management of the Veterans All Stars International Football Club Enugu, said
“With a deep sense of sorrow and submission to the will of God, we announced the transition of our dearly beloved Patron and veteran Nollywood icon, Chief Diewait Ikpechukwu.

“Chief Ikpechukwu was not just a supporter of our club; he was a foundational pillar, a passionate sportsman, and a true father figure to the entire football and entertainment community in Enugu.

They said that long before he became a household name on television screens across Africa, Chief Ikpechukwu’s first true love was football. In his youth, he was a lethal and exceptionally talented right-winger on the pitch. His remarkable skills, blistering pace, and football intelligence did not go unnoticed.

But he chose a different path in life: acting even as his professional life took him through a successful corporate career as a business office manager at NITEL, his heart never left the pitch. He remained deeply connected to the beautiful game and was incredibly close to generations of footballers, from veteran ex-internationals to rising local talents.

“As a Patron of the Veterans All Stars International Football Club Enugu, he was a constant, warm presence (he was supposed to grace Veterans All Stars training session sponsored by Chief Donald Igwebuike on Saturday the 10th of October 2026, but became ill a day before)—offering wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support to veterans’ football in Enugu State.

With over 200 Nollywood movies to his credit, he became a master storyteller, renowned for portraying dignified elders, traditional rulers, and complex characters with unmatched gravitas. Despite his massive fame as a cinematic giant, he chose to remain close to his roots, living in Enugu and serving as a pillar of the local Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) chapter, bridging the worlds of sports and arts in the Coal City.

Showbiz

Ali Baba, CEOs, AI Experts, Academia To Headline THE ENCOUNTER 2026 in Lagos

Published

1 day ago

November 5, 2026

Aderemi Yussuf Olubodun

Ali Baba

By Bola Opeyemi

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the global economy, education, business and the creative industry, young Africans are set to engage with leading voices in technology, education, media and business at THE ENCOUNTER 2026, holding on Friday, November 6, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Organised as a youth leadership and capacity-building symposium, the 2026 edition will hold under the theme “AI FOR GOOD: From Innovation to Impact”, bringing together over 200 young people from diverse backgrounds for conversations, learning, debate and engagement on the opportunities and responsibilities emerging from the advancement of artificial intelligence.

Convened by veteran broadcaster, Seun Oyedeji, ‘THE ENCOUNTER 2026 SYMPOSIUM’ seeks to equip young Africans with the knowledge, confidence, critical thinking abilities and exposure required to contribute meaningfully to society and the continent’s development.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and industry leaders, including Nigeria’s celebrated King of Comedy, entrepreneur and business strategist, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as ‘Ali Baba’ who will speak on “AI and the Future of Africa’s Creative Economy.”

Other confirmed speakers include Dr. Olayinka Agunloye, Associate Professor at the University of Lagos, whose presentation, “AI Is Not the Future, It’s Your Assignment,” will challenge young people to recognise their responsibility in the evolving AI landscape.

Ayokunle Omoniyi, an expert in data monitoring and impact evaluation; and Oluwatayo Winkunle, technology executive and Founder/CEO of Techlytics, with experience in digital transformation, data intelligence and emerging technologies.

Dr. Sulaimon Olagoke Ogunmuyiwa, Director General, Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State, will bring an important education-sector perspective to discussions on technology and the future of learning while Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, Managing Director of Digital Realty, will also speak on the theme of the day.

Beyond the keynote conversations and panel discussions, the event will feature Inter-School Debate, The Mindset, The Encounter panel session and the Award Ceremony.

These activities are designed to encourage intellectual engagement, strengthen leadership and communication skills, celebrate young talent and expose participants to ideas and opportunities that can shape their future.

Building on the success of its previous edition, which featured student debates, prize presentations, brand engagements and enthusiastic feedback from participants, THE ENCOUNTER 2026 aims to deepen its impact by placing ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and its practical applications at the centre of conversations about Africa’s future.

With physical and virtual participation available, the symposium also provides an opportunity for a wider audience to be part of the conversations, regardless of location.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Convener Seun Oyedeji emphasised the importance of creating platforms where young people can interact with experienced professionals, encounter new ideas and develop the capacity to become active contributors to national and continental development.

Members of the public, students, educators, professionals and technology enthusiasts are invited to participate.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM Prompt
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos
Theme: AI FOR GOOD: From Innovation to Impact

Registration for physical and virtual attendance is available at www.theencounter.africa. For enquiries, call 0704 525 2683.

Follow the event on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube via @theencounterafrica.