Nollywood actor Uche Odoputa has announced that his family will hold a funeral for his late father without a body to bury, more than four years after his death.

What he said

In an emotional video posted on Instagram on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the actor said the family would gather in a few weeks to honour his father, Mr Kenneth Chukwumezie Odoputa, whom those close to him called 'Honestman'. He said they have no body to lay to rest, but have his life to remember and his dignity to honour.

What happened to his father

According to reports, the actor's father, who was born on 10 August 1950, was kidnapped by gunmen in Imo State in May 2022 and was killed despite a ransom being paid. He died on 6 May 2022. His remains were never recovered.

A message on grief

Odoputa also used the video to encourage people who are carrying hidden grief to seek help from someone they trust, saying no one should carry such pain alone.

Background

Kidnapping for ransom has affected many families across Nigeria, including in the South East, where armed groups have attacked travellers and residents in recent years. Odoputa is known for his roles in Nollywood films. Ebonyi State's governor this week sent a bill to make kidnapping punishable by death.

How people reacted

Colleagues and fans sent condolences and prayers, praising the actor for speaking openly about his loss.

Media personality Toke Makinwa has marked her 42nd birthday with a joyful thanksgiving celebration.

How she celebrated

On Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the former radio presenter shared a video of herself dancing as a praise singer performed songs of worship for her. In her caption, she said she owed God praise over a personal matter and had come to give it, adding that she was trusting God for another matter too. She also posted birthday photos in a white dress and revealed that she almost skipped the photo shoot.

Background

Toke Makinwa is one of Nigeria's best-known media personalities, a former presenter on Rhythm FM and a television host. She is also an author, businesswoman and vlogger, and has spoken openly about her personal life, including her divorce. She is a mother to a young daughter, and recently shared a light-hearted video of herself teasing her during feeding time.

How fans reacted

Fans and fellow celebrities flooded her page with birthday wishes and prayers, with many saying her thanksgiving was inspiring and praying that her other request would also be granted.

Nollywood actress and evangelist Tonto Dikeh has urged Nigerians to drop negative assumptions about wealthy people.

What she said

Speaking during a recent ministration, in a video shared on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Dikeh challenged popular stereotypes that link wealth to wrongdoing. She reportedly said that not every rich man is a ritualist and not every rich woman sleeps with men to get money, adding that some people work hard for many years before their efforts pay off. She acknowledged that some people do acquire wealth through questionable means, but said it is unfair to dismiss the genuine success of others.

Her message

Dikeh encouraged people to change their mindset and appreciate the sacrifices, struggles and commitment that many successful people make to build their businesses and careers. She said patience, perseverance and honest work remain real paths to financial stability.

Background

Tonto Dikeh rose to fame as an actress and has also been a singer and politician, running as a deputy governorship candidate in Rivers State in 2023. In recent years she has become more active in Christian ministry and often shares sermons and motivational messages online. Suspicion that sudden wealth comes from rituals or fraud is common in Nigerian public conversation, and is often fuelled by stories of so-called money rituals in the media.

How people reacted

Many fans agreed with her and said hard-working people are often wrongly judged, while others said the stereotypes exist because of real cases of people getting rich through crime.

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo is set to open the cinema at his newly launched Euphoria 360 Hub in Lagos, and he is offering free treats to the first visitors.

The offer

In a video posted on Monday, 2 November 2026, Adebayo invited the public to the opening on Saturday, 7 November, at 6pm. He said the first 15 people to arrive would receive invitations to the premiere of his upcoming film 'Jagun Jagun 2', scheduled for 2 December. A further 45 people would get to watch a movie for free, with complimentary popcorn and drinks.

Stars expected

According to the actor, guests will be able to watch alongside some well-known entertainers, including actress Bimbo Ademoye and actor Timini Egbuson.

Background

Femi Adebayo is one of Nollywood's leading actors and producers. His epic 'Jagun Jagun', released on Netflix in 2023, became one of the platform's most-watched Nigerian titles, and a sequel has been widely anticipated. He also produced and starred in the hit film 'King of Thieves'. The Euphoria 360 Hub adds to a growing number of entertainment venues opened by Nigerian filmmakers looking to bring audiences closer to their work. The actor was among the Nollywood stars who attended the opening of Sola Sobowale's elderly care home in Ibadan this week.

How fans reacted

Many fans said they would turn up early to secure a place, while others congratulated the actor on the new venture.