Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Cinemas Record Over ₦574m as ‘Call of My Life’ Tops Nollywood Box Office in 2026

Romantic comedy leads strong year for Nigerian film industry, with historical and faith-based dramas also crossing ₦100m mark

Published

3 hours ago

on

Romantic comedy leads strong year for Nigerian film industry, with historical and faith-based dramas also crossing ₦100m mark

Call of My Life \| MOVIE TRAILER \| Uzoamaka Power \| Zubby Michael \| Andrew Bunting \| Bluhouse Studios


Nollywood has posted impressive box office earnings in Lagos and across Nigeria, with the romantic comedy ‘Call of My Life’ leading the pack by grossing ₦574 million as at June 2026. The film, starring Uzoamaka Power, follows Soluchi’s journey from heartbreak to a fresh start after a chance encounter on a customer service call.

The list of highest-grossing Nigerian films for 2026 so far includes several genres, from faith-based dramas to historical epics. In second place is ‘The Return of Arinzo’, directed by Iyabo Ojo, which brought in over ₦351 million. The sequel to the popular 2013 Yoruba film revisits political scandals and family secrets as an actor returns home to support his father’s presidential bid.

‘Onobiren: A Woman’s Story’, directed by Laju Iren, grossed ₦138 million after a seven-week run in cinemas nationwide. The faith-themed drama tells the story of Roli’s migration from Warri to Lagos and her struggle for independence, highlighting themes of female resilience and solidarity. Other top performers include ‘Ajosepo: The Gathering’ (over ₦128 million), a sequel that explores family ties at a Yoruba wedding, and ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’ (over ₦102.6 million), which chronicles the life of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, a renowned merchant and kingmaker from Abeokuta who rose to power in Lagos.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde made her directorial debut with ‘Mother’s Love’, which crossed the ₦100 million mark following an opening weekend haul of ₦24.1 million. The family drama centres on Adebisi’s coming-of-age journey during her NYSC year and her mother’s confrontation with past trauma.

Industry stakeholders note that strong marketing campaigns, diverse storylines and improved cinema distribution have contributed to this year’s robust performance. Speaking at a recent forum in Lagos, distributor Kayode Kasum said, “Nigerian audiences are responding well to stories that reflect their realities and aspirations.”

With several months remaining in the year, filmmakers expect more box office records could be broken if current trends continue.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/highest-grossing-nollywood-movies-2026-2026061914020815457

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Tinubu Orders Enhanced Security at NIPSS After Fatal Jos Attack

Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation

Published

4 minutes ago

on

June 19, 2026

By

Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to reinforce measures at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, after a fatal attack claimed lives on the institute’s premises. The directive was issued on Friday, 19 June 2026, amid rising concern over safety at Nigeria’s top policy training institution.

According to presidency sources, the order came in response to a recent incident in which armed men breached the NIPSS campus, resulting in casualties among staff and visitors. Security operatives have since been deployed to bolster defences around the institute’s facility, with investigations underway to identify those responsible for the assault.

The attack has heightened anxiety within Plateau State and across Nigeria’s academic community, as NIPSS serves as a key centre for strategic government policy research and leadership development. The incident also raises fresh questions about persistent insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups continue despite ongoing military operations.

A statement from the presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding national institutions and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice. “Government is treating this incident with utmost seriousness,” the statement read. “All necessary resources have been mobilised to protect lives and restore confidence at NIPSS.” Security agencies in Plateau State have launched an investigation but had yet to release further details as at press time.

While opposition figures are yet to issue a formal response, some policy experts called for broader reforms of campus security nationwide. The presidency said it will review existing protocols at federal institutions. Further updates are expected once preliminary findings from security operatives become available.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/889009-tinubu-orders-improved-security-at-nipss-after-fatal-attack.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Experts at Abuja Summit Urge Full Adoption of Green Economy in Nigeria by 2026

Stakeholders at NEST conference highlight urgent need for sustainable policies as Nigeria faces mounting environmental challenges

Published

19 minutes ago

on

June 19, 2026

By

Stakeholders at NEST conference highlight urgent need for sustainable policies as Nigeria faces mounting environmental challenges

Environmental experts and policymakers have called for the urgent implementation of a comprehensive green economy strategy across Nigeria, citing the country’s rising environmental and economic risks. The call was made on Friday, 19 June 2026, during the National Environmental Summit and Technology (NEST) conference held in Abuja.

Participants at the summit emphasised that a shift towards a green economy is vital if Nigeria hopes to address pressing issues such as deforestation, pollution, and over-reliance on fossil fuels. The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, academia, and civil society organisations to deliberate on practical measures that could accelerate the nation’s transition to sustainable development models.

Nigeria continues to face significant environmental challenges linked to unchecked urbanisation and industrial activities. Experts at the summit noted that these issues have direct implications for public health, food security, and economic stability. They argued that adopting green economy principles—such as investing in renewable energy, promoting waste recycling, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations—would help create new jobs and safeguard natural resources for future generations.

During panel discussions, participants called on federal and state governments to prioritise policy reforms that would incentivise investment in clean technologies. They also urged the National Assembly to expedite passage of pending bills aimed at strengthening environmental governance. “There is an urgent need for robust collaboration between all sectors if we are serious about tackling climate change and building resilience into our economy,” one speaker said during the plenary session.

The conference concluded with a communique outlining recommendations for government action ahead of NEST 2027. Stakeholders expressed optimism that with committed leadership and public support, Nigeria can position itself as a regional leader in green innovation while meeting its international climate obligations.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889010-at-nest-2026-experts-call-for-full-adoption-of-green-economy-in-nigeria.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Abuja Court Jails Terrorist Kingpin’s Mother, Sister for 20 Years Each over Terror Charges

Landmark judgement comes as government intensifies crackdown on terrorism; human rights groups call for due process

Published

24 minutes ago

on

June 19, 2026

By

Landmark judgement comes as government intensifies crackdown on terrorism; human rights groups call for due process

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday sentenced the mother and sister of a notorious terrorist kingpin to 20 years imprisonment each after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences. The court delivered its verdict on 19 June, following a lengthy trial that drew national attention to ongoing anti-terrorism efforts in Nigeria.

According to court proceedings, both women were convicted for their roles in supporting the operations of their relative, identified by authorities as a major figure in organised terrorist activities across the country. The prosecution presented evidence indicating that the duo provided material assistance and facilitated communication for the kingpin, actions which the judge ruled violated Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.

This development marks one of the stiffest sentences handed down to family members of suspected terrorists in recent years, underlining government’s resolve to dismantle support networks aiding criminal groups. Security experts say such convictions are rare but could serve as a warning to individuals enabling terrorism either directly or indirectly.

While government officials have welcomed the court’s decision, some human rights organisations have urged authorities to ensure all suspects receive fair hearings and that convictions are based strictly on evidence. A spokesperson for one advocacy group stated that respect for due process remains vital in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

With this judgement, security agencies are expected to intensify investigations into other suspected collaborators linked to armed groups operating within and outside Nigeria. Legal analysts note that future cases may test how far courts are willing to go in prosecuting those who aid or abet terrorist activities.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889017-court-jails-terrorist-kingpins-mother-sister-for-20-years-each.html

Continue Reading