Italian Fashion Icon Valentino Dies at 93
Valentino Garavani, one of the defining forces of 20th-century luxury fashion, has passed away at the age of 93.
Known for his unapologetic glamour and mastery of red, Valentino dressed some of the world’s most iconic women — from Elizabeth Taylor and Nancy Reagan to Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone and Gwyneth Paltrow.
He co-founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960 and stood shoulder to shoulder with contemporaries like Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld at the very top of global fashion. According to a statement from the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, he died peacefully at his Roman home. He will lie in state in Piazza Mignanelli from January 21 to 22, with funeral rites to follow at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
Senegal Crowned AFCON Champions Again
The Senegal national football team have lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy after a tense 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat.
The dramatic final saw head coach Pape Thiaw briefly lead his players off the pitch in protest over a late penalty decision, adding to an already charged atmosphere.
This marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their 2021 win against Egypt, while Morocco’s wait for a second continental crown continues.
Kunle Afolayan Confirms Aníkúlápó Season Two
Kunle Afolayan has officially announced season two of Aníkúlápó, titled The Ghoul Awakens.
Sharing the trailer online, Afolayan teased a darker, more expansive chapter spanning Oyo and foreign lands, where power, loyalty and survival take centre stage. The series premieres exclusively on Netflix on January 30, 2026, following the teaser released earlier this month.
EbonyLife Films Adapts The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives
EbonyLife Films is bringing The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives to the big screen in December 2026. The adaptation, produced by Mo Abudu in partnership with Nile Media Entertainment, Genesis Group and Silverbird Group, marks EbonyLife’s return to cinemas after a long hiatus.
Featuring Iyabo Ojo, Bimbo Ademoye and Omowunmi Dada, the film explores power, rivalry and female agency within a polygamous household. Author Lola Shoneyin is attached as a producer, with Adze Ugah adapting the screenplay and Daniel Oriahi directing.
Fashion Brand to Watch: Kilentar
Quietly confident and refreshingly intentional, Kilentar is on our radar this week for all the right reasons.
The womenswear brand leans into clean tailoring, wearable silhouettes and thoughtful detailing, creating pieces that feel elevated yet realistic for modern women. There’s a subtle nod to structure without rigidity — dresses that move, separates that layer effortlessly, and a colour palette that doesn’t scream for attention.
What sets Kilentar apart is restraint. In a market often driven by excess or trend-chasing, the brand’s focus on fit, finish and longevity feels deliberate — and timely. It’s the kind of label that grows quietly but steadily, earning loyalty rather than hype.
UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s
The UK government has launched a consultation on banning social media use for children under 16, citing concerns around youth wellbeing.
The proposed measures also give Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education ) new powers to enforce phone-use policies in schools, with ministers pushing for a “phone-free by default” environment.
The move follows Australia’s landmark under-16 social media ban introduced in December 2025, which has sparked similar conversations globally.
Paystack Restructures Under New Holding Company
Paystack has reorganised its operations under a new holding company, The Stack Group (TSG), signalling ambitions beyond payments.
TSG now houses Paystack, a consumer payments app; Zap; Paystack Microfinance Bank; and a venture studio. The group is jointly owned by CEO Shola Akinlade, Stripe and Paystack employees.
The restructuring coincides with group-wide profitability and strong cash flow, positioning Paystack for its next decade of growth.
Emmy Kasbit Turns 12
Nigerian fashion brand Emmy Kasbit is celebrating 12 years in the industry. Founded on January 20, 2014, by designer Emmanuel Okoro, the label has become synonymous with modern African luxury and refined menswear.
Known for its sharp tailoring, cultural references and global sensibility, Emmy Kasbit has shown consistently at major fashion platforms and dressed a new generation of style-forward men and women. Twelve years in, the brand’s evolution feels steady — confident, not rushed.
Hilda Baci Becomes a Three-Time Guinness World Record Holder
Hilda Baci has kicked off 2026 with another major milestone, confirming she is now a three-time Guinness World Records holder.
Her most recent recognition stems from her September 2025 feat, where she partnered with Gino Nigeria to prepare the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, weighing 8,780kg, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The record was officially validated after Guinness confirmed all cooking and distribution standards were met.
This adds to her 2023 record for the longest cooking marathon, where she cooked continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes. The third title, confirmed months after the initial 2025 announcement, completes a trio of global recognitions — firmly cementing Hilda’s place in culinary history.
Shettima Opens Nigeria House at Davos
Kashim Shettima has formally commissioned Nigeria House at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos — the country’s first sovereign pavilion at the annual meeting.
Delivered through a public-private partnership, the space will serve as the central hub for Nigeria’s delegation, hosting ministerial engagements, investment roundtables and cultural showcases.
Conceived as a strategic meeting point, Nigeria House positions the country as a serious, visible participant in global economic conversations, while spotlighting priority sectors to international investors.
