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James Gunns Superman: Destined For Success Or Failure? Early Reviews Indicate A Positive Sign For The DCU

According to early critic reviews from pre-screenings, James Gunn’s attempt to reignite the love for superheroes just might have worked. Superman just might be the perfect first chapter to the DC Universe. A few years ago, James Gunn and Peter Safran announced their bold vision to do a hard reboot of the DC Universe by creating a bold unification of the different parts of the DC Universe. Under this new DCU, for the first time ever, the movies, TV shows, and video games would finally be united. This not only makes the world of DC more accessible and interconnected for the viewers but also allows creators the creative freedom to build strong individual stories.  Superman is the first of the bold, brave, and fresh efforts that James Gunn is spearheading, and with a fresh new face and a fresh new vision, things are risky. But that’s never stopped James Gunn before, and it sure isn’t stopping him now. And deep down, most fans are  behind him, because they know how much these stories mean to him. With both Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill out of the picture, James Gunn and David Corenswet had big shoes to fill. This was especially true since the first look at their new superhero film left the internet divided. Many people continued to laud Henry Cavill for his portrayal, as well as Zack Snyder for his brooding cinematography. Meanwhile, others decided to join the side of David Corenswet and James Gunn, saying that Superman is supposed to be more fun, relatable, and vulnerable.  Superman debuted with a rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes with 51 reviews, and as of writing this blog, stands at 85% against 154 reviews—which is very impressive.  Given recent trends in movie ratings – if the critics deem a movie as being so good, the audiences usually carry double the excitement. Even some movies that critics give low ratings end up getting a high rating from audiences. But even before these ratings came out, Superman was a pretty big deal. It’s a superhero that the entire world is familiar with, and even if some people weren’t, the over-the-top international marketing has taken care of it. Things definitely look great for Superman, but that doesn’t mean that the audience can’t turn around and have a different opinion.  The uncertainty is further reinforced by the fact that the movie’s going to be witnessed by an extremely diverse set of audiences, with hardcore, casual, and new audiences set to hit theaters—with each of them carrying a preconceived and unique notion about Superman. Whatever the case might be, we’ll find out when the caped superhero arrives in theaters on July 11th.

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Solar Solutions Will Empower MSMEs, Drive Economic Growth IBILE MFB CEO

From navigating rising energy costs to pioneering green finance partnerships, MD/CEO of IBILE Microfinance Bank, Adegboyega Kazeem, gives a compelling look at how institutions like IBILE MFB are not only bridging financial gaps, but also powering economic transformation, in this interview with GRACE EDEMA Some years ago, a lot microfinance banks suddenly shut down, what are some of the major challenges of running a microfinance bank in Nigeria? One of the biggest challenge microfinance banks faces is that of perception. That’s really the root of many issues. There’s a certain way the public views microfinance banks. That perception leads to distrust or hesitancy from customers, especially when they hear news about some shutting down. And unfortunately, once that trust is broken, it’s hard to recover. And you know, when those kinds of perceptions exist because we are a bank, it becomes a challenge. This is even though Nigerian microfinance banks are very well capitalised, enjoy deposit insurance from the NDIC, are closely regulated by the CBN, offer cutting-edge digital and other financial services as well as play an essential role in deepening financial inclusion. At IBILE Microfinance Bank, governance is very important to us. By this, I mean ensuring that the business is run efficiently, productively and in compliance with best practices and that these internal efficiencies lead to cost savings which are then passed on to the customer. That’s our philosophy. We have a Board of Directors that meets quarterly, weekly Executive Committee meetings, weekly, monthly & bi-monthly management meetings, as well as core operational strategy meetings every month, at a minimum. We also leverage on technology to ensure we remain efficient. From day one, our core banking system has been cloud-based, no physical servers. That enables real-time visibility into our financial performance. We get daily financial statements and can see what’s happening across the business. If we notice we’re losing customers to competitors, we can act immediately, maybe adjust pricing or improve customer service. The goal is to stay responsive and agile. Internally, we’re extremely prudent with expenses and pay attention to our most important resources, our people. We pay our staff on time, we remit pension and tax obligations without fail, and we also pay bonuses when we do well and provide staff loans when needed. So, while we demand performance, we also prioritise staff welfare and motivation. Despite all the challenges, from tight competition from fellow operators to contending with unregulated money lenders, our focus on good governance and accountability keeps us grounded. These money lenders are often not regulated by the CBN. They get state-issued licenses and then operate with little oversight, sometimes engaging in unethical practices. Meanwhile, we are fully regulated and send monthly reports to the CBN, Lagos State Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the Accountant General. Despite all that oversight, our focus remains: earn customer trust. If you consistently keep your promises and deliver value, your customers will stay with you. I’m proud to say that many customers who started with us as micro businesses have now grown into large enterprises, so large, in fact, that they challenge us to grow alongside them. That’s fulfilling, because that’s what drives national economic development. Empowering MSMEs and guiding them through their growth journey is how economies are transformed. What challenges have you encountered in Ibile Microfinance Bank? Now, to speak briefly on the challenges we face as a business, we are no different from others when it comes to energy costs. Businesses everywhere are grappling with rising power bills. I’ve spoken with CEOs who say they spend N3,000,000 to N5,000,000 monthly just on diesel or grid power for their offices. It’s a major strain, especially when trying to maintain affordability for our customers. But we understand that true sustainability doesn’t come from subsidies. Subsidies, unless they’re targeted and time-bound, don’t solve long-term problems. They might help in the short term, like when you’re supporting vulnerable groups, but in general, blanket subsidies aren’t efficient. The goal should be to create systems that are fair, transparent, and commercially viable, so that even when external support is withdrawn, the infrastructure can sustain itself. That’s how we build lasting and sustainable progress. Like I said earlier, we’ve had to put certain structures in place. For example, in this building, we have inverters on every floor, and we’ve also installed solar panels. If you look outside, you’ll see the solar panels on the roof. Even the ATM machine outside is powered by solar energy. At a certain point in the day, we shut down the generator. If there’s power from the grid, that’s fine. If not, we switch over to the inverter. That’s how we operate. And this is the reality of running a business in Nigeria today, whether you’re a small, medium, or large enterprise, you must pay attention to energy efficiency. We use solar and inverters so that we’re not relying on ACs all the time. It’s a conscious lifestyle choice, both at home and in the office. The key point here is this: if you want to be sustainable in business, you must manage your operating costs. For us, it’s critical. Every bit of cost savings we achieve is passed on to our customers. Take, for example, the low interest offers we’re giving customers now, six or seven years ago when we started, that wouldn’t have been possible. But as we’ve become more efficient, we’ve made deliberate choices to keep our products affordable. Why? First, it’s the right thing to do. And second, because in a competitive market, if you don’t offer better value, someone else will, and they’ll take your customers. So, it’s not optional; it’s a necessity. Do you think Nigeria is moving fast enough with solar and renewable energy adoption? Well, I can confidently say that this current administration recognises the urgency of the power problem. One of its first major achievements was working with the National Assembly to pass legislation that allows for greater state, kevel participation in the electricity sector. So, yes, progress is being made. It may not be as fast as we all would like, but the foundations are being laid and that’s critical for long-term change. That was one of the first things they did, and it shows they understand how critical power is to development. They also recognised that states in Nigeria differ significantly—different revenues, different population sizes, different levels of infrastructure, so it doesn’t make sense to group them all together under one rigid system. If a state has the resources to move at a faster pace, it should be given the freedom to do so. That flexibility can even have a ripple effect, encouraging other states to catch up. When you consider some of the incentives that have been introduced, it’s clear they are trying to stimulate progress. For example, there are now policies encouraging the importation and local setup of solar technologies. And let’s not forget: Nigeria has lithium. Under the Ministry of Solid Minerals, lithium has become a key focus. I know the federal government is currently in discussions with foreign investors to establish lithium mining operations in Nigeria. A lithium processing plant has also been established in Kaduna State. The idea is that once we start mining lithium domestically, the next logical step is to stop exporting the raw material and instead process it locally, by manufacturing or assembling batteries right here in Nigeria. But the reality is that decades of infrastructural deficit, especially in energy transmission and infrastructure, combined with currency devaluation mean this will take time and significant investment. This problem wasn’t created overnight, so it can’t be fixed overnight either. But I do believe the current administration is serious about addressing it. In fact, the president has said he wants to turn Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy, and power is central to that goal. They’re also talking about using domestic labour, which would kill several birds with one stone: reduce import costs, stimulate domestic production, and create jobs across the value chain. Think about what happened with the GSM revolution, how it transformed Nigeria’s economy. From vendors selling recharge cards to phone accessories, it created an entire ecosystem of new jobs and revenue streams. That same kind of transformation can happen with renewable energy, especially because we already have a critical raw material, lithium right here. Once you have that, it becomes easier to attract investment. That’s why we’ve seen the president and key ministers engaging other countries and promoting Nigeria’s economic potential. They’re actively encouraging foreign investors to look at sectors like energy, infrastructure, and tech. Why is the bank stepping in to support or facilitate access to solar energy for Nigerians, especially considering the current energy crisis? Lagos State has always shown a strong commitment to the welfare of its residents, particularly those at the base of the economic pyramid, individuals and the small businesses they run who are often financially excluded and underserved by other operators in the financial industry. These are the people the state is deeply concerned about and when you consider that an estimated 70 to 80 percent of businesses in Nigeria fall under the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) category, it becomes evident that this segment plays a critical role in the economy. Recognising this, the Lagos State Government saw the need to provide targeted financial support to these group of residents. This led to the creation of IBILE Microfinance Bank, an institution with a dual mission. Yes, we aim to generate returns, but purely for the sake of sustainability to ensure that funds remain available to provide customers with access to financial services without requiring future financial support from the government. More importantly, we also pursue a social mission to improve the living conditions of low-income individuals and small businesses, particularly in underserved areas. If you recall, the initial concept of microfinance took root globally with the establishment of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. That same foundational idea inspired Lagos State to set up a bank that guarantees access to finance for all economically active residents. Now, to answer your question about why we decided to introduce a solar energy product, When you look at the THEMES PLUS agenda of the current Lagos State administration, there’s a strong emphasis on health, the environment, and transforming Lagos into a 21st-century economy. Now, building a 21st-century economy aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as eradicating poverty and ensuring access to affordable, reliable energy. Energy is the foundation of all economic and social activities. It’s not just a concern for the poor, it affects everyone, including you and me. However, those at the bottom of the pyramid, the economically active poor, are disproportionately affected by energy costs. While the middle and upper classes may be able to gradually absorb rising energy prices over time, those at the grassroots level struggle. For them, energy is not just about lighting their homes; it’s also about powering the small businesses that sustain their livelihoods. Take, for example, a market woman who depends on her daily sales to feed her family, send her children to school, and support her household. Without reliable and affordable power, her entire economic foundation is at risk. In the current climate, where fuel subsidies have been removed and we’ve shifted to a cost-reflective energy pricing model, it became clear to us that the bank must step in to support its residents. We saw an opportunity to make a real impact. Transforming Lagos into a 21st-century economy is not just about generating more revenue or increasing state wealth. It’s about environmental sustainability, long-term economic stability, and improving the quality of life for all residents. We must also consider the environmental implications of whatever we do, greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and the health of our ecosystem. We shouldn’t only think about ourselves; we must think about future generations. That’s why there is now global momentum around green finance, such as green bonds, and increased attention to environmental responsibility. Lagos, being a coastal city, is especially vulnerable to the effects of global warming, rising sea levels, flooding, and temperature shifts. These are not distant concerns; they are already happening. So, our approach is two-fold: First, we want to contribute to the creation of a sustainable environment for Lagosians and Nigerians in general. Second, we aim to provide an affordable, practical energy solution that meets the day-to-day needs of our people. Our solar product is designed with these goals in mind. It harnesses solar energy, power from the sun to meet basic energy needs. The package includes a solar panel, a fan, an inverter, energy-efficient light bulbs, and extension cables. You can use it to charge essential devices like TVs, phones, small household equipment so even if the national grid fails, your daily activities and your business won’t grind to a halt. We believe this product will have meaningful impact. It’s not just about providing power it’s about empowering people, especially those at the base of the pyramid, and giving them the tools to thrive in today’s economy. That’s the heart of why we’re doing this. I’d like you to talk about this product in detail, how it works and the role of the bank in the process? Essentially, this is a partnership between IBILE Microfinance Bank and Solaris Global Technology, a company that provides solar energy solutions. Ordinarily, without the bank’s intervention, anyone interested in purchasing this product would have to pay the full cost upfront, in cash. The market price of the product is currently around N700,000 to N800,000. So, we approached Solaris Global Technology and said, ‘Let’s partner with you. We want to make this product affordable by offering financing options for our customers, with repayment of up to 12 months.’ We also leveraged the bank’s institutional influence. We told them, ‘Look, if someone walks into your store today, they’d be expected to pay N700,000 to N800,000. But through this partnership, we can drive volumes by attracting more customers. In exchange, we expect a price reduction.’ Based on that discussion, they agreed to bring down the cost to N600,000, a significant discount. Next, we addressed a common problem people, especially those at the base of the pyramid, face when seeking loans. Traditional banks often demand a substantial amount collateral which is not feasible for most people. As a microfinance bank, we are more flexible. While we still require some form of collateral, we accept movable assets registered with the National Collateral Registry. So instead of demanding landed property or shares, we can accept household items like a microwave, fridge, business inventory or even a vehicle. But in this case, we took it a step further the solar product itself serves as the collateral. There’s a small charge for insurance, which protects both the bank and the customer. And, as part of the Service Level Agreement we signed with Solaris Global Technology, they’ve agreed to provide a six-month warranty on the functionality of the product. Another major advantage is the product’s use of lithium-ion batteries, unlike traditional inverter systems that rely on wet or dry cell (tubular) batteries with lifespans of 2 to 4 years. Lithium-ion batteries can last up to eight years, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run. And since batteries are typically the most expensive part of any inverter system, this translates to real savings for users over time. So, given the current challenges in Nigeria,  inflation, high living costs, and limited access to credit, what advice would you give to MSMEs? First, formalise your business. Register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Doing so immediately gives you access to funding options that wouldn’t be available otherwise. Even though we sometimes lend to unregistered businesses, we are far more confident when dealing with registered entities. Having your business registered, paying taxes, and maintaining compliance makes it easier to access financial support, especially when government-backed loans or interventions become available. For instance, from time to time, both federal and state provide intervention funds that are disbursed through microfinance banks — but only to tax-compliant and formally registered businesses. We at IBILE Microfinance Bank are also uniquely positioned to help with this. We’re the only microfinance bank in Lagos State currently authorized to collect taxes on behalf of the Lagos State Government. So, whether you’re paying land use charges or personal income taxes, PAYE for your company staff, you can do so through our branch, agents, or online portals. I know many Nigerians have a strained relationship with the idea of paying taxes. They question what the government is doing with their money. But being tax-compliant not only opens doors to government support and contracts, it also builds credibility. There are also development finance institutions like Bank of Industry and Development Bank of Nigeria, which offer loans at concessionary rates. But again, to qualify, your business must meet basic requirements: BVN, NIN, tax ID, and registration. You must be traceable. If you have no traceable identity, you won’t get access — no serious institution will take that risk. We also host free trainings and workshops to teach our customers about business ethics, financial literacy, and how to organize their books. Because one of the biggest challenges small businesses face is poor record-keeping. When a business approaches a bank without a name, structure, or financial history, how do you assess their creditworthiness? It’s difficult. But when a customer has been operating formally and responsibly, the conversation moves from ‘Can we give you a loan?’ to ‘How much do you qualify for?’ That’s the shift we want our MSMEs to make. Ultimately, the goal is not to remain small. Move from micro to small, then to medium. One day, who knows? You could be the next Dangote or BUA. That’s what we’re working towards, building future giants, one small business at a time.

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No Peace For The Dead: Grave Desecrations Mark Renewed Jukun-Tiv Crisis

He fled the conflict and died in exile, longing for home. But even in death, there was no peace. Hours after his burial in Wukari, Taraba State, the remains of a retired school director Michael Usange, was dug up from his grave and burnt by suspected ethnic militias, a chilling act that has shocked the nation, The PUNCH reports “They burnt my father,” Joseph Usange said, weeping profusely. In a country where the living struggle to find safety, the dead in Taraba State are now also being denied peace. On the morning of June 28, 2025, a quiet procession made its way to the ancestral village of Chiina, nestled along the Wukari-Chinkai road in Taraba State. The mourners had one simple, sacred mission: to bury their father, Mr. Michael Usange, a retired educationist and internally displaced Tiv elder, who died in exile after fleeing from the long-standing Jukun-Tiv crisis. He was a man who had spent his life in the service of education, once a respected Director at the Taraba State Teaching Service Board. But when violence consumed his home in 2019, he fled with nothing but the clothes on him and a heart broken by the flames of ethnic hatred. Usange died far from the place he called home, in Kyado, Benue State, where he had lived for six years as a displaced person. His dying wish, his family said, was to be buried on his ancestral land. But even in death, his final wish was shattered, igniting fresh outrage and highlighting the deep scars of the Jukun-Tiv crisis. Thus, what should have been a peaceful farewell for the dead suddenly turned into a scene of unimaginable horror, a chilling nightmare as just hours after his burial, suspected militia members descended on the grave, exhumed his corpse, and set it ablaze. And instead of a final goodbye, it became a petrifying moment for the Usanges and the entire Chiina community. “We just wanted to lay him to rest,” Joseph Usange, the deceased’s eldest son, said, his voice still trembling. “We begged. We pleaded. But they came with fire and hatred. They burnt our father like a heap of refuse.” The act was not only a desecration of the dead, it ignited deep, raw emotions across communities and beyond, opening fresh wounds in a state scarred by decades of unhealed ethnic conflict. The story of the Jukun-Tiv crisis is one that many in Taraba and Nigeria at large know too well, but have done too little to resolve. Rooted in long-standing disputes over land ownership, political representation, and the controversial “indigene-settler” dichotomy, the Jukun-Tiv conflict has persisted for decades. It flares up without warning, devours lives and livelihoods, and fades into silence until it erupts again. The Tiv-Jukun conflict in Taraba State is a long-standing issue with roots tracing back to colonial times and fueled by disputes over land ownership, political representation, and resource control. Recurring clashes have resulted in significant loss of life and property, with the most devastating incidents occurring in 1991/1992, 2001/2002, and 2019/2020. The core of the conflict revolves around the Jukun’s claim to be the original inhabitants of Wukari and the Tiv’s assertion of being long-term residents with equal rights. This disagreement over indigene-settler status is a recurring theme in many Nigerian communal clashes. The Tiv have historically felt marginalised in Taraba, particularly in terms of political representation and access to economic opportunities and their perception of inequality fuels their grievances. The British administration’s delegation of power to the Hausa-Fulani, who were seen as allies, led to resentment among non-Muslim minorities like the Tiv, who often sided with southern political parties while the Jukun, conversely, aligned with the Northern Peoples’ Congress. The conflict escalated following political disagreements during the 1959 federal elections, marking the beginning of open confrontations. Violent clashes were recorded in 1959, 1964, 1976, 1991-1992, and during the 2000-2001 period. The more recent crises in 2001/2002 and 2019/2020 were particularly severe, possibly due to advancements in weaponry and warfare strategies. The most recent escalation began on April 1, 2019, in Kente village. What started as a minor disagreement rapidly spiralled into widespread violence. Entire villages were razed, families torn apart, and thousands, mostly Tiv, were displaced across Wukari, Ibi, Donga, and Takum local government areas. According to the Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council in Taraba, a self-determined leadership group among the Tiv, without government official recognition, over 240 Tiv villages have been emptied since then. Farmlands have been seized, homes destroyed, and efforts to resettle displaced persons thwarted by fear and systemic inaction. Among the displaced during the last crisis were the late Michael Usange and his family. “He always hoped we would return,” Joseph said. “He kept saying, ‘no matter how far I go, my bones will rest in China.’ That was all he asked for, just that, but even that final wish was denied.” Desecration that shook the state The burning of Usange’s corpse was not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, the family of another deceased Tiv woman, Mrs. Atisaa Injuur Bem, was attacked while returning from her funeral in Tor-Iorshaer village. Her relatives alleged that Jukun youths, acting on the orders of the Wukari Local Government chairman, Dauda Agbu Samaila, demanded a N300,000 fine for burying a Tiv person in “unauthorised territory” and later exhumed the woman’s remains. “This is no longer about conflict, it’s persecution,” Peter Achibo, a prominent Tiv IDP leader in Wukari, said. “The dead deserve dignity, the living deserve justice.” Human rights groups, civil society organisations and faith-based coalitions have not remained silent. “We are horrified,” Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Civic Engagement, Amina Kifasi, said. “This is a grotesque violation of both human rights and African traditions. Even in war, the dead are sacred.” The Coalition for Civil Rights Advocates in Taraba called the exhumations “acts of terror” and demanded immediate action from the Taraba State Government. “How can this be happening in 2025? We thought we had seen the worst. But this latest one is a step into the abyss,” CCRAT spokesman, Comrade Joseph Ande, said. At the heart of the Jukun-Tiv crisis lies the land, the contested soil of southern Taraba. To the Tiv, Wukari is home and generations upon generations of their people have lived there together with the Jukuns. To many Jukun, the Tiv are latecomers, settlers who must earn their place through recognition, taxation, or displacement. The recent plan to convert nearly 200 hectares of land in Tiv concentrated areas along the Wukari-Kente road into a permanent military barracks has added fuel to the fire lately. In May, Tiv women and children held a peaceful protest against the project, holding placards that read “Our Land Is Our Life” and “Barracks Can’t Replace Ancestry.” “This is our only means of survival,” said Mama Mnena Ioryisa, a 70-year-old widow and protester. “If they take this land, what’s left for our children?” Farming is the economic backbone of southern Taraba. Both Jukun and Tiv communities depend heavily on agriculture; yam, maize, rice, and cassava to feed their families and sustain local markets. But the crisis has severely crippled productivity. Farmlands lie fallow, markets are deserted, and hunger looms. “You cannot farm on fear,” said Rev. Solomon Uji of the Taraba Interethnic Peace Forum. “Until we resolve this crisis, we are just postponing famine.”  Leadership test for Kefas Many of the groups that condemned the desecration of the corpses also pointed fingers at the state government, accusing it of turning a blind eye to the deepening humanitarian crisis. “This happened in the hometown of Governor Agbu Kefas,” said Dr. Ioryila Tersoo, President of the Tiv Youth Council Worldwide. “And yet, there’s no word from him. Silence is complicity.” Governor Kefas, a retired military officer, was recently named Security Man of The Year by journalists in the state for his role in curbing urban violence and banditry. But critics argue that his silence on the rural ethnic conflict undermines that accolade. “Peace isn’t about tanks and uniforms, it’s about justice and inclusion,” said Pastor Uji Tamen of NKST family. “The governor must summon the courage to confront the ethnic divisions tearing his state apart.” But despite the fear, some Jukun voices have broken ranks to speak up. Elder Benjamin Angyu, a retired school principal and community leader in Jalingo, the state capital, described the burning of the corpses as “an abomination.” “This is not the Jukun way,” Angyu further told The PUNCH. “We believe in ancestral honour. Those who did this are not acting in our name. The Tiv are our neighbours, our brothers. We must find a way back to peace.” Angyu is not alone in this school of thought. A respected woman and community leader, Mrs. Rebecca, said, “Every time a child is orphaned, every time a widow cries, we all lose,” she said. “We must stop justifying violence and start healing.” Experts and stakeholders agree that military deployments and arrests will not, on their own, bring peace. What is needed is a structured, government-led initiative to rebuild trust, restore displaced persons, and reconcile communities. “People need to be heard,” said Rev. Uji. “The government must provide the platform, and both sides must bring their truth, not their weapons.” As the sun sets over Chiina village, the grave of Michael Usange lies empty. His ashes, scattered by hate, cry out for justice. His son Joseph stands quietly beside what remains of the tomb. “I don’t want revenge,” he said. “I just want peace, real peace, the kind my father never got to see.” In that moment, Joseph speaks not just for his family, but for thousands of displaced people yearning to return, to rebuild, and to forgive. And unless the state listens, truly listens, Taraba may continue to bury its future in shallow graves.

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Working With Funke Akindele Changed My Life Tobi Makinde

Actor and podcast host, Tobi Makinde, has said that working with popular actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, changed his life. Makinde, who has featured in Akindele’s movies such as A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa, told Sunday Scoop, “The first time I worked with Funke, I knew I was standing on holy ground when it came to excellence. She’s not just talented, she’s intentional, focused and relentless in the best way. I watched her run massive productions with a calm sense of control, then step in front of the camera and give 110 per cent. That level of dedication rubs off on one. It forces one to rise to the occasion. Working with her has been a masterclass, not just in acting, but in how to carry oneself as a creative. It changed how I approach everything.” The role interpreter who started out acting as a child actor in Kamsi and Neighbours also recounted how his work helped a fan through tough times.He said, “There was a day I’ll never forget. I was out in public when a young woman saw me, and she just froze. She started fidgeting, clearly emotional, and then said, ‘Your work helped me through a really hard time’. In that moment, it hit me: this isn’t just about acting or being on screen. It’s about impact. One never knows who’s watching, who is healing because of a story one told. That interaction grounded me. It reminded me that what we do isn’t small. It can reach into someone’s darkness and bring light.” Makinde who recently ventured into podcasting with the The Tobi Makinde Show said it has made him know the importance of real stories. “I never imagined how different storytelling could feel until I started hosting the show. In film and television, there’s a script. You know your lines. You know where the story is going. But with the podcast, it’s different. It’s just me, my guest, and the truth.”