Lagos Celebrates New Guinness World Records Title As 'Black Market' Premiere Attracts 51,258 Attendees

Nigerian cinema achieved a monumental global milestone as the grand premiere of the highly anticipated crime thriller, “Black Market”, officially broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Attendance at a Film Premiere/Screening.

The historic event took place at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island, on Saturday, 26th September, 2026, drawing an unprecedented crowd of film lovers and industry stakeholders.

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat,  alongside the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, commended stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative industry following the successful attempt to set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest film premiere attendance at the premiere of “Black Market” in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Hamzat congratulated the organisers and thousands of Nigerians who turned out to support the historic record attempt, stressing that Nigeria is endowed with enormous creative talent and that the government has a responsibility to create the right infrastructure and opportunities for such talent to thrive.

The Deputy Governor said Lagos State remains committed to developing its cultural and creative industry, noting that the sector represents an important aspect of the State’s soft power and economic development.

He said that while government investment in roads, hospitals, and other physical infrastructure remains important, it must give equal attention to the creative and cultural space.

He highlighted Hollywood's global influence and urged Nollywood to keep expanding its global impact, noting the importance of partnerships and initiatives that can strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy.

Dr. Hamzat commended everyone who registered, attended and supported the record attempt, describing their participation as an important contribution to the growth of Lagos State and Nigeria’s creative industry.

He also encouraged attendees to remain calm and orderly as the verification process was being concluded, expressing optimism that the record attempt would be successful.

Earlier, the producer of Black Market, Nora Awolowo, welcomed the thousands of attendees who gathered for the premiere, describing the occasion as an experience that had grown beyond the film itself.

Awolowo noted that the gathering of thousands of people under one sky, united by one screen and one story, had made every attendee part of the historic moment.

She urged the audience to embrace and remember the significance of the occasion, describing it as an opportunity to demonstrate what can happen when people dare to dream beyond the ordinary.

Following the screening and verification process, Director of Central Record Services and Official Adjudicator for Guinness World Records, Mark McKinley, officially announced that the record attempt had been successful.

McKinley explained that only attendees who were present at both the beginning and end of the premiere could be counted towards the final record total. He added that attendees were permitted to leave the screening temporarily for comfort breaks, but anyone who failed to return or left the venue before the end of the film would not be included in the final count.

He noted that the previous record stood at 43,624 attendees, achieved in 2015 in the Philippines.

After reviewing the relevant documentation, personally witnessing the attempt and completing the required guideline verifications, McKinley announced that the team from Switch Visuals Limited and Rizzle Studios had achieved a total attendance of 51,258, thereby setting a new Guinness World Records title.

He also commended Switch Visuals, Executive Producer, GWR Event, Damilola Osikoya, and Rizzle Studios, Producer, BlackMarket Movie, Nora Awolowo, for what he described as exceptional organisation and leadership in executing the record-breaking event.

The historic premiere featured music, food and games. The event attracted notable personalities and celebrities, including Executive Producer BlackMarket Movie, Omowumi Dada, Femi Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Bimpe Adedimeji, Real Warri Pikin and Tomi Ojo, among others.

The event was supported by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, alongside several corporate partners, reinforcing Lagos State’s commitment to the growth of tourism, arts, culture and the creative economy.

“Black Market” is a crime thriller directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and produced by Nora Awolowo. The film stars Omowunmi Dada, Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Scarlet Gomez, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Ibrahim Yekini (Itele D Icon), and Uzor Arukwe, among others.

The achievement further underscores Lagos’ growing position as a hub for entertainment, cultural expression and creative enterprise, while showcasing the capacity of Nigeria’s film industry to achieve milestones of international recognition.

#AGreaterLagosRising

#LASG

Education District 1, Agege Celebrates High-Scoring Student At WASSCE

Eniola Ajose

Lagos State Education District I, Agege, led by Dr. Oyetola Olufunke Idowu has celebrated the performance of one of the District's students, Miss Esther Chíoma Joseph of Keke Senior High School, who was recently given the "WASSCE 2024 Best Student” Award and “Certificate of Participation” by the Nigeria Computer Society, Lagos Branch (NCSLagos) for excelling in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) with 9 A’s.

In recognition of her previous academic excellence, Keke Senior High School sponsored her education from Senior Secondary SSI-SSIII. Miss Chíoma, who is 18 years of age and hails from Anambra State, work as a domestic assistant within the Ifako-Ijaiye Housing Estate. She has on several occasions demonstrated her remarkable diligence, discipline, and determination in the pursuit of her education. Her outstanding performance and inspiring journey stand as a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the transformative impact of educational support.

The student, in her quest to excel in education, not limiting her status, has recently secured admission to study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan.

The TG/PS Education District I, Agege,  Dr. Oyetola Olufunke Idowu, further congratulated the student and also appreciated the school for the laudable support given to encourage her.

The TG/PS stated that the Lagos State Government, through its THEMES Development Agenda, particularly for education, is committed to leaving no student behind, just as she commended the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his passion and continued support towards upgrading the state education system to be at par with international standards.

ACMAP Celebrates Johnson Babatunde on the occasion of his birthday

Yomi Durojaye 

The Association of Agege and Orile-Agege Community Media Practitioners(ACMAP) recently presented a birthday gift to the Executive Chairman of Orile-Agege Lcda, Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde on the occasion of his birthday held few weeks ago, the presentation which was planned to come on the exact date of his Birthday but was postponed due to an unexpected event which happened at that period. 

ACMAP Celebrates Johnson Babatunde on the occasion of his birthday

According to the Chairman of the Association, Comr. Oloyede Kolawole, while presenting the Gift on behalf of the Association; said, “ Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde has successfully made a masterpiece out of Orile-Agege Lcda. The Gift presentation is a confirmation of the Executive Chairmans unrelenting efforts to transform Orile-Agege Lcda. He said his popularity and credence as a performing Council Chairman who has continued to use the Councils resources for the common good of all.

“His exemplary leadership qualities have continued to redefine governance and leadership not only at the Grassroot level, but also in Lagos State-Nigeria at large. This has led to the birth of many laudable projects witnessed in the Local Council Development Area."

Meanwhile, ACMAP Chairman reiterated, Hon. Johnson Babatunde fondly called "Mr Project" has so far shown a firm resolve to creating a better reality for everyone in Orile-Agege Lcda, he has made Orile-Agege, a model Council area and Community of good governance and we are quite delighted that he is being recognised and celebrated all over the world. 

He also commended the efforts and contributions of members of his cabinet for the supporting Spirit.

 "The success recorded so far wouldn't have been made possible if not for the support and collective contributions of all the Cabinet members and other elected political office holders in Orile-Agege Lcda, the Councillors representating different political wards and other major stakeholders. The Synergy has brought so many people oriented developmental projects and achievements to to Council area,'' Oloyede said.

It is valid to celebrate and honour a man who has given so much to his community,  people and humanity.

While responding to the team, Hon. Johnson Babatunde appreciated the association for celebrating him and also for standing by him always. 

He said, the association has served as a watchdog over the activities of his administration and  report his administration activities without bias which has yielded so many positive results. 

Hon. Johnson Babatunde, promised not to relent on his efforts and mission to continue with his Infrastructural renewal drive and passion to impact lives and empowered residents of Orile-Agege Lcda. 

Members of  Agege and Orile-Agege Community Media Practitioners who made the special honour and celebration possible are, AgegeTvOnline, Political Platform 101, Agege, Agege Parrottv, Agege Pulse, Grassroots Times, HotnewsNaija, Agege Community Radio, Awarawa Tv. and Orile-Agege Media.

Obasa @52: Photos As Lagos Speaker Celebrates With School Kids

Yomi Durojaye 

- warns students against social vices

- Aminat Alege, victim of shot teargas canister, gets N5m

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday celebrated with children from various schools in the State as part of activities to mark his 52nd birthday which comes up on November 11.

Aminat Alege, victim of shot teargas canister, gets N5m

Dr. Obasa, who gifted brilliant pupils from across the 20 local government areas of Lagos and students in the six districts of the state with cash rewards, urged the children to abstain from social vices as such could redirect their purposes in life.

At the event which was held at the Oyewole Primary School, Agege, the Speaker said he loves celebrating his birthday with school children as a way to motivate them and make them serious with their studies.

"We want you to develop that confidence, that dream that you will become something tomorrow. This was my school. As a child, I never thought that I would be where I am today.

"Therefore, you must be hardworking. It does not matter the name of your school, what matters is your ability and how much you can put into your study. So start reading now.

"I was in class three when I finished preparing the processes for WAEC exams. I can display my result and how I passed at one sitting. You don't have to feel oppressed because you're not in a private school. That's why we are always here to encourage you and make you see that you're truly our future.

"You can be better than us but you must make sure you are serious with your education. I want a situation where in the future, you would remember today and also find yourself in positions to inspire others.

"Please, I beg you. Never give in to crime. For the girls, do not be corrupted or influenced negatively. Don't be enticed with money. Be upright and adopt morality," the Speaker advised.

AMINAT ALEGE: 12-YEAR-OLD STUDENT SHOT IN EYE GETS N5M

One of the highlights of the event was the award of N5 million to Aminat Alege, the student who was mistakenly hit in the eye by a teargas canister shot by a policeman on February 9, 2024.

The money was contributed by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly as part of efforts to help the victim's family mitigate the educational challenge she may have faced since the incident.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues during the presentation of a cheque to Aminat's parents, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, (Eti-Osa II), said Speaker Obasa had been disturbed since the incident happened to the student of the Adams Yakubu Memorial school Agege.

He said the lawmakers decided to assist after watching Aminat's parents appeal for assistance from the public.

"There was a programme where the parents cried out for assistance. So we at the Lagos State House of Assembly have contributed the sum of N5 million. We have also offered a scholarship for the young lady so that she can continue her education," he said.

The lawmakers further donated 15 computer sets to three schools, Oyewole Primary School, Thomas Aquinas school and Royal Apple School.

2 STUDENTS WIN SCHOLARSHIPS

For winning in a current affairs question-and-answer session, two students at the event won scholarships by the chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, Babatunde Johnson.

Ishola Moyinoluwa of Ikeja Junior High School and Isiaka Bashar Ayomiposi of Eko Junior College were among the students who participated in the competition.

While Moyinoluwa came first, Ayomiposi came second during the competition.

Commending Obasa, Mr. Johnson, noted God's mercies on the Speaker who he described as "a leader that has paid his dues."

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, said Obasa had become a pride to the people of Agege because of the massive infrastructural development the Speaker has attracted to the area.

Speaking for the educational sector, Tutor-General Adekanye Oladele, commended the Speaker for always uplifting education in the state.

She promised that the students would continue to make the state proud

Eromosele Ebhomele II 

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

ISLAND MATERNITY HOSPITAL CELEBRATES WORLD PHARMACISTS DAY

Yomi Durojaye 

...Offers Free Medicals For Participants

The Lagos Island Maternity Hospital (LIMH) has joined counterparts worldwide to celebrate the Y2024 World Pharmacists Day with a series of health activities put in place for the benefit of patients, relatives and staff.

This year's edition, which took place under the theme: "Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs", saw personnel of the Department coming out in customised attire to showcase the role Pharmacists play in healthcare; ensuring safe and effective medication as well as promoting wellness of people in the society. 

The first day of the two-day event took place inside the Hospital Conference Room, with experts from notable Pharmaceutical Companies as well as personnel of the Department, lecturing on the theme of the event, the right dosage to take to ensure drugs effectiveness, as well as harmful effect of drug abuse.

The Car Park was the venue for Day two of the event, as personnel of the Department, led by the Head, Pharmacist Solape Adebayo, fully engaged in sensitisation and awareness creation campaign dance around the hospital environment, including the Health Service Commission premises with banners and handbills to share.

Free Medicals, like BP checks, Blood Sugar, Malaria and Hypertension tests, were also carried out, including free medicines and gift items for those in attendance.

Speaking on the event, the Medical Director, Dr. Olufemi Omololu sees the role played by Pharmacists in healthcare vital.

He praised the hospital's team of Pharmacists for working tirelessly to promote wellness and making that difference in the lives of patients, on daily basis.

On the reason for the celebration, Head of Department, Pharmacy, Pharm. Solape Adebayo said the day is set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to appreciate the hard work, resilience, commitment and dedication of Pharmacists to a healthier society.

She equally counselled patients against purchasing prescription medications from unauthorised sources, to avoid unnecessary problems.

#WorldPharmacistsDay 

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG