Category: Auto Guid

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has intensified efforts to expand Nigeria’s film industry beyond its traditional strongholds, identifying Kaduna as a key location for indigenous film development and capacity building.

This direction was made clear during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the NFVCB’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shaibu Husseini, at the Federal Secretariat Conference Hall in Kaduna. The meeting brought together representatives from film guilds, associations, and officials from the Kaduna State Ministry of Business and Innovation.

At the session, Dr. Husseini outlined the Board’s plan to host the grand finale of the Nigerian Indigenous Film Showcase in Kaduna – a move widely seen as a strategic push to stimulate local production, promote talent development, and boost economic activity within the state’s growing creative ecosystem.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the Board’s broader vision of using the creative sector as a tool for economic expansion across different regions in Nigeria. According to him, decentralising industry opportunities will not only empower emerging filmmakers but also strengthen the overall value chain of the Nigerian film industry..

Beyond the showcase, the NFVCB also announced plans to roll out a series of capacity-building programmes aimed at equipping filmmakers with modern skills required to compete in an increasingly dynamic global industry.

On regulatory compliance, Dr. Husseini reiterated the Board’s stance against unapproved film releases on digital platforms such as YouTube, warning that stricter enforcement measures will be implemented. He urged practitioners to adhere to established guidelines to ensure professionalism and maintain industry standards.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Rhoda Dandura, Acting Director of the Licensing and Documentation Department, called for greater responsibility in storytelling. She emphasised the importance of value-driven content, particularly in safeguarding younger audiences.

Stakeholders described the engagement as both productive and enlightening, noting that it provided clarity on regulatory expectations while reinforcing the Board’s commitment to industry growth. In a show of support, a representative of the Kaduna State Ministry of Business and Innovation, Mr. Zwahu Yanwaidi, pledged the ministry’s backing for the planned showcase and training initiatives.

Closing the session, Dr. Husseini assured participants of continued collaboration, promising to return to Kaduna to sustain the momentum generated. The development signals a growing recognition of Kaduna as a viable and emerging hub in Nigeria’s evolving film landscape.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted that it will field credible candidates for the elections in 2027 despite what it called ‘recent distractions.’

The reaction came on Saturday as Alhaji Buba Galadima, a close ally of the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said the ADC would not produce candidates in 2027, describing the Supreme Court ruling as a booby trap.

Reacting to this suggestion from him and in some quarters that the party will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections, the ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party remained focused on its set objectives to rescue the country from the misgovernance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and save the country from the travesty of a one-party dictatorship.

The party said it remains the country’s primary opposition platform, with a clear focus on organising, mobilising, and preparing to win the 2027 general elections.

The ADC spokesman dismissed such views as unfounded and mischievous scaremongering, with no basis in reality or in any law.

The party said Nigerians should disregard baseless assertions, noting that the party is fully compliant with all legal requirements and is actively building the structures necessary to contest and win elections at all levels.

Abdullahi said there is no legal impediment to ADC participation in the 2027 elections, describing any suggestion to the contrary as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and dampen the growing momentum around our party.

He urged members, supporters, and all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these baseless assertions, stressing that ‘The task before us is too important to be derailed by speculation.’

The statement read: ‘The African Democratic Congress wishes to state, clearly and unequivocally, that we remain focused on our mission to rescue Nigeria from the failure of the APC-led government and to prevent the dangerous slide toward a one-party state.

‘We have taken note of recent suggestions that the ADC will not produce candidates in the 2027 elections. We find such claims to be entirely unfounded, mischievous, and designed to create confusion where none exists. They have no basis in law, in fact, or in the reality of our preparations as a political party.

‘Let us be clear. The ADC will present candidates in the 2027 general elections. Not just candidates, but credible, competent, and nationally acceptable candidates who are capable of leading this country out of its current crisis.

‘We remain a law-abiding political party, fully compliant with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

‘The ADC stands today as the primary opposition platform in Nigeria, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are not distracted by noise. We are focused on the real work, organising across the country, mobilising Nigerians who are tired of insecurity, rising costs of living, and limited opportunities, and building the structures required not just to contest, but to win.’

The Baptist Medical Centre, Saki, Oyo State, on Friday formally admitted 100 students into its National Diploma programme at the College of Nursing Sciences for the 2025/2026 academic session, marking the institution’s second matriculation ceremony since inception.

The ceremony, held at the college auditorium within the medical centre, drew a large gathering of parents, guardians, members of the college management, and the institution’s governing board.

Administering the oath of allegiance to the fresh students, the School Registrar, Pastor Mathew Olomitutu, charged them to uphold the ethics, dignity, and professional standards of nursing throughout their academic journey. He reminded the matriculants that nursing was a calling anchored on service, compassion, and discipline.

In his address, the Chairman of the Governing Board and Chief Medical Director of the institution, Dr. Adekanye Stephen, urged the students to remain focused and committed to excellence.

He commended parents and guardians for their unwavering support towards the growth of the college, noting that their investment in the students’ education would yield future dividends for the health sector.

Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, Dr. Elizabeth Olaogun, encouraged the new intakes to demonstrate diligence, discipline, and hard work as the surest path to academic success. She reiterated the college’s commitment to producing competent nurses who would uphold the Baptist heritage of quality healthcare delivery.

Other dignitaries present at the event included Mrs. Tinu Olaleye, who represented the Director of Nursing Services, Oyo State; Dr. Theophilus Ojebode; Dr. Daramola, Deputy Provost; Rev. Dr. Oyelade; and Rev. Dr. Adeniyi, Chaplain of the school, among others.

The matriculation brings the total number of student nurses admitted into the college since its establishment to over 200, as the institution continues to position itself as a growing hub for nursing education in Oke Ogun, Oyo North Senatorial district, and Oyo State in general.

A governorship aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amofin Beulah Adeoye, on Thursday picked his Expression of Interest form at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, formally signalling his intention to contest the 2027 election.

Adeoye took the step hours after the Supreme Court judgment, positioning himself among the early aspirants from Oyo State under the PDP to declare interest in the race.

The legal practitioner said his ambition is driven by his ‘Igba-Otun’ agenda, which focuses on industrialisation, security, healthcare, education, agro-industrial growth and rural enterprise.

According to him, his political aspiration is aimed at advancing inclusive development and fostering equity, justice and sustainable progress in the state.

There was a buzz of excitement in elite circles as billionaire industrialist, AbdulSamad Rabiu, made a rare public appearance at the recent Lagos Nikkai ceremony between the daughter of Razaq Okoya, Raheeda and Iman, the son of late Ambassador Abubakar Gobir.

The private but high-profile gathering drew a select mix of royalty, business heavyweights and close family associates. Yet, it was Rabiu’s presence that quietly stole attention, given his well-known preference for staying out of the social spotlight.

Chairman of BUA Group, Rabiu, was said to have attended as part of a distinguished delegation of businessmen, adding a layer of prestige to the already exclusive ceremony. Guests were seen exchanging pleasantries with the soft-spoken billionaire, whose influence in Nigeria’s economic landscape continues to command respect.

The Nikkai itself reflected elegance and tradition, uniting two prominent families in a ceremony marked by simplicity, class and cultural depth.

For many attendees, however, Rabiu’s appearance remained one of the defining moments of the event, an uncommon sight that elevated an already memorable occasion into one that will be talked about in society circles for a long time.

The Vice-Chancellor of Minaret University, Ikirun, owned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, has charged the institution’s pioneer students to uphold strong moral character, academic discipline, and a passion for research.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdur-Rahman Abdullah, gave the charge on Thursday during the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony held at its mini campus in Ikirun.

The ceremony formally inducted 12 pioneer students into the academic community, marking a historic milestone for the institution.

Prof. Abdullah emphasised that true education requires a balance between intellectual development and sound moral character, urging the students to remain focused and disciplined throughout their academic journey.

Describing them as trailblazers, the Chancellor of the university and Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Alatoye, encouraged the students to set high standards.

‘You will be remembered as those who set the standard, academically, socially, and morally,’ he said.

The 12 matriculating students took the academic oath and were admitted into various departments, including Computer Science (seven students), Information Technology (one), Cyber Security (two), and Accounting (two).

The university expressed optimism that the pioneer cohort would lay a strong foundation for the institution’s future growth and excellence.

The leadership of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter, has categorically dissociate itself from the recent statement issued by a group of individuals claiming to have resigned en masse from the party.

The PRP in a statement issued on Friday, stated that, ‘We find it quite astonishing and indeed baffling, that persons who are neither members nor known by the leadership of PRP at any level, would have the audacity to claim to have resigned from our party and to have held positions within it.’

It stressed that,’This act of rascality and deliberate misrepresentation is a clear attempt to attract undue attention and create confusion where none exists.’

The PRP further stated that, ‘We wish to state unequivocally, that these individuals are not members of the PRP, neither are they recognized leaders within the party’s structure.

‘A simple due diligence check at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Bauchi will confirm the authenticity of our genuine members and leaders.’

‘Such a check will also reveal that the claims of holding positions within the party by these individuals are baseless and unfounded,’ It added.

According to the party, ‘It is important to underscore that the PRP remains steadfast in its commitment to its founding principles, and we do not need to respond to idle threats or fabricated claims by impostors and attention seekers.’

‘Our party’s records are well-maintained, and the genuine members and leadership are clearly documented, existing and remain intact without anyone resigning,’ It added.

The PRP urged the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard the false claims and to rely on verified information, stating, ‘The real and recognized leaders of PRP in Bauchi State are identifiable through proper channels and official records.’

In conclusion, the PRP assured that it remains united and focused on its mission to serve the interests of the masses and uphold the integrity of our party, as contained in a statement signed by Hon. Abdurrahman Yusuf Mu’azu, State Chairman.

The President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, has joined millions across the nation to celebrate the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers.

This was contained in a statement he issued to newsmen on Friday, which he personally signed.

The statement noted that ‘this day is not merely symbolic; it is a solemn reminder of the dignity of labour and the critical role workers play in shaping the socio-economic fabric of our country.

‘Across industries and sectors, Nigerian workers continue to demonstrate courage and commitment, even in the face of persistent challenges.

‘As representatives of the student community and future drivers of the workforce, we recognise that the strength of any nation lies in how well it values and protects its labour force.

‘It is therefore imperative that policies and systems are strengthened to guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth and innovation.

‘In the enduring words of Chinua Achebe, a strong foundation sustains every structure. Our workers remain that foundation, and their welfare must never be compromised.

‘NAPS stands in solidarity with all Nigerian workers in the collective pursuit of justice, equity, and national development. Together, we can build a nation where labour is not only rewarded but respected.’

Coalition of political stakeholders and opinion leaders on Saturday formally presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging him to join the Abia State governorship race.

The forms were formally presented to Kalu in Abuja by the stakeholders who disclosed that the decision was driven by Hon. Kalu’s track record in public service and leadership at the national level.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the group leader, James Uko-Kalu who hails from Abia North Senatorial District, described the Deputy Speaker as a unifying figure whose performance in the National Assembly has distinguished him as a capable leader.

According to him, Hon. Kalu’s journey since his election into the House of Representatives in 2019 has been marked by notable legislative contributions and effective representation, particularly in his role as spokesperson of the House and now as deputy speaker.

‘We are here because we recognise the invaluable contributions the Deputy Speaker has made to Nigeria’s legislative process, resulting in tangible developments. From 2019 till date, we have followed his work closely and can attest to his outstanding performance,’ he said.

He added that Hon. Kalu’s leadership style, which emphasises consensus-building, peace, and inclusiveness, is what Abia State currently needs.

‘I personally toured several communities across our constituency and witnessed first-hand the projects executed under his leadership. Professionals and stakeholders alike are convinced that this is the right time for him to replicate that same spirit of statesmanship at the state level,’ Igwe noted.

Also speaking, retired Major General Jack Nwaogbu from Abia Central Senatorial District commended Hon. Kalu for fostering unity within the APC in the state and across the South-East region.

He observed that the party, which previously suffered internal divisions that weakened its performance in the 2023 general elections, has witnessed significant revitalisation in recent months.

‘In the past seven months, there has been a remarkable rejuvenation of the party, largely due to the efforts of the Deputy Speaker and other well-meaning leaders who returned the party to its grassroots base,’ Okechukwu said.

He expressed confidence that Hon. Kalu’s ability to bring together diverse political interests positions him as the right candidate to lead Abia State and deliver good governance.

Similarly, Barrister Uzo Azubuike, representing Abia South Senatorial District, described the delegation as ‘messengers of the people,’ conveying a collective appeal for Hon. Kalu to contest the governorship.

Barrister Azubike urged the Deputy Speaker to prioritise the governorship ambition, stressing that his leadership offers the best opportunity for progress in the state.

Responding, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, expressed deep appreciation to the stakeholders for what he described as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and service.

He assured that he would carefully consult with relevant political actors and well-wishers before making a definitive pronouncement on the request in the coming days.

Hon. Kalu commended the delegation for adopting dialogue and constructive engagement rather than resorting to protests or violence, noting that such an approach reflects a firm commitment to democratic ideals and responsible political participation.

He emphasised that, beyond individual ambitions, his immediate priority remains the strengthening of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, particularly in galvanising broad-based support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, building unity within the party and aligning the region more closely with the government at the centre are critical to unlocking greater development opportunities.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Hon. Kalu who pledged to support all aspirants within the party, stressing that collective success would depend on cohesion, discipline, and a shared vision, expressed optimism that the party is well-positioned to secure victory across Abia State in the next election cycle.

‘You believe that if I come on board, it is because I share in the vision of the Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his commitment to true federalism, which empowers sub-national entities to drive meaningful development.

‘The purchase of this form is clearly a call for me to step forward. I have received it with gratitude, and within the next one or two days, after due consultations, I will make my position known.

‘I sincerely thank you for this gesture. Ultimately, the narrative of Abia must change, and we will continue to work collectively within the party to achieve that. The prospects of the APC in Abia will depend largely on the determination, unity, and commitment of its members,’ he said.

There is a story, the driving force behind this intended narrative about the audacious lawlessness of the Osun State APC that must be told in order to put into perspective the underlying factors, events, deceptions, truths, among others, that preceded certain illegalities and the attendant consequences of a desperate plot to return to power at any cost and by implication, take Osun back to Egypt.

The story behind the story is indeed a short trip down memory lane filled with bittersweet emotions…

The greatest misuse of power is to leave people the same or worse than you met them, is a famous leadership failure aphorism that aptly describes the 12 years of APC government of movement without motion maladministration in Osun State between 2010 and 2022.

For twelve dark years, Osun was in a state of sustained underdevelopment typified by a season of intense hardship, a season when people felt caged in a dark tunnel where the light at the end of it seemed unreachable or even non-existent; when a reliable three square meals felt distant and unattainable; when derelict and abandoned infrastructure which significantly stalled growth and economic development adorned everywhere across the state; when modular and half salary schemes subjected public servants to untold hardship; when pensioners were dying of hunger in droves for lack of subsistent upkeep allowances; when women, traders, the youth, artisans, and the man on the street lacked necessary resources to maintain a minimum standard of living; all thanks to the successive APC misgovernment superintended by Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola.

Their lack of empathy, unclear vision, unmet promises and non-inclusive system of administration left a great deal to be desired. And because there was a profound disconnect between government and the people, governance was largely characterised by misplaced priorities to the detriment of the people’s welfare and general well-being. Government policies were mostly incongruous with reason, never in tandem with daily realities and general public needs. Annoying memories of impracticable, unsustainable and wasteful beautification and Opon Imo projects that ate deep into the state’s scarce resources remain rent-free in our heads.

All these APC government shenanigans undoubtedly heightened systemic oppression of citizens and residents, and which expectedly fuelled people’s desire for change and the determination to embrace light, the only solution to the darkness that had engulfed Osun State for so long.

Then light finally came [Imole de]. By way of divine compensation for the locust years, Osun people overwhelmingly voted Ademola Adeleke, an intentional leader with a deep sense of purpose as the fifth democratically elected governor of Osun State.

His emergence no doubt opened the pathway for the redemption of Osun people. It was a new dawn that focused on people-centred policies and projects aimed at reversing the years of neglect, enhancing wellbeing, fostering personal growth and ultimately setting the people free from the poverty trap of the defunct APC government in the state.

For Adeleke, the needs, values and wellbeing of communities and individuals were top priority and marked by bold decisions, resilience and commitment to excellence, he has remained faithful to his promises of rapid infrastructural development, improved workers’ welfare and robust grassroots development despite significant headwinds like the huge financial burden of a 30-month salary and pension backlog, immense infrastructure deficit and lately the local council imbroglio and withheld council funds.

Yes, true to form, the governor is obsessed with singing and dancing animatedly at social, political and even formal gatherings, yet his performance in office in the last three years has been outstanding, achieving much more than what the APC governors could achieve in 12 years. In fact, going by verifiable and incontrovertible reports, Adeleke has been quite exceptional in the high-quality delivery of impactful services to the delight of the vast majority in Osun state, especially the grassroots people. For them, the name Ademola Adeleke is good music to the ears; it hits the right chords in them and they are without reservation entirely in one ACCORD with the governor for continuity of his unprecedentedly outstanding performance in the state.

So, when I read a recent remark credited to former governor Oyetola, saying that they will reclaim Osun and return it to serious, people-focused governance; I had a good laugh at the entitlement mentality of a deposed monarch and his descendants who were given a chance of a lifetime to provide purposeful leadership but failed woefully.

Adeleke’s soaring popularity is no doubt of extreme worry for the Osun APC, a throbbing headache that left them with no option but to desperately seek to ‘seize’ power by all means, leveraging the lingering tempestuous local council crisis initiated by them as a veritable backdoor avenue to power by way of ramping up all forms of illegality to achieve their aim of causing havoc that would lead to a general breakdown of law and order and an eventual state of emergency declaration.

On the dictates of this absurd game plan and emboldened by the Nigeria Police and other powers that be, these APC local government officials whose elections were nullified by the Osogbo High Court in November 2022, affirmed by the Appeal Court in February 2025 and again in June 2025, still went ahead to illegally occupy local council secretariats across the state on the strength of a deliberately deceptive interpretation of court pronouncements. Even when their so-called tenure ended in October last year, this willful bunch of pretenders to the throne refused to vacate office but stayed put seeking tenure elongation, an illegal act alien to constitutional provisions and indeed a huge mockery of our fledgling democracy. It is in fact a settled matter going by Supreme Court pronouncements on such matters.

Further to this, over N230bn Osun local government statutory allocations have been withheld since February 2025, again an illegal act which the Supreme Court itself acknowledged recently as a wrong move by the federal government.

All these lingering acts of illegality are nothing short of an inversion of justice where criminals are treated like victims or better still, where misconduct is justified and integrity punished. In their reckless scramble for power and not minding the consequences, they have paralysed grassroots governance and stalled service delivery across Osun communities. According to a media report, the lingering crisis is taking its toll on workers and pensioners; many businesses are reportedly gasping for breath; markets are shrinking because of low purchasing power while most of the communities are sinking deeper into poverty and neglect.

This was why Governor Adeleke in a recent statewide broadcast, lampooned the nefarious anti-people activities of the APC and at the same time passionately appealed to his predecessor Oyetola and his cohorts to let Osun breath, to prioritise the welfare of citizens over partisan interests. This is no more politics but man’s inhumanity to man, the governor concluded.

Ogunremi is a former Press Secretary to Osun State government.