2027: OBIdient Movement clears air on Peter Obi’s political future

The OBIdient Movement has clarified the political situation surrounding former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that he is still engaged in extensive consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the group said a clear direction is beginning to emerge following a series of high-level engagements with key stakeholders, allies and potential political partners.

The statement, signed by the Interim National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, urged supporters to remain calm and avoid speculation, describing the ongoing consultations as deliberate and strategic.

‘We wish to reassure all supporters and members of the movement across Nigeria and in the diaspora that His Excellency, Peter Gregory Obi, is currently engaged in extensive, high-level consultations with key stakeholders, political allies, and aligned movements,’ Tanko said.

He explained that the consultations are aimed at determining the most effective path forward in the interest of Nigerians and the movement’s vision.

‘These engagements are focused on determining the most strategic and effective path forward in the best interest of the Nigerian people and our shared mission to build a New Nigeria,’ he added.

Tanko stressed that the movement remains committed to its core values of integrity, accountability and active citizen participation, noting that all decisions would reflect its long-term vision for the country.

According to him, Obi remains central to ongoing opposition alignments, as political realignments intensify ahead of 2027.

He, however, cautioned supporters against being misled by unverified reports.

‘We urge all Obidients to remain calm, patient and focused. Do not be swayed by speculative reports,’ he said.

Tanko assured that Obi would, in due course, formally address the movement and the general public to provide clarity on his next political move.

‘Peter Obi remains fully committed to this mission and will, in due course, formally address the Obidient Movement and Nigerians at large to provide clarity on the current situation and the direction ahead.

‘Our strength lies in our unity and focus. Let us remain steadfast as we await further communication,’ he said.

I admire Nigeria’s strong entrepreneurial spirit, global cultural impact -Lisa Gable, ex-US ambassador

Lisa Gable has served four United States presidents and two governors. The former US ambassador and United Nations delegate is advisor to Fortune 500 companies and CEOs. She is the Chairperson of World in 2050, and has served as the CEO of FARE. She is a bestselling author and CEO of several organisations. In this interview conducted online by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her work in government, profit, and non-profit organisations, and how she met her husband.

You have had an impressive personal and professional career – you worked in the President Ronald Reagan administration at the age of 19, worked at the White House and the Pentagon, served four United States presidents and two governors, counselled Fortune 500 CEOs, and worked with many profit and non-profit organisations. How has this almost 40-year multi-career journey been for you? And what keeps you going?

I learned early that careers don’t have to be linear to be meaningful. While many follow a traditional path within one sector, I’ve taken what a friend calls ‘the scenic route’ – moving across government, business, and the nonprofit world in roles where I could have an impact.

Some of those changes I pursued, but others found me. It’s been a mix of diligence, a focus on what I wanted to achieve at each stage of my life, and opportunity. What ties it together is my enthusiasm for stepping into unfamiliar spaces and applying lessons from one sector to another.

For almost four decades, you have worked in the leadership, government, technology, and corporate sectors. In today’s fast-paced, profit-driven world, how would you define leadership, especially the kind that humanises the daily uncertainties that governments and organisations face?

Leadership is about creating conditions where teams can move forward with confidence and purpose, especially in uncertain environments. It starts with a simple mindset: I am not defined by what I was, but by who I am and will be – one that helps identify inflection points and pursue cross-sector opportunities, bringing forward ideas that serve as benchmarks for what comes next.

Most importantly, it’s about focusing on commonalities and building momentum around shared values.

In the course of your work and career in government, what is the toughest challenge you have ever faced, and how did you manage it? How did it shape your perceptions about life and people?

One of the toughest challenges I faced was leading a national medical research organisation that was financially unsustainable and behind in research. We had to raise $100 million, rebuild industry relationships, and restructure about 85 per cent of the organisation – much of it during COVID.

The hardest part wasn’t the strategy – it was the people. Turnarounds create real churn, and it requires clarity and compassion – being honest about what the future demands while respecting those who built the past.

In 2004, you were appointed by President George W. Bush as US Ambassador and Commissioner General to the 2005 Aichi World EXPO. What was the EXPO experience like for you?

Serving as ambassador to the 2005 Aichi World Expo was one of the greatest honours of my career – an opportunity to represent the United States with a message of hope, optimism, enterprise, and freedom through high-touch engagement that delivered value at no cost to taxpayers.

We focused on relationships, not transactions – showing up from global meetings to small village visits. Most importantly, we delivered on President Bush’s mandate for US engagement: ensuring Japan, one of our closest allies, felt our presence and support in a meaningful, personal way.

Your profile reads, in part, ‘As co-Chair of the Women’s Democracy Network, I recognise that a full and robust democracy depends on the equal participation of women.’ In the US, how would you rate women’s participation in politics and democratic endeavours? What role do you play in educating and empowering women with the skills to participate robustly in democratic leadership?

There has been progress, but not enough. Women are participating more, but representation still does not match potential.

My focus has been on practical support – training, mentoring, and helping women understand how systems work and how they can achieve positions of power in elected office, party leadership, and politically appointed positions. When women are fully supported, prepared, and confident, they step into leadership roles more effectively.

You served as the CEO of FARE, the world’s largest funder of food allergy research, education, and advocacy. And you are reported to be fascinated by the merger of food, medicine, and technology. On this note, what is your take on the production and safety of genetically modified crops/food? Do you think it is something the world needs in these times?

We need to look at this through the lens of science and safety. The world needs reliable food systems, and technology can help.

At the same time, people need clear information. Trust matters. It is about using innovation responsibly and ensuring strong standards.

Are a keynote speaker and author of the best-selling book ‘Turnaround: How to Change Course When Things Are Going South’ published in October, 2021. What inspired you to write this book, and what lessons does it offer to its readers?

During COVID, a publisher saw that business, government, and philanthropy would all need turnarounds and believed my experience across all three uniquely positioned me to help.

I share my four-part method for turning around an organisation that is struggling: Visualise the future – don’t fix what’s there; start from scratch; break down the present – ditch what isn’t working; keep what does; create a path to your future – map out critical decisions and actions needed; and execute with confidence and diplomacy – speed up by partnering well with others.

You are a Chairperson at the World in 2050. What is this initiative or organisation about? Which kind of world do you want to see in 2050, and what roles are you playing towards the actualisation of that world?

The World in 2050 is a forward-looking initiative of the Diplomatic Courier Global Affairs Media Network that examines how major forces – demographic change, resource stress, technological advances, and shifting economic power – will shape our future. Our goal is to ensure the ‘world arrives well’ by guiding technological breakthroughs toward expanding economic opportunity, strengthening resilience, and improving global health and well-being to create an inclusive, innovative, and stable world.

Have you been to Nigeria before? What is your perception of Nigeria, and what three things do you like about Nigerians?

I have not yet been to Nigeria, but I admire your country’s strong entrepreneurial spirit, the depth and influence of your faith communities, and your global cultural impact – especially through the rise of Nollywood and the work of my dear friend, Stephanie Okereke Linus.

As a leader and women’s advocate, what is your message to African women on how they can contribute their quota to policies that shape their lives and leadership that reflects their best interests?

When you are given a seat at the table, decide on your one key point in advance and do the work to back it up. Then, find the moment and address the issue others may be avoiding – real progress begins when the root problem is named.

At the same time, surround yourself with a strong, trusted circle of advisors and experts who can sharpen your thinking and expand your reach. And just as importantly, invest in others. When you actively help those around you succeed, you build networks that are resilient, influential, and capable of shaping the policies that affect your lives.

Recently on LinkedIn, you made a post about your husband, Jim Gable, which began with ’30 years ago, two entrepreneurs said ‘I do’.’ What could you tell us about your husband (including how you first met him), and the unique memories and experiences you shared together?

In 1994, Jim Gable – who led Apple’s hardware effort for the Power Macintosh transition – stood on a New York stage as the company introduced a platform that helped reset its future.

This was a time when hardware launches carried real weight: months, sometimes years, of preparation, real risk, and an industry watching closely. I met him in California soon after. We adopted our daughter in 1998 and travelled the world together.

While founding the internet radio company Kerbango, Jim was diagnosed with a rare cancer and multiple autoimmune diseases. Through surgeries and setbacks, he and his partners sold the company to 3Com. For the next 26 years, he kept building – companies, ideas, and a life centred on family.

Jim passed away last July. His resilience was not denial, but a deliberate choice to live fully in the face of difficulty. I am pleased that Jim’s legacy will live on for years.

Today, his papers and the Kerbango radio are in the Computer History Museum in Northern California. His medical records are being used to train AI in the early diagnosis of rare diseases, and a tissue bank has been established to support those researchers.

With your busy life and schedule, how do you relax and manage stress, and what do you do for leisure? Though you have had an active life and career, where do you see yourself in ten years?

I stay focused on the things I want to accomplish and the deliverables I want to leave behind. Time with family, reading, and quiet space help me reset. I value stepping away from constant activity.

In ten years, I expect to stay engaged, but more focused on mentoring, writing, and contributing where I can support democracy, faith, and freedom. And who knows – perhaps, I will have some grandchildren by then!

Peter Obi, Kwankwaso to dump ADC Monday – Galadima

Buba Galadima, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has said that former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, will on Monday announce a new political platform after dumping the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Galadima stated this on Saturday at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja.

The announcement ends weeks of speculation over the political direction of the two former governors, particularly following recent Supreme Court rulings that shook opposition party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Galadima used the occasion to put supporters on alert, warning that the declaration would trigger an immediate backlash from political opponents.

He said, ‘As from Monday, when our leaders declare on which platform they will run, I want to tell you that one of two things will happen. And I’m here to guide you on your response to what will happen.

‘First, they will sponsor columnists. Two, they will deploy social media influencers to start attacking our candidates. For all of you who are on social media and those you with the mighty pen, you must be prepared to respond to anything they are going to say.

‘Anything under the sun that they may say about our leaders that we know very well, people of integrity and honour, we must come to them with the ferociousness that is needed of an intelligent man.’

He urged supporters to hold their fire until provoked, drawing an analogy from the recent United States-Iran conflict.

‘For all of you who are on social media and those with the mighty pen, you must be prepared to respond to anything they are going to say. I’m sorry to bring up something that is not on the table, but I’m doing it as an example. If you have been following the US and the Iran war, you will remember that the US and Israel attacked first, and Iran responded.

‘The analogy I’m going to draw here is that don’t call anybody any name until they call our leaders names. Then we will respond with the greatest might of intellect in us. These are people who are living in their comfort zones, and they want to start a war. We will help them add kerosene. We are already lying flat on the floor. Are we afraid to fall? So over to them.’

Galadima also alleged a deliberate and phased campaign to suppress the opposition. He claimed security agencies had been used to malign and detain opposition leaders in the first phase, while the second involved dismantling their political platforms.

He listed the SDP, PDP, ADC, NDP and PRP among parties he said had been ‘decimated.’

He warned that the situation could worsen, alleging that desperate actors within the political establishment may escalate to targeting opposition figures directly.????????????????

Sokoto govt to distribute motorcycles to civil servants at subsidised rate

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has approved the purchase of motorcycles for distribution to civil servants at a 35% subsidy.

He announced this at the 2026 May Day celebration held at Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto.

Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu said this was in response to a request made by the state chapter of the NLC in that regard.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, enumerated various gestures extended to civil servants in the state.

He said this was aimed at reinvigorating the civil service with a view to creating a productive, motivated, and dignified workforce.

While thanking the civil servants for their continued support for his administration, the Governor enjoined them to be punctual and dedicated to their duties.

In an address, the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the state government and the NLC, which he said has contributed to ensuring labour harmony.

Abdulkadir Ahmad thanked the state government for genuinely showing its support for civil servants by restoring many incentives that had been stopped.

In a welcome address, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Abdullahi Jungul, expressed appreciation to the state government for its various support to civil servants since its assumption of office.

Comrade Jungul assured the government of the continued support of civil servants in achieving more successes.

He, however, appealed to the government to look into the possibility of increasing the monthly pensions of those who retired years ago, adding that some of them are still receiving N4,000 or N5,000 as monthly pensions.

The State NLC Chairman also stressed the need to start allocating the houses purchased by the state government from the Federal Government in the Kwannawa area to prevent them from deteriorating.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an award of appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu by the NLC.

Why Online Casino Promotions Are Getting Harder to Compare

At first glance, online casino promotions still look simple. A welcome offer promises a large bonus, a set number of spins, or a clear reward for signing up, and that headline does most of the selling. The problem is that the headline now tells much less of the full story than it used to. Offers may still look generous from the outside, but the real differences often sit in the conditions underneath them. For players, the challenge is no longer finding promotions. It is figuring out which ones are actually worth comparing on the same terms.

The broad consumer issue is familiar in many industries. Advertising can highlight the attractive part of an offer while leaving the detail to smaller print, which is why standards around truth in advertising still matter. In online casino promotions, that gap between headline and detail has become harder to ignore because more offers now compete through structure rather than through a single clear number.

Headline value is no longer the whole offer

A big welcome package may look stronger than a smaller one, but that does not automatically make it better. Players comparing casino bonus codes are often not just looking at the amount anymore. They are also weighing how that offer is released, what counts toward it, and how quickly its real value starts to shrink once the conditions kick in.

The terms now do more of the real work

That is where comparison gets harder. Two promotions can look broadly similar while producing very different outcomes once wagering thresholds, game restrictions, withdrawal caps, or short validity windows enter the picture. Tribune Online’s own piece on consumer trust points to the same issue from another angle: the harder offers are to compare cleanly, the more users start relying on trust as a shortcut.

Trust becomes part of the comparison

When offers stop being easy to read at a glance, players start looking for shortcuts. One of those shortcuts is trust. A platform with cleaner wording, fewer surprises, and more transparent explanation can become easier to choose even before the numbers are fully compared. That is why the logic behind bonus terms and conditions matters even outside gambling. Once the detail determines the real value, clarity itself becomes part of the product.

This helps explain why online casino promotions now feel harder to compare than they once did. The market has not run out of offers. If anything, it has become more crowded. What changed is that the meaningful difference between one promotion and another is increasingly buried below the banner. For users, that means comparison takes more than a quick glance. It takes reading beyond the headline and judging whether the structure underneath is actually as attractive as the promise on top.

Are afternoon naps beneficial?

The benefits of an afternoon nap include: Relaxation: Helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of calm.

Improved Alertness: Boosts your alertness and performance, making you more productive.

Enhanced Mood: Lifts your mood and can lead to a better emotional state. Better Cognitive Function: Improves memory retention and problem-solving skills. Reduced Fatigue: Helps alleviate tiredness and enhances overall well-being.

Taking a short nap can significantly enhance your mental, emotional, and physical health.

JUST IN: Kwankwaso clarifies political position amid defection rumours

Former Kano State governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed growing speculation about his political future, stating that no final decision has been taken regarding his next move or that of his associates.

In a statement released amid rising concerns over internal challenges within the ADC, Kwankwaso described circulating reports of a possible realignment as ‘misleading.’

He noted that while the Supreme Court recently affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), the matter was also remitted to the High Court, leaving the party in what he called a ‘precarious position.’

Kwankwaso further pointed to a Federal High Court ruling that questioned the validity of the party’s recent convention, as well as a move by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, seeking the deregistration of the ADC.

The former Defence Minister explained that his political camp had previously exited the New Nigeria Peoples Party due to legal complications, warning that similar issues now confronting the ADC could not be ignored.

‘As a result, we have initiated broad consultations with key stakeholders, including leaders from the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and others, to determine the most viable path forward,’ he said.

On speculation surrounding a potential presidential bid, Kwankwaso reaffirmed his record of party loyalty and democratic commitment.

He recalled placing second in the 2014 presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) behind former President Muhammadu Buhari, and later supporting the party’s victory.

He also referenced his participation in the 2019 presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, after which he backed eventual candidate Atiku Abubakar and served as a key campaign coordinator in the North.

Kwankwaso stressed that the ADC has yet to decide on zoning or select a presidential candidate, adding that he has neither declared interest in contesting nor endorsed any aspirant.

‘All claims suggesting otherwise are premature and unfounded,’ he stated.

Addressing his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings, Kwankwaso said it was due to unavoidable personal commitments, noting that he had formally communicated his apologies to party leadership.

He assured supporters that consultations are ongoing and that any definitive decision regarding his political direction would be communicated through official channels at the appropriate time.

2027: Ondo youths drum support for APC Reps aspirant

The youths of Ode Aye Kingdom in Okitipupa Council Area of Ondo have taken to the streets to celebrate the exciting news that the Old Students Association of Ultimate International High School, Ode-Aye, has obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban, popularly known as OC General.

In a viral video circulating on social media, large numbers of youths were seen beating drums and singing in support of the APC Reps aspirant while carrying placards with various inscriptions such as: ‘Obayangban is our choice’ and ‘Obayangban we know’, ‘Obayangban is better’, among among others.

It was gathered that the community had been unusually quiet and calm since the news of the proposed consensus arrangement surfaced, which did not sit well with the local youths.

One of the youths who spoke to journalists stated, ‘It is clear that Obayangban is the choice of our community. Can’t you hear the drums and feel the excitement of our people? No one was happy in this town after the news of the consensus was announced. We are dissatisfied with that development. This discontent, I believe, inspired Obayangban’s alumni to take action.

‘We are now on the streets celebrating that the nomination form has been obtained for him before the deadline closes’.

The youths under The Sunshine Forum also pledged their support and loyalty to the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo.

They stated that the purpose of the solidarity rally was not to undermine the governor, but rather to express their support for Obayangban. However, they emphasised that the leadership of the APC should address their demands in Ode Aye.

The Old Students Association of Ultimate International High School, Ode-Aye, has secured the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban.

This move is part of the preparations for the party’s primary for the House of Representatives seat in the Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.

The alumni stated that Obayangban cannot remain passive while other APC aspirants in the federal constituency have opted for direct primaries and rejected the consensus arrangement.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the youths of Ode Aye have announced a donation of one million naira in support of Obayangban’s aspiration, vowing to mobilise all APC members in Ode Aye and across the constituency to support his candidacy, according to Starnews NG’s report.

Adenuga: The King of Hearts @ 73

A businessman by title, but a king by heart, he leads not just with strategy, but with compassion. His wealth is measured beyond profit. It is seen in the innumerable lives touched, vast opportunities created, and hope restored. In boardrooms, he is decisive; in communities, he is generous, using all that the Great Architect of the universe bestowed on him in the furtherance of the cause of culture and its attendant values He gives always; uplifts without seeking applause. Integrity crowns his dealings, and kindness defines his legacy. Where others build empires, he builds people. Truly, he is the king of hearts who is not just respected for his business acumen but cherished in life and adored for the difference he makes every single day.

The street sweepers of Lagos burst into songs of mirth when his name was called because, under the umbrella of The Mike Adenuga Foundation, they found succour.

For over seven decades, Dr. Mike Adeniyi Isola Agbolade Adenuga Jr has walked the earth with a clear conviction: wealth must circulate to fulfil its purpose. Born of the industrious spirit of a businesswoman mother and shaped by the discipline of a teacher father, Adenuga’s life affirms a simple truth – if one desires greatly, one can achieve abundantly, enough to share.

His remarkable journey from trading to commanding heights in banking, oil and gas, telecommunications, and real estate tells a compelling story of resilience and belief in possibility. It is no surprise that Globacom, his flagship enterprise, is anchored on the alliterative creed: people, power, possibilities.

Writing a tribute in celebration of Dr. Michael Agbolade Isola Adeniyi Adenuga Jr., GCON, CSG, is an enduring pleasure like a rich burst of honey upon the palate of the mellivorous.

One of the few in human history to be conferred France’s Commander of the Legion of Honour (Commandeur de la Légion d’honneur), Adenuga stands tall, literally and figuratively, as a beacon of light in a world too often dimmed by uncertainty. The award, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is the third-highest rank of the French National Order of Merit conferred strictly on people of exceptional accomplishments.

This international award sums up Adenuga’s impact, which has crossed the borders of the African continent.

At seventy-three, he towers above his peers not merely as a symbol of success but as a monument of significance. Beyond the annual Forbes listings that measure wealth in dollars, Adenuga’s life is more meaningfully defined by the nation he has helped to build and shape. While many count prosperity in currency and assets, his riches are reckoned in transformed lives, strengthened institutions, and a legacy woven into the very fabric of Nigeria.

He understood early that wealth without purpose is hollow, and success without service is incomplete. Thus, he chose a higher calling; not only to build businesses, but to build people; not merely enterprises, but hope. He became a midwife of dreams, nurturing not just his own destiny, but those of millions connected, directly or indirectly, to his expansive vision.

As an entrepreneur, he created opportunities where few existed. Industries blossomed because he dared to invest-his time, his resources, and his vision. Families flourished because he chose to employ thousands, directly and indirectly. Young minds found direction because he believed in mentorship. His leadership has generated not just profit but progress. His enterprises have become platforms for empowerment, strengthening the economic backbone of the nation. Indeed, infrastructure like the Glo-1 submarine cable has served as a digital spine for education, SMEs, and diverse sectors across Nigeria and beyond.

In turbulent times within the telecommunications sector, he stood firm. He promised to democratise access to telephony, placing phones in the hands of ordinary Nigerians. And, he kept his word. When compromise would have been expedient, he chose principle, championing per-second billing even when it seemed commercially risky. His name commands respect, not out of fear, but out of honour. Where others saw obstacles, he saw opportunity; where others hesitated, he moved with courage. He believed in the potential of his nation, its people, its youth, its future long before such belief became fashionable.

The seeds he planted decades ago have grown into mighty baobabs and kapok trees, offering shade to countless lives. In many instances, they have rewritten destinies, lifting people out of poverty. Like the fast-spreading Creeping Jenny, his fibre-optic investments stretch across oceans and difficult terrains, delivering connectivity and opportunity across vast landscapes.

Yet beyond boardrooms and balance sheets, his greatest wealth lies in his character, his empathy, his quiet generosity, his unmistakable signature of compassion.

Perhaps his most remarkable achievement is balance. He built immense success without losing his humanity and amassed great wealth without surrendering compassion. His philanthropy has touched countless lives-restoring hope to the weary and dignity to the struggling. Stories abound: a father on the brink of withdrawing his child from an overseas school due to financial hardship finds unexpected relief; quiet interventions that restore broken paths. Time and again, Adenuga invests-silently but profoundly in human dignity.

Leaders have emerged under his mentorship. Innovations have flourished through his support.

Families have endured because of his generosity. His influence transcends sectors; it resonates across society. He leads with authority yet remains grounded in humility. His home reflects the same excellence as his enterprises-a sanctuary of love, wisdom, and unity.

The opening image of Lagos street sweepers rejoicing at his name is no isolated anecdote.

Through the Mike Adenuga Foundation, he has uplifted workers long overlooked, equipping many with skills and restoring dignity. Widows and vulnerable women across Nigeria still recall, with gratitude, the generous food relief packages delivered to their homes. His recent donation of ?1 billion to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund underscores his commitment to public safety and institutional strength. This joins a long list of interventions: substantial contributions to the fight against COVID-19, relief for flood victims in Bayelsa State, annual charity initiatives supporting orphanages and the vulnerable, and countless other acts of giving-many deliberately kept out of the public eye.

Seventy-three is more than a milestone; it is a testament to endurance, to lessons learned, to battles, fought, and victories earned. It is the story of a man who has not merely lived through history but helped to shape it.

As the world marks this anniversary of a life gifted to Africa, and indeed to humanity, I join many others not merely to applaud his achievements but to honour his enduring contributions. His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in what we accumulate but in what we give; not in possession, but in impact.

His legacy is not inscribed in gold but in gratitude, in the thankful hearts of a nation touched by his vision and benevolence. His wealth is measured not only in material terms, but in wisdom, integrity, compassion, and an influence so vast that words can scarcely contain it.

And as he steps beyond this platinum milestone, may his influence continue to inspire, his voice continue to guide, and his legacy continue to flourish for generations yet unborn.

As always, Aseyisamodun, sir!

Olubanjo is a Senior Manager with Globacom.

NFVCB identifies Kaduna as emerging hub for indigenous film growth

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.