Category: PM News

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), has cautioned Anambra residents against violence before, during and after the upcoming governorship election in the state.

The Finance Officer, SIDEC, Ms Chioma Enwereuzor, said this on Saturday during a voter education programme at Afor-Igwe Market at Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area.

The programme was organised under the Inclusive Mobilisation for Participation, Advocacy and Civic Transformation (Project IMPACT), to promote peaceful and inclusive participation in the electoral process.

The project is being implemented by SIDEC in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO).

Enwereuzor described electoral violence as destructive and counterproductive.

“Violence benefits no one; it destroys lives and progress; and can set us many years backward,” she said.

She said that security agencies had been placed on high alert to handle troublemakers, adding that the law would take its course on anyone found instigating violence.

“Election is not a do-or-die affair. Do not allow anyone to use you to destabilise the state,”she advised.

Enwereuzor further reminded voters not to wear clothes, caps, or accessories bearing party symbols to polling units, as such would amount to campaigning on election day.

She encouraged peaceful participation, urging voters to stay back for vote counting if they wished but to do so lawfully.

“Your voter card is your power; do not stay at home on election day.

“That is when you help decide the destiny of Anambra for the next four years,” she said.

She decried the growing trend of vote-buying and advised voters not to sell their votes, saying offenders would face prosecution under the Electoral Act (2022).

Enwereuzor also reminded the public to respect the priority voting rights of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, as stipulated by law.

During the interactive session, a trader, Mr Sylvester Njoku, identified challenges such as malfunctioning of voting devices (BVAS) and poor network connectivity as major factors discouraging voter turnout.

She also called on security agencies and INEC officials to perform their duties diligently to ensure peaceful and credible election

.(NAN)

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Chelsea snatched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a tense Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening.

Joao Pedro’s first-half strike proved decisive, as the visitors capitalised on a defensive blunder to claim all three points in a fiercely contested London derby.

The win marked another impressive away performance for Chelsea, who displayed discipline and resilience to hold off Spurs’ late surge.

Tottenham began brightly, pushing high up the pitch in search of an early breakthrough. However, Chelsea’s backline, marshalled by Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, stood firm, frustrating the hosts’ forward line led by Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani.

Chelsea gradually settled into the game and were rewarded in the 34th minute. A mix-up in Tottenham’s defence allowed Pedro to pounce, coolly slotting home from close range to make it 1-0. It was a costly lapse for Spurs, whose attacking verve was undone by a moment of hesitation at the back.

The home side responded with intensity, with Kudus and Xavi Simons both coming close before half-time. Yet, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was in commanding form, pulling off several key saves to preserve the lead.

Tottenham increased the pressure in the second half, but Chelsea’s defence and Sanchez in particular, proved unyielding. Substitute Romeo Lavia and youngster EstevaPound o added fresh energy for the visitors, while Reece James and Enzo Fernandez kept the midfield tight.

Spurs thought they had a late lifeline when Reece James appeared to handle the ball in the box in stoppage time, but the referee waved play on amid protests from the home fans. Guglielmo Vicario, meanwhile, produced a string of saves to deny further damage at the other end.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversions ahead of the Cycology X Itel Tour de Nigeria Cycling Race, scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

ccording to the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), the 60km race will begin at Dolphin Loop, proceed through Osborne Road, Ring Road, Third Mainland Bridge, Iyana Oworo, Gbagada Expressway, Oshodi Oke, and MMIA Underbridge (U-turn), and finish back at Dolphin Estate.

statement issued by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said motorists from Ikeja heading to Victoria Island were advised to use Ikorodu Road to Funsho Williams Avenue and link Eko Bridge.

“Those from Mowe and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway should follow Ojota Slip Road to Ikorodu Road, then proceed via Funsho Williams Avenue to Eko Bridge.

“While the Third Mainland Bridge will remain open, movement will be controlled to accommodate the race flow, and all side roads will open intermittently as cyclists advance,” he said.

Osiyemi said the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and police officers would be deployed to direct traffic and ensure public safety, emphasising that no road would be fully closed, and vehicles would be allowed to move periodically.

He urged motorists to plan their journeys early, use alternative routes, and exercise patience during the temporary diversions, assuring that the measures aim to ensure a smooth and safe event.

By Ayorinde Oluokun with agency report

The crisis afflicting Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, flared again on Friday with the halting of the national convention of the party scheduled to hold between November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State by court on Friday.

The suit was filed by Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) who were loyalists of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

However, just like with the crises, the leaders of the party are divided over their reaction to the judgment and the way forward for the party.

In its first reaction, the PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba described the judgment as an ‘assault on Nigeria’s democratic process’. The party also indicated that it will not stop preparations for the national convention because of the court judgment.

Ologunagba urged members of PDP across the country to remain steadfast and focused on preparations towards the holding of the national convention as scheduled.

He added that the party had directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal the judgment as part of the party’s “unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country.”

“PDP states that the judgment of the court does not vitiate its ability to proceed with the processes and activities towards the national convention to elect new national officers to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years. Our party notes the recent judgment of the Supreme Court which affirms the supremacy of a political party in the management of its internal affairs,” he said.

“PDP, as the leading opposition party in Nigeria committed to the rule of law has, accordingly, directed its lawyers to take immediate action to appeal this judgment in our unwavering determination to uphold, defend and promote multi-party democracy in our country,” he said.

“Shocking, Dangerous for Nigeria’s Democratic Stability”

Toeing the same path, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party, Chief Olabode George described the judgment as “shocking and dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic stability.”

He also warned that the judgment it could set a troubling precedent while arguing that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue judicial interference, except in clear cases of constitutional breach.

“This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” George said.

“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he added while questioning the basis of the ruling.

He insisted that INEC monitored all PDP congresses nationwide and did not raise objections or report irregularities.

“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have political interest?” he queried.

He noted that the PDP, which has existed since 1998, has a long tradition of following due process in its internal operations, including congresses and conventions.

ccording to him, the decision undermines party autonomy and risks weaponising the judiciary against political stability in Africa’s largest democracy.

eorge stressed that resolving internal disputes through established party mechanisms remains fundamental to democratic development.

He urged PDP members to remain calm and committed to lawful processes while pursuing legal remedies to overturn the ruling.

‘Court has allowed justice to prevail’

On the contrary, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the judgement marked an end to impunity, he received it with mixed feeling.

He said while the ruling stands as one of the happiest days of his life it is also the saddest because of how unsettled the party is. Wike spoke in company of former governors of Benue and Abia states, Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu, federal lawmakers and State lawmakers and some PDP party state chairmen among others.

“We are happy that we have fought impunity, while on another part we are not happy with what is going on in the party,” Wike said, while addressing some PDP concerned stakeholders from 12 states of the federation including the FCT.

“It’s unfortunate that the so-called purported national convention cannot hold, it has never been bad like this in the Peoples Democratic Party.”

“Opposition party is supposed to put heads together and follow due process but if you are not doing that then you are sending a wrong message,” he stated.

The FCT Minister urged them not to relent in their effort in standing by the truth

“The last time we met we said we are going to challenge any action that contravenes provision of the party, and today by the grace of God, the court has allowed justice to prevail.

“Nobody will be intimidated we will do what is right. what I expect the governors to do now is to use monies in the state to impact lives of citizens and not to use it to kill our party,” he added.

Stop the National Convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring or recognising the outcome of the PDP national convention.

Justice James Omotosho, in the judgment, held that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of the convention.

The ruling followed a suit alleging that the party failed to comply with the 1999 Constitution, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and its own constitution while preparing for the event.

ustin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South), had filed the suit.

They had sued INEC, PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the party; Umar Bature, National Organising Secretary of the party; National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party as 1st to 6th defendants.

Others joined in the suit are Umar Damagum, the PDP National Chairman; Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi as 7th, 8th and 9th defendants respectively.

Justice Omotosho held that the PDP did not conduct valid state congresses before planning to elect new national officers, adding that such lapses undermined internal democracy.

The order effectively stalls preparations for the opposition party’s leadership renewal, raising concerns about its internal cohesion and readiness for future national elections.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigerian government has described claim by U.S President Donald Trump that extremist groups are massively killing Christians in the country as inaccurate and not reflective of the true security situation in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this in a statement issued in response President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” over the alleged genocidal killings of Christians.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that religious freedom has not been impeded in Nigeria and Christians have the freedom to practice their faith across the country contrary to the claim of Trump.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by the US President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement read in part.

It also reiterated the commitment of Tinubu’s administration to the fight against terrorism, fostering interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the lives and rights of all citizens.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people,” the statement read.

However, the Ministry said the Nigerian government would continue to engage constructively with the US government to enhance mutual understanding of the country’s security realities and peacebuilding efforts.

The US President had in a statement his social media platform said he has directed the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern because of the “existential threat” that has led to killing of many Christians in the country.

The US President had also said he will investigate the claims and take further actions.

The designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern, a status reserved for nations deemed to be engaging in severe violations of religious freedom, as outlined in the US International Religious Freedom Act followed weeks of campaign by some Republican lawmakers over alleged persecution of Christians in the country.

Trump had similarly placed Nigeria on the list CPC in 2020 during his first term in office following recommendations by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

However, the succeeding Joe Biden’s administration removed Nigeria from the list in 2021.

By Nehru Odeh

Prince Yemisi Shyllon, philanthropist and the largest private art collector in Nigeria has donated a life-size statue of renowned educationist, late Pa Tai Solarin, to the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, in Ogun State.

Shyllon, who has had his philanthropic imprints etched in many institutions, organizations and communities and has touched the lives of private individuals in many ways, made this donation on Thursday 30 October, 2025 at the Tai Solarin University of Education.

Distinguished personalities present at the event included the Pro-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Rahman Adisa Bello: the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Oluwole Sikiru Banjo; and Prof. Funke Ifeta, an academic and visual artist.

Shyllon, who said his philanthropic predilections are inspired by an abiding principle about life, which is to give and not to receive, hinged his donation on how, as a 12-year-old child in 1965, he came in contact with the revered educationist through an article he had written titled, “May Your Road Be Rough.”

“And I read that article and said “wow, how can somebody wish another person that his road should be rough? So, that was what inspired me to read that piece. I must tell you that influenced my life. And I followed Tai Solarin ever since. In fact, my paternal grandmother used to talk a lot about one man that always came to Lagos to pick dead bodies on the streets aand gave them decent burials. That was Tai Solarin. Of course, as time went on, I got to e and more about him.

“To crown it all, I was honoured by this great university recently with a Doctor of Science degree. And I felt how do I show my appreciation to both the dead and the living? The dead In the sense that Tai Solarin, by virtue of his article I had read, formed the path I took in life. And so I decided to do this,” Shyllon noted.

Shyllon also spoke extensively on the philanthropic principle that has guided him and continues to guide him in life and why it is beneficial to give than to receive, quoting some passages from the Holy Bible and the Koran to back up his beliefs.

“This is not the first time. I’ve done it at the University of Ibadan, I’ve done it at the University of Lagos, I’ve done it at the Pan-Atlantic University where I established the biggest museum of art in Nigeria, for which I’m still supporting. I’ve done it in many, many places, but TASUED is one of the places I have left my imprints and I still have many more on the ground.

“So I believe that my purpose in life is to give and not to receive, and that’s in line with what Winston Churchill said. He said, ‘you live when you get, but when you give, you give life.’ I believe very much in giving, and one of the ways I give is that I try to leave a lasting legacy about my life. There are people who have come to this world who are very, very rich, but they never left a lasting legacy. Once you are dead, you are forgotten.

“My intention is that I don’t want to be forgotten. I want to be remembered for my contributions to life. I don’t believe that life is vanity. Life is full of many things you can do to make sure that life is not vanity. I have helped many people get PhDs through my foundation. I’ve helped many artists become prominent personalities in the world, and I still continue to do that.

“I try to leave lasting legacies everywhere I go and every time,” Shyllon maintained, as he used the opportunity to thank the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Rahman Bello; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oluwole Banjo and Prof. Ifeka for making that day possible.

Prof. Bello, for his part, spoke about how the idea of erecting a statue in honour of Tai Solarin was mooted. “But as to what we are doing today, after he (Shyllon) was given the doctorate degree here, he called me and said he would like to do something on this campus that will outlive all of us.

“And he said he wanted to put in the statue of Tai Solarin. I said there is one already at the gate. He said that one is not what he was talking about.You may not know the value of what you have here. But when those who know the value come here, they will appreciate it. He puts his money into things that he relates with.

“So, I want to thank the senate for honoring our prince who has thought it fit to honor the institution back with this big statue. So, it’s a very big monument. Tai Solarin was a great man and his legacies lived beyond him. This university has been able to make his name go further than where it was before. And I’m sure this university will go to far greater heights and I’m sure the name of Tai Solarin will go along with it.

“I’ve related with Prince Shyllon for long. When you go to the front of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, you will see his imprint there. He has something there that everybody goes to copy and photograph and put in newspapers and all that. So, that’s what it is. He is going to put Awolowo statue at OAU, and he does that everywhere.

nd the Pro-Chancellor had some kind words for the philanthropist. “So, we’re happy that you are here with us at TASUED and we appreciate this, and this really goes beyond all of us. So, once again, I thank you so much for what you’ve done for us. The institution will always remember you and those of us that have been there with you during this period. And whatever comes on all of us wi8ll be part of it,” Prof. Bello said.

In her speech, Prof Ifeka described Shyllon as one of the greatest art historians in Nigeria, adding that he is an artist, even though he doesn’t see himself as one. “Because when you are talking of artists all over the world, he will give you their data, more than even we that studied art history. He is a great talent, and his contribution to art, honestly, you cannot imagine, mighty.

“Despite the economic crunch, he still finds money, he is still promoting art and artists in Nigeria. If you notice, we have sculptures all over here, camouflaged like bronze. But he is giving us a bronze statue. A bronze statue runs into millions of Naira, and lasts forever. Even if there is an earthquake, it will be there. He is a very stable medium, and he is worthy of the man that we are immortalizing today, Tai Solarin.

The highpoint of the event was the unveiling and commissioning of the statue of the distinguished education after which TASUED, the first university of education in Nigeria was named. The golden brilliance of the statue attested to the fact that it was one with a difference.

nd as the balloons that were released floated higher and higher in the sky, everyone was indeed convinced that not only was the event a huge success but also that God Almighty had given his nod and approval.

The heavy downpour that followed immediately confirmed it. It was indeed a shower of blessings and a sign that the heavens and the earth were in agreement that Shyllon ‘s philanthropic gesture had the blessings of the gods.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Liverpool bounced back in style on Saturday night, ending their four-match Premier League losing streak with a confident 20 win over Aston Villa at Anfield.

rne Slot’s side looked rejuvenated and in control from start to finish, displaying the intensity and precision that had been missing in recent weeks. The win not only eased pressure on the Reds but also reignited their top-four ambitions after a worrying dip in form.

The breakthrough came just before half-time when Mohamed Salah capitalised on a blunder from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. A misplaced pass fell kindly to the Egyptian, who made no mistake, firing home from close range to give Liverpool a deserved lead in the 45th minute.

Ryan Gravenberch doubled the advantage in the 58th minute with a deflected strike from the edge of the box after fine work from Alexis Mac Allister in midfield. The goal put daylight between the two sides and allowed Liverpool to control proceedings with confidence for the remainder of the match.

ston Villa, who had been in good form prior to the game, struggled to find rhythm despite several attacking changes by manager Unai Emery.

New introductions including Jadon Sancho and Donyell Malen failed to unlock Liverpool’s compact defence, marshalled expertly by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

The match also saw moments of frustration for Villa, with Amadou Onana, Matty Cash and Morgan Rogers all picking up yellow cards in a physical contest. Late injuries to Tyrone Mings further compounded their disappointing night.

Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was rarely troubled, producing a handful of composed saves to keep his clean sheet intact, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Andrew Robertson provided constant attacking outlets down the flanks.

The result marked a much-needed response from Liverpool following four consecutive league defeats and restored belief among supporters that Slot’s men can still be major contenders this season.

By Ibrahim Bello

The Deputy Speaker of Kebbi House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, has been abducted by suspected bandits in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.

The Deputy Speaker was abducted on Friday night at about 8:20 p.m., by a gang of gunmen in Bagudo town shortly after he observed Isha’i prayer on his way home, the Kebbi Police Command said in a statement on Saturday.

The Command, in the statement issued by its spokesperson CSP Nafi’u Abubakar in Birnin Kebbi said a joint team of security operatives are already working to rescue the abducted Deputy Speaker.

He said the rescue team was made up of police tactical unit, military personnel and vigilantes to track down the abductors and ensure safe rescue of the deputy speaker.

“The joint team is currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the lawmaker unhurt and arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” Abubakar said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bello Sani, had reiterated the command’s determination to protect the lives and property of residents across the state.

“The CP has also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police and other security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the state,” the PPRO pleaded.

However, the police statement did not indicate of the Deputy Speaker was with any security operative at the time of his abduction.

Kebbi, in North West Nigeria is one of the states that has witnessed frequent kidnappings and killings as a result of activities of bandits and terrorists.

Recently, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to boycott Courts across the state over the recent abduction of one of its members identified as Isyaku Muhammad-Danjumma.

By Nehru Odeh

Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, has made good its promise to announce the $200,000 Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, a new addition to the Nigeria prizes family with a special focus on documentary filmmaking. NNLG announced the new prize at a press conference which held on Friday, 31 October, 2025 at Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, will administer the new category. She will be supported by Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi and Professor Ahmed Yerima.

The judging panel will be chaired by Dr. Sam Dede, a veteran actor, director, and senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt. He will be joined by Adeola Aderonke, an award-winning film director, art historian, scriptwriter, and producer and George Ugwuja, a renowned film producer who has delivered high-quality work for international organisations.

The theme for this inaugural edition is: Identity. The prize cycle will end in October 2026 with the announcement of the final verdict at the Grand Award Night, sponsored by NLNG.

However, an interesting thing about this new prize is that it targets young Nigerian filmmaker aged 18-35, challenging them to explore memory, interrogate experience, and translate reality into meaning through the art of documentary storytelling.

The prize which will make its debut next year, aims to inspire youths to inspire youths to tell the Nigerian story and redefine the nation’s image. It’s open to Nigerians anywhere in the world.

The Call for Entries has been scheduled to open in February and close in April 2026. The prize aims to nurture a new generation of storytellers who will celebrate Nigeria’s identity and reshape global perceptions of our nation through creativity, authenticity, and truth-telling.

It would be recalled that NLNG’s Managing Director, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, first made the prize known to the public in October 2025.

The company also stated that the prize will challenge young Nigerians to produce documentary films that celebrate the nation’s identity and reshape global perceptions of Nigeria through information, creativity, and visual excellence.

Speaking at the event, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, explained that the initiative reflects the company’s deep commitment to nurturing creative capital as part of national development.

“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is an invitation for young Nigerians to own their narrative, to show the world our complexity, our brilliance, and our resilience through film. This Prize symbolises NLNG’s belief that storytelling is nation-building that every frame, every voice, and every perspective matters in the shaping of who we are and who we aspire to be,” Horsfall said.

“The rationale for establishing this Prize is simple, yet profound: to recognise, celebrate, and reward outstanding Nigerian creatives; to provide visibility and support for both contemporary and traditional art forms; to strengthen national and international recognition of Nigerian culture; and to support the growth of Nigeria’s creative sector, one of the most dynamic sectors of our economy today,” Horsfall said.

She emphasised that the initiative bridges Nigeria’s dynamic youth population and the broader creative industry, strengthening the nation’s voice globally while promoting unity and understanding through storytelling.

“We believe this prize will inspire a new generation of filmmakers who will inform, challenge, and connect us more deeply to who we are as a people. It holds the potential to become Africa’s leading platform for creative arts, fostering a new wave of cultural thought leaders and building a rich archive of prize-winning works that will stand as part of Nigeria’s enduring cultural legacy.

“In a world where stories shape perception, this prize affirms that Nigeria’s narrative should be told by young, bold, imaginative Nigerians. Through them, we can reshape how the world sees us and how we see ourselves,” Horsfall maintained.

Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo noted that the Prize marks a significant milestone in NLNG’s over two-decade journey of celebrating excellence across disciplines.

“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence knows no boundary. It can be written, spoken, or filmed. It asks its creators to confront truth, explore memory, and translate experience into meaning,” she said.

She emphasised that the Prize would align with the overarching strategy of the prizes to reward excellence.

“The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, with a focus on Documentary Filmmaking, stands as a reaffirmation of our collective belief that excellence knows no boundary. It can be written, spoken, or filmed. This new Prize challenges our young documentary filmmakers to explore memory, interrogate experience, and translate reality into meaning.

Joel Benson, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and Technical Advisor to the Adivsory Board, stated that the Prize would be benchmarked against international film festival standards, ensuring that winning entries can compete globally. He added that the creative energy of Nigeria’s youth deserves a platform that matches its ambition.

Benson explained further that only short documentaries of no more than 20 minutes will be accepted in the inaugural edition, adding that entries will be judged on storytelling craft, originality, production quality and creativity, among other metrics.

Benson also spoke to the theme of the inaugural edition, Identity. “This year’s theme, Identity, invites Nigerian filmmakers to use the genre of documentary film to explore who we are — as individuals, communities, and cultures — and how that shapes the way we see the world.

“The Prize is interested in stories that reflect on belonging, transformation, heritage, and self-definition — whether personal, social, political, artistic or spiritual. Your film might examine how identity is formed, questioned, celebrated, or even lost.

“There’s no single interpretation we’re looking for. Identity can be as intimate as a personal portrait or as expansive as a collective story. It could be expressed through place, language, faith, memory, gender, or something entirely different.

“What matters most is authenticity — how your documentary captures the truth of what identity means in your chosen context.”

Benson described the new prize as a defining moment and urge all filmmakers to seize this opportunity. “Participate. Create. Tell your story. Show the world who we are. I look forward to an incredible inaugural cycle,” Benson said.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Arsenal maintained their impressive form in the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s men were in control from start to finish, showing composure, tactical discipline, and attacking precision in a match that underlined their growing title credentials.

The visitors started brightly, dominating possession and forcing Burnley deep into their own half. Their pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Viktor Gyalkeres opened the scoring.

The Swedish striker connected perfectly with a cross into the six-yard box, guiding a firm header past goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to give Arsenal an early lead.

Burnley, struggling to find rhythm under Scott Parker, found themselves pinned back as Arsenal continued to dictate the pace.

Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard tormented the full-backs, while Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi controlled the midfield with ease. Burnley’s only early relief came through long clearances and set pieces, which the Gunners handled comfortably.

Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 35th minute through Declan Rice. The England international timed his run perfectly to meet Trossard’s lofted cross, steering a powerful header into the corner of the net.

The goal silenced Turf Moor and gave Arteta’s side complete command of the game heading into half-time.

Burnley returned after the break with more urgency and saw improved possession, but they lacked cutting edge in the final third.

Substitute Hannibal Mejbri provided brief energy in midfield, yet Arsenal’s defensive pairing of Jurrien Timber and William Saliba stood firm. Goalkeeper David Raya was largely untested throughout the second half.

rteta used the opportunity to rotate his squad, introducing Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, and Christian Nargaard to maintain control. Nwaneri nearly added a third when his curling effort from the edge of the box drifted inches wide of the post, while Nargaard was denied late on by another fine Dubravka save.

Burnley’s best chance fell to Florentino in the 75th minute, but his header flew narrowly over the crossbar. Aside from that moment, the hosts failed to seriously threaten an Arsenal side that looked sharper, faster, and far more organised in every department.