Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Six people have been killed and several others injured in an attack on Tashan-Rimi, near Godoro in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident, which occurred around 1a.m. on Wednesday, formed part of continuing clashes between Fulani and Kamuku groups in the area, according to local sources.

The village head, Alhaji Garba Mohammed Bissalla, confirmed that Fulani herders attacked residents including Musa Bahago and his son Hamisu Musa, adding that the violence claimed six lives.

Bissalla linked the incident to earlier disputes that have already left many families bereaved, expressing concern that previous efforts by state, local government and traditional authorities had failed to stop the bloodshed.

He added that while Kamuku leaders had urged peaceful coexistence in line with calls from the state governor, attacks and livestock theft had continued.

The Niger State Police later confirmed that suspected armed men invaded Godoro and Angwan-Bisala communities under Katako District at about 1:30 a.m. the same day.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, a report received from Kagara stated that four people lost their lives and two others sustained serious injuries, adding that officers had visited the scene, taking the injured to hospital.

He also stated that investigation was ongoing.

General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor William Kumuyi, has said he is in the Republic of Benin to deliver what he described as a divine message of power capable of bringing solutions to the problems confronting the people.

Kumuyi spoke ahead of the commencement of the five-day Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), which begins today at Sékou, in the Allada commune of the Republic of Benin.

The crusade, which runs from September 25 to 29, is themed ‘Divine Visitation from the God of All Possibilities.’

Speaking at a press conference in Cotonou on Wednesday, Kumuyi said: ‘Dear brothers and sisters, I am with you and for you. This crusade is for the entire Beninese nation.’he told the people, assuring them that the programme was for the entire nation.

Kumuyi said he believed God had prepared him for the assignment and that the crusade would witness a fresh manifestation of divine power.

‘The fire of God will be rekindled. God has prepared wonderful things. The power of God will move. Heaven is more than ready for you. God has prepared me and I am ready,’ he said.

He particularly invited people facing difficult circumstances, including the sick and those seeking solutions to seemingly intractable problems.

According to him, he was bringing a message from God that would address the needs of participants physically, spiritually and otherwise.

‘God has given me a message of power from heaven to solve the problems of all the participants who will come to this revival,’ Kumuyi said.

He added: ‘There will be a bulldozer power that will break all the mountains.’

The cleric said the expected impact would not be restricted to those physically present at Sékou, stressing that those participating through the live broadcast would also be part of the programme.

Kumuyi’s return to Benin Republic comes about 12 years after his previous crusade in the country.

He acknowledged the passage of time, saying he had become more mature in the intervening years.

‘In twelve years, I have matured more,’ he said, expressing confidence that the current crusade would produce greater impact.

The GCK will hold every evening at the National Deeper Life Bible Church Camp in Sékou, Allada, with the programme scheduled to begin at 5pm.

The crusade is expected to draw participants from Benin Republic and neighbouring countries, while the proceedings will also be transmitted globally through the GCK and DCLM digital platforms.

Kumuyi also disclosed that the Benin programme would extend beyond the evening crusade.

An Impact Academy for youths is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou. It will focus on helping young people discover the key to success.

The All Believers’ Conference will hold on September 28 and 29, also in Cotonou, with ministers and Christian leaders expected to participate.

For Kumuyi, the Benin assignment is therefore both an evangelistic and transformational mission.

‘Let us all be there and see God in action,’ he urged the people of Benin.

The GCK convener has in recent years taken the crusade to several countries and Nigerian states, with the outreach combining evangelism with programmes targeted at youths, ministers and professionals.

As the Benin edition opens today, Kumuyi’s central message remains that of divine intervention, salvation, healing, deliverance and transformation – with the preacher urging participants to come expecting what he described as ‘the God of all possibilities’ to act in their lives.

Nigerian-Born, Montreal-based artist, Prince Oluwasegun Ajayi, has returned to the music scene with his latest single, ‘Waka Waka’.

The energetic track, which comes with a distinctive dance style, is currently gaining attention on social media and streaming platforms.

On the inspiration behind the song, Ajayi said ‘Waka Waka’ was recorded with the idea of movement and exposure.

‘Movement has followed me throughout my life, moving through Lagos, moving through dance, moving between countries, moving between creative disciplines and constantly refusing to remain in one box,’ he said.

According to him, he wanted ‘Waka Waka’ to be a record that could connect with audiences in different settings.

‘I want people to enjoy it. Not every record needs a lecture attached to it. Sometimes music should make you move before it makes you think.’

Looking ahead, Ajayi said his ambition extends beyond building a conventional music career. He wants to develop a wider creative ecosystem around his brand.

‘I don’t want to build only an artiste brand. I want to build an ecosystem,’ he said.

Adding that, ‘The most interesting part of the story won’t just be how far I went. It will be how many people, ideas and opportunities were able to move with me.’

Prince Ajayi is a recording artiste, filmmaker, director, dancer and entrepreneur. As a founder of 361Studios, he blends African rhythm, movement, multilingual expression and cinematic storytelling to create music with global appeal.

Ghanaian film Bed of Thorns has secured a streaming deal with Homi TV, expanding the film’s reach to a wider audience.

The deal follows the film’s recognition at the San Francisco Film Festival, where it became the first Ghanaian film to win an award at the festival.

The production also received recognition at the Abia International Film Festival.

Bed of Thorns was written and directed by Kenny Dee and produced under Sir Nelson Productions.

The film is a romantic drama that combines suspense, emotional conflict and unexpected twists.

It features Nelson Emmanuel, Haillie Sumney, Kofi Adjololo and Sylvia Davis in leading roles.

Sumney, popularly known as ‘Ghana Goddess,’ is a Canadian-born, California-raised Ghanaian actress, television personality, brand influencer, philanthropist and entrepreneur.

She has appeared in productions including Heels and Sneakers, Real Lagos Fake Life, A Way Back Home, Blood Vessel on Netflix and Kintampo on African Magic.

Sumney has also worked across Nollywood, Ghallywood and Hollywood and served as a red-carpet host at the 2018 BET Awards.

The Homi TV agreement marks another stage in the film’s distribution journey, making it available to a broader streaming audience.

Bed of Thorns began streaming on Homi TV on September 18, 2026.

Chioma Ude, Head of the International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and the Africa Film and Content Market (AFCM), has been honoured at the recently concluded Dhofar International Film Festival in Oman.

The Oman Film Society presented the award, recognising Ude’s contributions to the global film industry.

Ude also served as Head of the Short Films Jury at the festival, drawing on her experience in African cinema, film festivals, film markets, production and industry development.

Her participation created opportunities for discussions on AFRIFF, AFCM, cultural exchange and bilateral engagement between Nigeria, Oman and the wider African film industry.

The engagement focused on strengthening relationships among filmmakers, institutions and other industry professionals.

Ude’s connection with the Oman Film Society began last year when she met Ahmed Othman, an Omani film professional and member of the society.

Following the meeting, Ude invited Othman to Nigeria, where he served as a jury member at AFRIFF and AFCM in November 2025.

The visit subsequently led to Ude’s invitation to Oman to explore further opportunities for collaboration.

Speaking at the festival, Ude said, ‘I do not come here by chance. I actually came here as a challenge.’

Reflecting on her experience as a jury member, she said, ‘We worked very hard. We watched great films. Some of the films made us laugh so much… Some of them made us cry… But all in all, we realised the filmmakers worked even harder than we did.’

During her visit, Ude also met Anwar bin Khamis Al Ruzaiqi, Chairman of the Oman Film Society, as well as Bushra Ahmed Razza, the Egyptian actress, singer and producer professionally known as Bushra.

The engagements formed part of broader discussions around film festivals and markets as platforms for film exhibition, professional development, business, investment, co-production and cultural exchange.

Ude’s participation in the festival comes ahead of the 15th edition of AFRIFF, scheduled to be held from November 1 to 7, 2026, in Nigeria.

AFCM will also provide a market platform for business, partnerships, content acquisition, investment and professional exchange within Africa’s film and television industry.

Ude’s recognition at the Dhofar International Film Festival adds to her international engagement in the film industry and comes amid efforts to strengthen connections between African and international filmmakers and industry professionals.

Thousands of worshippers converged on Regal Hall, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday, September, 20, 2026, for ‘Praise Affair with Tosin Bee: The Thanksgiving,’ a free gospel concert that blended deep worship with high-energy praise.

The event marked gospel minister Tosin Bee’s first major headline concert since ‘Switch with Tosin Bee’ at the MUSON Centre in 2019. Since then, the singer has been engaged in live recordings, new releases and international ministry.

Performing with his Beezle Nation team, Tosin Bee delivered a bilingual set in English and Yoruba, drawing on his signature Afro-gospel and highlife sound. The crowd responded with dancing, tears and loud shouts of praise throughout the evening.

‘Everything we have, everything we are, is by His grace,’ Tosin Bee said, describing the concert as an act of thanksgiving.

Nine guest ministers joined him on stage: Beejay Sax, Kaestrings, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Eniola Olusoga, Laolu Gbenjo, Steve Hills, Elijah Daniel, SMJ and Lillian Nneji. Each contributed a distinct ministration, from Beejay Sax’s saxophone melodies to Kaestrings’ deep worship and SMJ’s energetic praise.

The Lagos State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Yemi Davids, addressed the gathering, saying, ‘When we are praising God, we are exalting His abilities.’

He later prayed for the convener, his team and the audience.

Attendees commended the organisation of the event, citing the sound quality, stage production, volunteer coordination and programme flow.

Many worshippers said they were already looking forward to the Praise Affair 2027.

Old Trafford Stadium, the 74,000-capacity home of Manchester United, was transformed into a prayer ground on Saturday as Nigerian cleric, Pastor Jerry Eze, led the NSPPD UK Prayer Conference.

The conference, convened by Streams of Joy International, attracted thousands of worshippers from across the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.

The gathering, which featured intense prayers, worship and fellowship, was free to attend, although participants were required to register in advance due to limited spaces.

Checks showed that demand for tickets far outweighed availability, with several prospective attendees taking to social media, particularly TikTok, to search for spare tickets days before the event after registration was reportedly closed.

The event also had in attendance renowned gospel music ministers, including Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, Sunmisola Agbebi and Kaestrings, who led the congregation in soul-lifting worship sessions.

The NSPPD UK conference is one of the largest Christian gatherings held at the iconic Old Trafford stadium in recent times.

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has identified the lack of proper artist development as one of the major gaps in the contemporary music industry.

The singer observed while reflecting on the career trajectory of emerging artists and the tendency for some to disappear from the scene after recording a major hit.

According to Adekunle Gold, having a successful song is not enough to sustain an artist’s career, stressing the importance of developing the skills and knowledge required to function effectively as a professional artist.

‘What is lacking now is artist development. A lot of new artists now have one major hit, and they are gone. Maybe a label has given them some money, and they start to feel on top of the world.’

He noted that some emerging artists lack the necessary skills to perform, communicate with the media and conduct themselves professionally beyond the success of a hit record.

‘You don’t know how to perform, you don’t know how to answer interview questions and even how to be an artist, aside from just having one major hit.’

The ‘High’ singer stressed that artists need to take responsibility for their own growth and develop themselves beyond making music.

‘I think that’s one thing that is very important now. Artists have to develop themselves.’

Following criticism over her absence from the Lagos premiere of ‘Starlomo’, filmmaker Funke Akindele has publicly thrown her weight behind Kamo State’s new film.

The actress and box-office record holder took to social media to urge fans and movie lovers to see the film in cinemas nationwide.

Akindele’s show of support comes days after her absence from the premiere sparked speculation of a rift with the skitmaker-turned-actor Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State.

Kamo State, however, clarified that they had no disagreement, explaining that Akindele was out of the country at the time of the premiere.

In a post backing the project, Akindele congratulated Kamo State and director Kayode Kasum, and called on her followers to go to the cinemas.

‘STARLOMO. Let’s go see a good movie this weekend. Congratulations @kamo_state @kayodekasum. I wish you all the best at the box office. Starlomothemovie is now showing in all cinemas nationwide. Go see it!!’ she wrote.

‘Starlomo’, which opened in cinemas on September 25, 2026, tells the story of Ayotide, a young man who abandons his family’s food business to pursue a music career in Lagos.

After tragedy forces him back home, he uncovers a hidden history of his parents’ music careers and a lost family legacy, which he uses to reclaim his family’s name.

Directed by Kayode Kasum, the film stars Kamo State alongside Ibrahim Chatta, Abiola Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji and others, and marks another major step in Kamo’s transition from skit-making to feature-film production.

The Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr. Chuck Chuckuemeka, has urged financial institutions and other stakeholders to embrace digital transformation and develop adaptive infrastructure capable of responding to the changing demands of the global economy.

Chuckuemeka made the call while delivering a keynote address at Interswitch TechConnect 6.0, held under the theme, ‘Built for What’s Next – Designing Adaptive Financial Infrastructure for a Dynamic Market.’

He said the theme should challenge financial institutions to examine whether their systems, structures and economies were adequately prepared for the future.

According to him, ‘modern financial infrastructure must be interoperable, data-driven, scalable, secure, inclusive and resilient.’

The Commissioner explained that adaptive infrastructure meant the ability to respond to changes ‘quickly, intelligently and responsibly,’ adding that infrastructure goes beyond banks, payment platforms and physical systems.

He said it also encompasses technology, data, processes, institutions, regulatory frameworks and human capabilities that enable money and financial information to move freely, securely and efficiently.

Chuckuemeka said digital transformation was not merely about computers, software or automation, but about creating value through speed, accuracy, transparency, accountability, reduced costs and improved decision-making.

He urged financial institutions to make data a strategic asset, build interoperable systems, design for resilience and put people at the centre of technology, stressing that ‘the future belongs to institutions prepared to continuously adapt.’

The Commissioner said the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma had embraced digital transformation as a critical pillar of modern governance, citing the digitisation of the state workforce, establishment of the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Governance, development of Imo Digital City and digitalisation of the Imo Geographic Information System.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Justice Okoye, said financial infrastructure must be built with the future in mind.

Okoye said, ‘financial infrastructure comprises more than banks and payment infrastructure,’ explaining that it includes the systems, institutions, technologies and processes that enable transactions to take place efficiently, securely and seamlessly.

In her remarks, the Chief Sales Officer of Interswitch, Robinta Aluyi, said Interswitch TechConnect was designed to connect businesses, communities and everyday lives while preparing stakeholders for emerging realities in the digital economy.

She said the platform was aimed at fostering conversations and solutions that would enable businesses and institutions to remain responsive to the changing demands of the digital age.

The programme featured panel discussions on ‘Building a Digital Economy: The Role of Government, Industry and Technology in Shaping the Future,’ and ‘Driving Digital Transformation Through Public Private Partnerships.’

The event, which also featured the Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Nomso Ebonwu, brought together financial experts, technology innovators, government representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities and strategies for building a secure, inclusive and future-ready financial ecosystem.