Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The issue of security in the Sahel and West Africa was at the top of the agenda during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Mali, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation to address shared regional challenges.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while Mali’s delegation was led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Abdoulaye Diop.

According to a statement by media aide to the Nigerian Minister, Magnus Eze, the meeting provided an opportunity for both nations to deepen direct political consultations and exchange views on security developments in Mali, the Sahel, and the wider West African region.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding historical bonds with Mali and emphasized Nigeria’s vested interest in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Sahel. She noted that the security issues confronting the region require sustained cooperation among neighboring countries. Highlighted threats included the cross-border nature of terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, human trafficking, small arms proliferation, and illicit financial flows, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regional mechanisms.

She also stressed the importance of African ownership in solving the continent’s peace and security challenges, while encouraging continued dialogue among Mali, West African states, and regional institutions.

The discussions encompassed a broad range of topics, including: The evolving relationship between Mali and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The political dynamics of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

African Union peace and security mechanisms.

Deepening bilateral trade, economic relations, and energy cooperation and Regional integration, mobility, and people-to-people contacts.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to maintain constructive bilateral consultations with Mali and expressed interest in continued multilateral cooperation, including mutual support for diplomatic candidatures.

This engagement comes amid ongoing efforts by Nigeria to promote regional dialogue, peace, security, and integration. It builds on momentum from July 2026, when Nigeria and Mali agreed to revitalize their Joint Commission, identifying security, trade, energy, irregular migration, human trafficking, and the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) as priority areas for bilateral cooperation.

The Government Secondary School Otukpo Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) has declared its support for its alumnus, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.

The association, which said it has more than 10,000 members across the former Benue-Plateau and Gongola states, said it was supporting Akume’s political direction and backing Tinubu to enable the President to continue and complete ongoing development projects and economic reforms.

Speaking in Abuja, the National Convener of the support group, Okpe Oko, JP, described Akume, who graduated from the institution in 1971, as a political leader whose direction the alumni body had resolved to follow.

Oko said the association regarded Akume as a father and mentor and had therefore decided to support his political position ahead of the 2027 election.

He said the decision to back Tinubu also stemmed from the group’s belief that the President should be given the opportunity to continue his administration’s programmes.

The association said it would mobilise support through its members and branches ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

‘He is our father. Wherever he goes, we go; whatever he says, we follow him,’ Oko stated. ‘That is why we have decided to queue behind him to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term presidential bid, to continue with the work he started and bring it to completion.’

Defending the administration’s policy direction, Oko described President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy as a bold leadership step necessary to prevent hyperinflation and long-term economic collapse.

‘Now, we have a bold leader who decided to swallow the bitter pills and took the bullets on behalf of the entire nation,’ he added.

Corroborating his views, the group’s National Coordinator, Chief Ali Igboyi, acknowledged the current socio-economic challenges but emphasised that subsidy removal was crucial to dismantling cartels that had long exploited the country.

Chief Igboyi highlighted key federal interventions driving economic recovery in the North-Central region, citing major road networks such as the Buruku-Logo Bridge, the Makurdi-Gboko Road, and the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway, alongside the newly commissioned $250 million lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State.

According to Igboyi, these infrastructure, security, and industrial investments are laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth, job creation, and prosperity across the region and Nigeria at large.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday empowered about 5,000 residents of Lagos with cash, vehicles and other items under his Mega Empowerment Programme in Lagos.

Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, also used the occasion to speak on recent allegations against him.

He said the empowerment programme included N1.15 billion in cash support, 279 vehicles, mini-buses, electric cars, electric bicycles, laptops and other items.

The Chief of Staff said 3,905 beneficiaries would receive N250,000 each, while 348 others would receive N500,000 each.

He said the programme also included 61 beneficiaries of electric vehicles, 600 beneficiaries of mini-buses and 100 beneficiaries of laptops.

Gbajabiamila said four Toyota Hiace 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, a medical ambulance and a special T2 jeep were also included in the empowerment package.

He said Lagos had remained supportive of him throughout his political career, including during difficult periods.

‘Lagos has also stood by me in good and difficult times. The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told and my integrity was questioned.

‘Through it all, the people of Lagos State and many well-meaning Nigerians kept me in their prayers and spoke up for me when it mattered. I will never forget that. I thank you all.

‘The allegations came ferociously, but I was grateful that my people and those who know me understood that the allegations were false and malicious,’ he said.

Gbajabiamila said investigations into the allegations had cleared him, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for insisting on due process.

‘At the end of the investigations, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain.

‘For those who seek high office, especially our young people, sometimes this is a high price you have to pay and a sacrifice you have to make. Do not be discouraged.

‘I must thank my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigations were concluded. He refused and insisted on due process.

‘Let me also say that Mr President knows his Chief of Staff very well. Having worked closely with me for many years, he was therefore confident that I was not in any way involved in those malicious stories,’ he said.

NAN recalls that the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) reported that it found no evidence that Gbajabiamila authorised, approved, established or participated in the activities of the organisation.

Gbajabiamila said he remained focused on his responsibilities and warned those allegedly using his name to defraud members of the public.

‘So, let me speak plainly and directly to all those behind the attacks: no amount of money, blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will distract me from my work and the responsibility Mr President has given me to discharge.

‘And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you.

‘I must say here that, at this moment, he remains one of us and part of the family. What is wrong is wrong, but what is right is right. In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most,’ Gbajabiamila added.

He said his loyalty to Tinubu had remained consistent despite occasions when the President’s political decisions did not align with his personal wishes.

‘I have been with Mr President for many years, and there have been times when his political decisions did not align with my wishes. I did not question his leadership, and I never betrayed the trust he placed in me.

‘I stayed loyal then, and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope Agenda remains unwavering.’

Speaking further on the empowerment programme, Gbajabiamila said the event had earlier been shifted to allow proper verification of beneficiaries nominated through community development associations and trade associations.

‘Earlier this year, in June, we shifted this event. It was not an easy decision, but I wanted to ensure that everything submitted by our CDAs and trade associations was properly checked.

‘This is not a token gesture. It is one of the largest single empowerment programmes this community has ever witnessed,’ he said.

Gbajabiamila said the Bajaj transportation service was still operational, moving students within Surulere at no cost and offering discounted rates for the elderly.

He said electric cars had also been provided for e-hailing businesses, alongside electric bicycles and electric bikes.

‘Step by step, this administration is keeping to its commitment to renewable energy and environmentally friendly initiatives.

‘We will also be installing electric vehicle charging stations in Surulere.

‘We will continue to provide meaningful empowerment opportunities for our people and ensure that the benefits of government reach our communities.’

Speaking, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the APC had demonstrated its commitment to the people through various empowerment programmes and interventions across Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the party’s senators, members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Chief of Staff and other political leaders had been engaging with constituents and supporting communities within their respective constituencies.

According to him, the APC’s strength lies in its connection with the people, stressing that politics should not be limited to making promises but should involve regular interaction with citizens and addressing their needs.

‘Our party understands that a political party was formed to take care of our people, and that is what we are doing. There are so many things laid out there for people to benefit from today,’ he said.

Hamzat also expressed appreciation to those supporting the empowerment initiative, saying the administration was proud of its achievements and remained committed to doing more for the people of Lagos.

Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of APC in the state, commended Gbajabiamila on the empowerment programme, saying the party was proud of him.

Represented by a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Ojelabi said Gbajabiamila’s gestures were a reflection that APC was a caring party.

Also, Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Mr Suleiman Yusuf, and Chairman of Surulere Local Government Education Authority, Mr Sheriff Folami, praised Gbajabiamila for sustaining empowerment programmes in Surulere, describing him as a leader who had consistently impacted lives.

Dignitaries at the event included a former special adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, member representing Surulere Federal Constituency I, Mr Fouad Laguda, and member of Governance Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, among others.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Aisha Bello, who received N250,000 cash support, expressed gratitude to Gbajabiamila, saying the gesture would boost her petty trading business.

José Mourinho has spoken about his managerial philosophy, warning of the importance of trust between players and coach – and ‘non-negotiable’ rules for his squad to follow – as he looks to build a new winning team at Real Madrid.

Veteran coach Mourinho returned to the Bernabéu this summer – 13 years after he was last in charge – after Madrid went two years without landing a major trophy, and fired two coaches, Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, last season.

He’s had a tricky start to life back in Spain, though, with Madrid already six points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona and having lost last weekend’s derby to Atletico.

‘Don’t betray me,’ Mourinho told the Bet It Drives Show, when asked about trust and management. ‘When I say don’t betray me, of course, I’m speaking about football. Don’t betray me, and I’ll always be there for you.’

Mourinho has had a reputation as a strict disciplinarian, but has claimed he’s now more ‘calm’ at this stage of his career.

‘There are rules that are not negotiable,’ Mourinho said. ‘If you report at 9 a.m., it’s 9 a.m. for everybody. If you arrive at 9.15, even if you’re a superstar, you just can’t. I don’t accept it … But another thing is giving them freedom to express themselves.’

Madrid’s 2025-26 season was disrupted by a number of off-field issues with critics citing a lack of training-ground discipline, including a clash between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde which saw the latter hospitalised.

‘You are a football player 24 hours a day,’ Mourinho said. ‘Everything reflects the job. What you eat, what you drink, how you sleep, even things in your private life. You cannot ski. You cannot ride a bike.

‘You fall off your bike, and you don’t play three matches maybe, or maybe worse, maybe you break a leg … There are a lot of things you have to give up to be a football player. If you feel it’s a hobby, you’re dead. There’s always a relationship between what you achieve and what you give up.’

Mourinho also discussed the process behind his surprise return to Madrid, where he had a successful, but turbulent, first spell.

‘After two seasons where the biggest club in the world didn’t have the best results and a little ‘divorce’ with the fans, the club contacted me,’ he said. ‘They told me ‘We know you. You know us. You know the club, you know the culture.

‘We need you. We need you to rebuild. We need you to start again an amazing decade that the club had. We need a person with your profile.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has identified poverty, unemployment, poor education and social disintegration as notable drivers of conflicts, saying his administration is committed to building a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria.

Tinubu spoke on Saturday at the passing-out ceremony for cadets of the 73rd Regular Course (Army, Navy and Air Force), Short Service Course 49 (Army), Direct Short Service Course 34 (Air Force) and Branch Commission Course 3 (Air Force) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The President, who was represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said addressing the underlying causes of insecurity remained an important component of the government’s non-kinetic strategy.

He identified job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development and social protection as measures being pursued alongside security operations.

‘Despite the diverse challenges our dear country has been confronted with, my administration has remained steadfast, focused and committed to building a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria,’ he said.

Tinubu said the government would continue to strengthen measures aimed at addressing socioeconomic conditions that could contribute to conflict and insecurity.

He urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and loyalty in the discharge of their responsibilities.

‘Through the continuous and surgical application of all elements of national power, including, and most importantly, the military, we have continued to stabilise the situation, improving our responses and expanding as well as modifying our interventions, which thankfully are yielding desired outcomes.

‘We aptly recognise that kinetic military operations alone cannot defeat insecurity since poverty, unemployment, poor education, and social disintegration are notable drivers of conflicts. That is why under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are pursuing job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development, and social protection in tandem with our security efforts.’

The President said his administration is also enhancing Nigeria’s regional and global collaborations and cooperations, due to the transnational nature of the threats. He also said Nigeria will continue to provide leadership and assistance to fellow countries in West Africa.

According to him, ‘Nigeria will continue to enhance our commitments to democracy and stability in our region and indeed globally. Despite the setbacks in the cooperation within the subregion, especially in the Sahel, Nigeria under my leadership, through the auspices of ECOWAS and other regional bodies, will continue to pursue inclusive diplomacy, security cooperation, and economic integration.

‘Consequently, with the military’s unalloyed support for democratic governance, Nigeria’s continental and regional leadership role will continue to be upheld and intensified.

‘We remain opposed to unconstitutional changes of government, however we will not abandon our brothers and sisters in Mali, Niger, or Burkina Faso. Preserving five decades of ECOWAS achievements, covering free movement, trade, and regional coordination, is essential to our collective security and prosperity.’

The President since the establishment of the NDA in 1964, the institution has lived up to the expectations of its founding fathers and the nation and has evolved in line with nascent security challenges by developing a training curriculum which blends military training and academics with a focus on character development.

President Tinubu also said that a critical aspect of this is a realistic and enhanced Counter-Terrorism and Counterinsurgency training designed to suit contemporary security challenges. This, he noted, is in addition to the rapid integration of technology into training and research.

The President Tinubu who acknowledged that some NDA cadets are undergoing military training in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Brazil, and France said, ‘I am particularly encouraged that the Nigerian Defence Academy is increasingly receiving international recognition through invitations extended to its cadets to participate in highly competitive military cadet competitions in the United States, Brazil, and most recently, the People’s Republic of China.

‘Such invitations are earned through demonstrated excellence. They attest to the remarkable improvements in the Academy’s training standards, professionalism, and global standing, while affirming that Nigeria is producing officers capable of competing and excelling alongside the very best military institutions in the world.’

The President added that the Academy equally continues to serve as a regional hub for military education by training cadets from several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

‘These engagements strengthen military diplomacy, deepen professional cooperation, and reaffirm Nigeria’s leadership in defence education and capacity development across the African continent,’ he said.

Edo State Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sylvester Aigboboh, has said First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is expected in the state on October 15 in connection with the 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses procured by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Aigboboh said the buses were part of the administration’s efforts to provide affordable public transportation and reduce the burden of transportation costs on residents.

He spoke while thanking traders for welcoming Okpebholo and his entourage at Uwelu Sparepart market, in Benin City.

The APC deputy chairman described the administration as one committed to improving the lives of Edo residents through infrastructure and other interventions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on September 19, cited Edo’s 50 CNG buses while giving an update on the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, saying the buses were already in active service.

Aigboboh said the Okpebholo administration was also making progress on road reconstruction and rehabilitation across the state.

According to him, the Sapele Road reconstruction project has reached about 80 per cent completion, while Amufi Road is ready for inauguration.

He said work had also been completed on Uteh Palace Road and Temboga Road.

Aigboboh said the road projects and public transportation interventions demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving mobility and easing the cost of living for residents.

He thanked the traders for their support and assured them that the administration would continue implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

The Chief Executive Officer of World Energy Council Nigeria, Bala Wunti, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the country’s 44 critical minerals are developed into factories, jobs and sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerians.

Wunti warned that Nigeria must not repeat the crude oil model of exporting raw materials and importing finished products at significantly higher prices.

He spoke at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit, held at the Sheraton New York Times Square alongside the United Nations General Assembly.

Wunti participated in a panel titled, ‘Rare Currency: Critical Minerals in a Shifting Global Economy,’ which examined America’s growing dependence on imported minerals and China’s dominance of global mineral processing.

The former Chief Upstream Investment Officer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said Nigeria must move beyond exporting mineral tonnage and develop domestic processing and manufacturing capacity.

‘For half a century, Nigeria exported crude oil and imported refined petroleum products. That created poverty, not prosperity. We will not repeat that mistake with lithium and rare earth elements,’ he said.

Explaining why Nigeria had not fully developed its mineral resources despite its vast potential, Wunti identified the absence of reliable geological data and commercially structured projects as major obstacles.

‘The central issue is the difference between mineral potential and an investable project,’ he said.

‘We had geological indications, but not proven reserves supported by JORC compliant data. We also had good policies, but not clearly defined projects. Investors invest in projects, not potential.’

According to him, attracting private capital into the mining sector requires reliable geological data, clearly defined projects, enabling infrastructure, predictable regulation, credible developers and viable routes to market.

Wunti described the Nigerian Solid Minerals Company as the country’s flagship investment platform, established to transform mineral resources into bankable projects.

‘The company is moving Nigeria from saying, ‘We have minerals,’ to presenting investors with defined projects and clear commercial propositions,’ he said.

‘Rare earth elements are not necessarily rare in the ground. They are rare in the market. Bringing them to the market requires capital and technology.’

Wunti said Nigeria must present commercially viable transactions to investors rather than rely on policy documents and promotional presentations.

‘We must move from potential to bankability. Investors need actual transactions, not presentations. Give me a credible price, and I will give you private capital,’ he added.

He said private capital would be required to finance most critical mineral projects, while the government must create an environment that reduces investment risks.

‘Government must address geological uncertainty, unpredictable regulation, inadequate infrastructure and inefficient permitting,’ he said.

‘However, government can only make a project bankable. It cannot permanently make an uneconomic project profitable.’

Wunti identified four conditions necessary for attracting sustainable investment into the sector. These are JORC compliant geological data, commercially viable prices, a stable and competitive fiscal system, and credible buyers.

‘The lesson is price, not pitch,’ he said. ‘A price floor of $110 per kilogram gives investors commercial certainty. That is how Nigeria can attract processing facilities, create jobs and retain greater value from its mineral resources.’

Beninese striker Joseph Ede Oloko has shot to the top of the European Golden Shoe standings, edging out Barcelona’s Raphinha by a single point after a prolific run in Latvia’s top flight.

His form earned him his first senior call-up for Benin now under Nigeria’s former trainer, Gernot Rohr.

Oloko has scored 25 goals in 27 Virsliga games this season, first on loan at Tukums 2000 and now back at parent club FK Liepaja, with five matches still to play before the Latvian league season closes in early November.

Under the competition’s points-based coefficient system – which weights goals by the strength of the league they’re scored in – his tally converts to 25 points, one ahead of Raphinha’s 24.

Raphinha, deployed as a makeshift centre-forward for Barcelona this season in place of Robert Lewandowski, has scored 12 goals in seven LaLiga appearances, including back-to-back hat-tricks. Because ‘Big Five’ league goals carry a multiplier of two under the coefficient system, his return outstrips higher-volume scorers from smaller leagues on paper, even as Oloko’s raw tally leads the continent.

Looking back at your time in the house, what’s one thing you wish you had done differently?

I wish I had explored more friendships. Friendships with Keivo, Araga and Gerald. Once they left the house, I had almost nobody apart from Bells. I wish I had tried more relationships.

What inspired the eviction look?

Naturally, I just like to try new things. I was bored of the look I was carrying in the house. I wanted to disrupt the normal day of my life. I wanted to look and feel different.

What is your biggest mental hurdle?

I wasn’t the best at arena games because they were new to me, unlike other housemates who had prior knowledge. I wasn’t the worst either, but I could have done better. Losing the games made me feel moody.

Can you share some of the misconceptions about yourself that you’d be correcting?

That I have a temper. I just had a few confrontations with Tram and Sultex, and that was me standing up for myself, but watching the highlights, I realised how that must have looked like I was an angry person. It was just an outburst. An outburst here or there shouldn’t define my image. The second narrative was always with Bells. Bells was part of the journey, but I was also friends with Araga, Keivo and Gerald. Keivo even brought out the weird side of me. I had my moments with Wager too.

What does fashion mean to you in general?

For me, fashion is a form of expression, how I think about myself and how I carry myself. It’s a compliment to who I am. So, most of my outfits are usually very intentional. My entrance outfit was unconventional because I intentionally wanted the world to see me in that way, like royalty or something of some sort. It also depicts my feelings; most times when I feel low, even in the house, I wear black but I don’t think people got to understand that part of my fashion reasoning. For me, fashion means self-expression in some type of way. I use fashion to express myself.

What is it about the house that you’d really miss?

I love how unpredictable it was. I cherished the unpredictability because it also gave hope to the people who had not won enough that maybe your day will come, so that feeling of hopefulness was one thing that carried a lot of people. It kept us going; it kept them going. I love how spontaneous it is. I love activities so much; that’s why I was very active during the wager. The house will stimulate you with so many activities going on at the same time. I loved how it was a mixture of several characters and personalities that were multi-layered. I observed so many people in the house, and it was beautiful watching people unravel themselves. I think that sums it all.

What sort of roles are you naturally drawn to, and which would you like to explore as you’re out of the house as an actor?

Naturally, I’m drawn to every type of role because I’m a curious person, and I’m also curious about myself. So, I want to experience everything and explore everything that comes with acting. I want to be versatile. I want to do drama, action, comedy, romance, thriller, and series. I want to go mainstream. I want to be actively involved in acting and master my craft. I want to perfect it, be the actor that people look forward to watching because of how good and expressive he is. I want to do so much in my acting career.

Now that you’re out, what’s next for Yusuf, and what should we expect from you after BBNaija?

I want to go back into acting and do more challenging roles. Accept more diverse roles. Do more interesting things in acting. I was an author, so I want to go back to writing books, scripts, etc. I also want to delve into public speaking and hosting, and expansion of my farm.

The Toronto International Film Festival has revealed the 2026 award winners during a live press conference at TIFF Lightbox recently.

Among the top honours announced were the People’s Choice Awards, presented by Rogers, voted on by TIFF’s public audience; the Platform Prize, the Festival’s only juried programme; two Canadian feature film awards, Short Cuts, FIPRESCI, and NETPAC awards.

In total, 12 awards were handed out, celebrating standout films and breakout talent.

In a historic first this year, winning TIFF’s Platform Prize grants a non-English-language film direct eligibility for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards, alongside top winners from five other qualifying festivals.

The 2026 TIFF presented 294 films from 72 countries, welcoming over 800 talent across 98 red carpets. The Festival hosted 2,000 accredited media, close to 7,000 TIFF: The Market delegates, and 279 directors from around the world.

Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi’s ‘La Bola Negra’ People’s Choice Award presented by Rogers; ‘Elsinore’ won International People’s Choice Award presented by Rogers; ‘Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been’ People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers; ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney’ won People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award presented by Rogers; Theja Rio’s ‘Angh’ won Platform Prize; ‘Brace Your Heart’ won Special Jury Award; ‘Sunburn’ won Best Canadian Feature Film Award and a $10,000 CAD cash prize; while ‘Smudge the Blades’ won the award for Best Canadian Discovery Award.