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Nollywood filmmaker and actor Segun Ogungbe has opened up on the struggles he faced during his early years in the movie industry.

The filmmaker also revealed how his colleague and star actress, Faithia Balogun came to his rescue when financial challenges almost ended his dream project.

The award-winning filmmaker, known for his resilience and versatility in Yoruba cinema, recounted how lack of funds forced him to shoot his movie ‘Banke Desperado’ in bits until divine help and goodwill from colleagues helped him complete it.

‘Back then I wasn’t financially buoyant so I would shoot scenes bit by bit until I was able to complete the movie,’ Ogungbe said. ‘If I was able to shoot one scene with Mr Latin, I would shoot it and keep it till the next actor was available.’

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a report by an online newspaper alleging a foiled coup attempt by some officers to overthrow the current administration.

It said the claims by the online newspaper are ‘entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.’

Sahara Reporters broke the news of an attempted foiled coup, on Saturday, citing sources and a recent report by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on disciplinary action against some officers as the basis for its report.

The online newspaper’s report, widely circulated on social media platforms, sparked widespread tension across the country.

However, the Military High Command, through a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, stated that the claims by the online newspaper were ‘entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.’

The statement read in part: ‘The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.

‘The decision regarding the cancellellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.

‘Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.’

The military high command urged the citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents, assuring that the executive, legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation.

It also urged citizens to disregard the ‘falsehood’ being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.’

It assured that the military remains ‘firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had on October 4, announced that 16 military officers will face a full military disciplinary process over indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

According to the statement through the Director Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, the officers have been arrested, while investigation is still ongoing to determine the gravity of their offences.

The statement reads: ‘Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

‘Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.

‘Upon completion of investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.’

While assuring Nigerians that the actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks, the military high command said the ‘Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.’

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,’ the statement said.

There is sufficient celebration in the land. The country is in a frenzy with everyone offering tips on how the hitherto soulless Super Eagles can play at the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States (US). Yes, talk is cheap; hence there is the urgent need to remind the NFF chieftains and their supervisors at the NSC that the time to tell us their plans is now, especially when the playoffs for the African continent to produce a sole winner from among Nigeria, Gabon, Congo DR and Cameroun is November 18, in Morocco.

Our soccer chiefs and their supervisors must stop their backslapping, walking majestically like overfed peacocks and pumping of their chests simply because Nigeria beat Republic of Benin 4-0. Given our players’ talent and pedigree in the game, thumbing Benin with goals should be a stroll in the park with good coaching. It is the administrative tardiness of the NFF and the NSC that has kept us in this tortuous path to glory.

It hurts to note that there is the probability that the Eagles would be beaten groggy if any good team can cage Victor Osimhen. Osimhen’s goals are made out of half chances and good positioning. I’m not too sacred of Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo. My fears stem from the nations that the Eagles would face at the intercontinental level who have tested and technically efficient players.

Pray, Osimhen is an internationally acclaimed striker, which means that he would be policed through fair and foul means by opponents, starting with the November 13 teaser against Gabon in one of the CAF playoffs, the other game being between Cameroon and DR Congo. Osimhen’s contributions to the Eagles are such that it is clear to the opposition that to beat Nigeria, Osimhen must be taken out of the game completely; the way the Italians stylishly took out Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amunike, thus making our dreaded USA’94 World Cup team otiose.

Already, Osimhen wears a face mask and Europeans at the intercontinental level would throw their elbows high enough to scratch Osimhen’s face. How the Nigerian would react to such crunchy tackles would go a long way to determine how well the Eagles would play thereafter.

In fact, Eagles manager Eric Chelle should find how he can speak to Osimhen to be of good conduct on and off the pitch, otherwise teams would deliberately provoke him to earn a red card for retaliation. And Nigeria’s quest for another World Cup appearance would have been blown away. Osimhen’s treble had his trademark of latching on to good passes and rising higher above his markers to bury crosses inside the net. It should be on everyone’s mind that there are two matches to be played in the Four-Team CAF Playoff Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Perhaps, Chelle needs to either bench Stanley Nwabali or speak with the goalkeeper daily in camp; Nigeria would soon be red-carded over his outlandish behaviour during matches. I almost laughed my heart out watching Osimhen plead with Nwabali to relax over a post-match brush with a Benin player. It was a good sight. One only hopes Nwabali can also plead with Osimhen, I digress!

The winner in Morocco will proceed to the Six-Team Intercontinental Playoff, scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalaja and Monterrey in March next year, where two teams will emerge and qualify for the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico.

The winner from the African playoff will be joined by Bolivia, New Caledonia and two teams from Central America, and one from Asia. Not a piece of cake fixtures.

Two teams from Concacaf and one team apiece from the AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC will meet in March 2026 to decide the final two qualifiers for World Cup 26. The FIFA Play-off Tournament will see six sides fight it out for the final two places at the FIFA World Cup 26 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The matches will take place during the international fixture window which runs from 23 – 31 March.

In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November. The two winners clash on Sunday, 16th November in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year.

From the six teams who qualify, the four lowest-ranked nations in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will meet in bracket semi-finals. The two highest-ranked teams will go directly into the finals. The winners of the two bracket finals will reach the FIFA World Cup 26. Tortuous path to glory for Nigeria. Do we have the players to clinch one of the two tickets at the intercontinental series? This writer’s response would be ‘if Osimhen would be fit and free of any form of competition injury. Otherwise, it is worrisome to accept the match fact that the team cannot win games without Osimhen.

Besides, the NFF and NSC eggheads may have forgotten that qualifying for the World Cup and doing well in the competition progresses attract huge sums of money which could make a debt-ridden NFF to become solvent or at the least settle a lot of their verifiable debts. Obviously, one would have thought that the NFF would have learned a lot from not participating at the Qatar 2022 World Cup to prepare properly for next year’s edition to be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States (US). Not so, here. Grouped with South Africa, Republic of Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho, Nigeria required a breathtaking performance on the last day of the qualifiers to grab one of the CAF playoffs’ spots.

According to FIFA, each victory in the World Cup playoffs is valued at $1.938 million, while a draw attracts $1.008 million.

The Super Eagles ended the country’s campaign with five wins, four draws, and one loss, placing them among the top-performing teams on the continent.

In addition, FIFA confirmed that every African nation that qualifies for the 2026 World Cup will receive a massive $9.6 million participation bonus.

If Super Eagles win all of the country’s four matches in the playoffs (two in Africa World Cup Playoffs in Morocco and another two games in the FIFA Intercontinental playoff in Mexico in March 2026), the NFF will pocket the total sum of $9,607,320 an equivalent of N14,118,341,032.

Aren’t these figures by FIFA mind-boggling enough to motivate the NFF members to do the right things to make the Super Eagles the toast of the world in every edition of the Mundial? The NFF is populated by distinguished academicians who ought to apply their vast experience to bear on the team’s preparations. Yet, they showcase a shambolic outing with every game for the Eagles.

Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has released a new song, ‘Infinity,’ featuring Afrobeats superstar Oxlade, sparking controversy among fans and the Christian community.

The collaboration combines Godfrey’s spiritual intensity with Oxlade’s smooth vocals, blending gospel lyrics with Afrobeats rhythm.

‘With God, Nothing is impossible. My God is capable. Call am, He’s reachable . Who remembers where and what year the second picture was taken?

‘INFINITY X @oxladeofficial OUT NOW! RUN IT UP’, he wrote.

Oxlade’s involvement in a s3x tape scandal in 2022 has led to mixed reactions, with some questioning the decision to collaborate with him.

Despite this, Godfrey’s bold move reflects his willingness to push creative boundaries and redefine gospel music.

The song’s release has generated buzz on social media, with fans sharing their thoughts on the collaboration.

Godfrey’s announcement on Instagram showcased a snippet of the song’s video, directed by Ella Raaye, and encouraged fans to ‘RUN IT UP’.

While some praise the musical fusion, others express concerns about Oxlade’s past controversy.

Calebtheplugg questions the decision to work with Oxlade, suggesting that other artists like Moses Bliss could have delivered better results.

He emphasised that gospel music should be inspired by God and that Oxlade’s involvement compromises the spirituality of the genre.

He wrote: ‘There’s nothing Oxlade did here that Moses Bliss or others won’t execute even better! And don’t tell me it’s about audience reach,Moses Bliss has more or as much audience! This na just pure busy body,or trying to use unnecessary controversy to push your career’

He added: ‘Music is spiritual,gospel music is most spiritual. The Inspirations should be from God,the artists are called ministers,their songs should be ministrations. Ministrations from God CANNOT come through a vessel that’s not grounded in Christ,you can’t hear God if you’re not grounded in his words. Whatever oxlade delivered ARE NOT inspirations from God,whIch takes away the spirituality and the whole idea behind gospel music. And you as a minister who knows this and still goes ahead to collab,is just wrong. Call it judgement,but trust me that’s what our dear minister is looking for from this controversy’.

_brownsteph expresses skepticism about Tim Godfrey’s motives, alleging that he’s using gospel music as a disguise for personal gain.

The user wrote: ‘Y’all still see this one as a gospel minister??? Lol person wey dey disguise under gospel dey run him business. So you want to tell me you were led by the Holy Spirit on this one too? Lmao’.

In contrast, thegospelmentality urges caution, emphasising that only God knows the intentions and approvals behind the collaboration.

He wrote: ‘Let us don’t judge in case like this o, because you aren’t there when God told him to do this collabo. If God approved it, who are you to say no? And if God don’t approve, no do Wetin God no send you oo.As music minsters prioritize doing the will of God’.

One of the most cutting taunts in Nigerian politics right now is to be referred to as an Internally Displaced Politician (IDP). That is the tag that has been hung around the necks of some of the leading lights of the opposition African Democratic congress (ADC).

Among the most prominent of this new species is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who left the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with so much hype, but is yet to formally join the over-inflated platform that we were all told was going to topple the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and send President Bola Tinubu back to Lagos in a hurry.

In this group belongs the fire-spitting former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, who regular bulletins on X have somehow lost their earlier menace. Now he mournfully bewails the calamity that awaits Nigerian democracy if the president is allowed to cruise to victory in two years’ time.

In the meantime, he’s floating around in political purgatory – somewhere between the Social Democratic Party (SDP) where he has received an icy welcome and his ADC promised land, trying to conjure some sort of magic potion that would banish Tinubu and deliever him from irrelevance.

Part of this band is a certain Rotimi Amaechi, one-time Minister of Transportation who briefly flirted with something called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). It was a brief and spectacular flop. The former governor of Rivers State who still fancies himself something of a political lion has been huffing and puffing – wondering why Nigerians haven’t revolted against the government of the day.

When that trick didn’t work he began moaning about hunger. Again, not too many were sympathetic given his ample midriff.

And then there’s Peter Obi who seems to be doing his level best not to jump into the ADC bed and whilst still pretending to be a member of the troubled Labour Party (LP).

You really have to feel for the politically homeless are they trun round and round in circles not having the courage of their convictions but always willing to believe that their accommodation problems are caused by the all-powerful occupant of Aso Rock – and not by their own dithering.

A high-level United Nations delegation will visit Nigeria from 20 to 22 October to assess and showcase the country’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The delegation will be led by Ms Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The others are Mr Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Ms Shoko Noda, Director of the Crisis Bureau at the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

According to Mr Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, the mission will engage with senior government officials, development partners and UN personnel operating in affected communities.

As of July 2024, Nigeria hosts an estimated 3.5 million IDPs, largely due to insurgency, banditry, communal clashes and environmental shocks such as flooding and desertification.

The North-East region remains the epicentre, sheltering more than 2.1 million displaced persons.

In spite of national and international efforts, humanitarian needs remain severe.

According to UN figures, 7.8 million people in northern Nigeria require assistance this year.

However, only 1.3 million have been reached so far, raising concerns over limited funding and operational constraints.

The visit by the UN delegation is expected to reinforce international support for Nigeria’s transition from emergency relief to long-term recovery, stabilisation and reintegration of displaced populations.

The visit will also showcase Nigeria’s progress in managing internal displacement and resettlement.

It will promote best practices that could serve as models for other displacement-affected countries;

Among other things, the visit will strengthen collaboration among humanitarian and development actors.

In addition, it will mobilise increased international support and financing for long-term, development-focused interventions.

Last Wednesday, the ancient town of Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area (LGA) of Remo Federal Constituency in Ogun State, paused for hours, soaked in glitz and glamour, as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, his siblings and the entire Abiodun family hosted the 90th birthday celebration of their jewel of a mother, Chief Mrs. Victoria Olaitan Abiodun, in grand style.

From the hallowed hall of St. James Anglican Church, Iperu, where dignitaries from across the world converged for a commemoration service in celebration of Mama Abiodun’s life of service and devotion, to the streets of Iperu, where the jubilant people of Remoland, across all social and economic divides, celebrated Mama Victoria Olaitan Abiodun’s birthday as a remarkable milestone, and all the way to the grand reception in honour of the celebrant, held within the alluring confines of a tastefully constructed marque on the premises of the Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu-Remo, prayers, joy, music, and heartfelt tributes honouring a deserving matriarch, filled the air.

Truth be told, the 90th birthday events of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s mother were heartwarming celebrations of her life and legacy. Family, friends, and loved ones gathered to rejoice over a life that has touched numerous others for good. The day teed off at the beautiful and historic St. James Anglican Church with stunning stained-glass windows, elegant chandeliers, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The wooden pews showed as if freshly polished, and the altar was decorated with a special 90th birthday arrangement. All in honour of a devoted and revered member of the congregation, Mama Victoria Olaitan.

Sitting pretty and radiating joy, the ninety-year-old birthday-girl looked around her to see a church hall filled to the brim and pouring out, into the expansive compound and beyond. Her expressions were those of happiness and fulfilment. Adorned beautifully in sparkling white iro and buba, with glittering royal blue gele and ipele, and stable blue shoes to match, mama caught the picture of the day’s special guest of honour.

Behind her and her children with their immediate families, family members, friends, guests and church members, all dressed in the eye-catching green and orange aso ebi, gather to celebrate this milestone birthday. The congregation sang hymns and songs of praise, accompanied by the church choir. The music – uplifting and celebratory, and the mood was simply joyous. The choir sang, the congregation danced, and the celebrant beamed with appreciative smiles at dignitaries from across the country, including a strong delegation from the presidency that had Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and others. Their presence showed how important the event was to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Also present were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the incumbent Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Olamilekan Solomon, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; former governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Olusegun Mimiko, James Ibori, Ibikunle Amosun, Kayode Fayemi, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Senator Dave Umahi and numerous other members of the National Assembly.

Corporate Nigeria also poured into Iperu to celebrate Mama Abiodun, as business giants like Dr Deji Adeleke, Sayuu Dantata, Chief Toyin Okeowo, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Dr Zacheus Adedeji, Dr Tunde Lemo, Aig-Imoukhuede Aigboje, led numerous other giant players to the birthday celebration.

An impressive array of traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof Adelola Matemilola; Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi; Eleposo of Eposo-Remo, Oba Mukaila Olabinjo; Elegushi of Ikate, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; Oniru of Iru land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan; Olorogun Sunny Kuku, Ogbeni Oja and Adele Awujale of Ijebuland, among scores of other monarchs, regaled the gathering with royalty.

From the host state, the attendance was simply huge. Everybody who mattered was joyously present. Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor; Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; Mr Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG); Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo, the Chief of Staff; Mr Dapo Okubadejo, Chief Economic Adviser and Finance Commissioner; and Chief Yemi Sanusi, Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led all other state and ruling party functionaries to Iperu.

In his sermon during the church service, the Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Olusina Fape, who described the celebrant as a devoted and committed Christian who had done a lot in the vineyard of God, while speaking on the theme, ‘The grateful heart receives more blessings from God,’ urged the celebrant to continue her life of service to God. Reading from Luke Chapter 1, verse 46 to 49, he likened Mama Abiodun’s life to that of Holy Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, as Prince Dapo Abiodun has raised the name of the family as the performing governor of Ogun State.

The clergyman used the opportunity to eulogise Governor Abiodun for the massive infrastructural development in the state, adding that the construction of the Gateway International Airport at Iperu-Remo is a big relief, not just for Ogun state but the entire southwest geo-political zone.

A new industry report by Heirs Technologies, a leading digital transformation company in Africa, has called for urgent and coordinated investments to unlock the continent’s projected $700 billion digital economy by 2030.

The report, titled Africa’s Digital Leap: Cloud, Connectivity and AI in the Next Decade, highlights the vast potential of Africa’s digital future but warns of the consequences if key gaps are not addressed.

According to the report, without sustained infrastructure investment, regulatory alignment, and talent development, Africa risks missing out on the next wave of global digital growth.

Although Africa is home to 19 per cent of the world’s population, the report notes that the continent currently hosts less than one per cent of global data centre capacity. This represents what Heirs Technologies describes as ‘a critical gap in digital infrastructure.’

The report also reveals that 55 per cent of African enterprises now run more than half their workloads in the cloud, with 17 per cent operating as fully cloud-native businesses. Southern and West Africa are identified as leaders in adoption, while North Africa lags due to infrastructure limitations and regulatory challenges.

Artificial intelligence is another key focus area. The study values Africa’s AI market at $4.5 billion and estimates that it could contribute up to $2.9 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030. This growth is being driven by increasing AI adoption across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, financial services, and education.

Infrastructure initiatives such as the 2Africa subsea cable and more than 211 active data centres are seen as essential to improving connectivity and supporting the continent’s cloud-driven future. Additionally, the report states that between 2019 and the first quarter of 2025, African AI startups raised $1.25 billion in funding. Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt accounted for 87 per cent of that total.

Speaking at the report’s unveiling, Obong Idiong, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Technologies, emphasised the urgency for coordinated action among governments, investors, and businesses.

‘Africa is not at the edge of a digital leap; we are already mid-flight,’ Idiong said. ‘The next decade will be defined not only by the technologies we embrace but by how boldly and inclusively we implement them. At Heirs Technologies, we are committed to enabling Africa’s digital transformation, but this journey belongs to all of us.’

The 38-page report offers an in-depth analysis of Africa’s digital economy, benchmarking regional trends in cloud adoption, policy readiness, and investment activity. It aims to serve as a roadmap for governments, investors, and businesses to position Africa as a global digital powerhouse.

The nominations for the 21st Africa Movies Academy Awards (AMAA) have been announced ahead of the 2025 edition.

The nominations were announced by African actors of Nigerian descent including Lilian Aluko, Emeka Ossai, Charles Inojie, and Adaora Anyanwu. Other dignitaries that announced the nominees include Nigerian media personality, Chris Kehinde Nwandu; Executive Director of the National Film and Videos Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Husseini; and former Lagos commissioner, Steve Ayorinde. Both Husseini and Ayorinde represented the AMAA jury at the event.

The award nomination was announced to the media and the general public at the BON Hotel Ikeja Residence situated in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The nominations streamed live worldwide on AMAA online platforms, as well as the film academy’s digital platforms (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X).

Also gathered at the nominees unveil, which was anchored by veteran Nollywood actor cum singer, Segun Arinze, include the AMAA board led by Dr Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe; Mr George Anyiam-Osigwe, COO AMAA; Tony Anih, Teco Benson, Lancelot Imasuen and several others.

Burkina Faso’s ‘Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions’ dominated with 10 nominations while Nigeria’s ‘Lisabi’ earned seven (7) nominations.

For the highly anticipated AMAA for Best Actress in a leading role, Nigeria’s Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Osas Ighodaro, and Shaffy Bello will slug it out with Rwandan actress Analisa Munyana, South African actress Danica De La Ray Jones, Ethiopian actress Getahun Hailu, Florence Mariserena, and Algiers actress Meriem Medjkane.

The AMAA 2025 award for best actor in a leading role also features some of the best in Africa including Keenan Arrison for ‘The Heart is a Muscle,’ Debebe Eshetu for ‘For Love, for Land, for Power,’ Adjetey Anang for ‘Last Stop,’ Lateef Adedimeji for ‘Lisabi: The Uprising,’ Ayden Croy for ‘Old Righteous Blues,’ Bizimana Hussain for ‘Small Gods,’ Mahamadi Nana for ‘Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions and Nabil Asli for ‘Algiers.’

The AMAA 2025 award for best film has eight African countries competing for the award. The nominees as announced include ‘Algiers’ from Algeria, ‘3 Cold Dishes’ from Nigeria, ‘The Heart is a Muscle,’ from South Africa, ‘Small Gods,’ from Uganda, ‘For Love, For Land, For Power’ from Ethiopia, ‘Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions’ from Burkina Faso, ‘Last Stop’ from Ghana, and ‘Lisabi: The Uprising,’ representing Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, popular Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Charles Inojie and Teco Benson took turns to express confidence in the jury and award organisers as well as delight with the nominations.

Teco Benson, a multiple AMAA winner, noted that the 21st edition of AMAA would further raise the bar in not only the Nigerian film industry but the African film industry as a whole, after proving itself as one of the most laudable reward platforms for African film practitioners.

The 21st Africa Movie Academy Awards will be presented on November 9 at the Balmoral Convention Centre Ikeja – Sheraton in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria.

Stakeholders under the auspices of the Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) have applauded the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, for empowering indigenes of the Niger Delta region with over 3000 scholarships.

The stakeholders commended Otuaro’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration through his unflinching commitment to the peace and development of the Niger Delta.

The IYN in a statement on Saturday by its National Coordinator Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, said that Otuaro had not departed from his avowed commitment to bridging the human capital development gap in the region.

The stakeholders further hailed the PAP boss for the recent deployment of 161 beneficiaries from impacted communities for targeted programmes in universities in the United Kingdom.

They urged Otuaro to remain focused and dedicated to the cause of the region and to ignore all attempts by mischief makers to distract him.

The group said the deliberate steps taken by Otuaro to spread educational opportunities in the communities of the Niger Delta remained one of the most effective ways of entrenching lasting peace and development in the region.

The stakeholders said that the Niger Delta and the entire country would feel the positive impacts of Otuaro’s visionary input to education in years to come.

The youth leaders also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic supervision of the Presidential Amnesty Office, and contributions to entrenched peace in the Niger Delta.

The IYN called on youths of the Niger Delta to prioritize the interest of the region in making a political choice in 2027 and urged them to back Otuaro’s call to support President Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

They recalled the efforts by Otuaro in previous scholarship deployments and vocational training, stressing that the president had been supportive of the PAP initiatives.

The group said: ‘We have noted with keen interest the recent deployment of a huge number of Niger Delta indigenes for scholarship programmes within and outside the country.

‘The record we have shows that over 3000 young people are benefiting from these unprecedented efforts of the PAP under Otuaro’s leadership within the country and 161 in the UK universities for the 2025/2026 academic year.

‘We at the IYN commend the PAP boss for his laudable efforts. We know his antecedents, and we are not surprised that he has made this level of unprecedented impact within a short time.

‘We urge him to remain focused on the job and ignore detractors spreading falsehood about the programme and its leaders.

‘We also call on our colleagues in the Niger Delta to give the requisite support to Otuaro and the Tinubu administration, which has given priority to issues affecting our people.’