The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Biodun Stephen’s Sista triumphs in Paris

    Biodun Stephen’s Sista triumphs in Paris

    Biodun Stephen’s widely-celebrated drama, Sista, has made a stunning impact at the 11th annual NollywoodWeek Film Festival in Paris.

    The film swept both the Audience Choice and Jury Prize awards for best movie, highlighting its ability to resonate with viewers across cultural boundaries.

    Sista, inspired by Biodun Stephen’s upbringing with a single mother, sparked thought-provoking discussions and deep emotional satisfaction among a wide range of movie fans when it was released.

    Sista wasn’t Stephen’s only success at NollywoodWeek Paris. Her film, Atiko, co-produced with Adediwura Blackgold, opened the prestigious festival.

    Read Also:Olympic flame arrives on French soil for Paris Games

    Biodun Stephen’s NollywoodWeek victories are merely the latest in a string of successes. Her films consistently explore universal themes like love, loss, family, and societal challenges.

    These new awards follow Sista’s impressive track record, having previously won Best Nollywood Drama at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) and Best Original Score at the International Independent Film Awards. Stephen’s talent has consistently been recognised, with her win for Best Writer at the AMVCA in 2022 for her work on The Kujus.

    Sista was written and directed by Biodun Stephen, who is notable for other films like ‘Breaded Life’, ‘Finding Baami’ and ‘Picture Perfect.’

    “I always love to tell stories that resonate and look real, while subtly adding comedy to douse emotional purge. I am thrilled that my films are recognised for their authentic portrayal of African narratives and their ability to connect with global viewers. It’s a victory, not just for me but for Nollywood,” Biodun Stephen said.

    In 2023, Stephen’s The Wildflower won the Audience Choice award at the NollywoodWeek festival in Paris.

  • 10th Africa Magic Viewers’Choice Awards kicks off today

    10th Africa Magic Viewers’Choice Awards kicks off today

    •The AMVCA will kick off with Cultural Day this evening

    The lineup of activities for the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) begins today with the Cultural Day event.

    The Cultural Day event will formally kick off the series of activities preceding the Award Night on Saturday, May 11.

    Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice West Africa, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, stating that the award ceremony has enjoyed immense growth and recognition since its inception in 2013.

    Read Also: AMVCAs: UcZhe Ikejimba secures sixth nomination

    “The 10th edition of the AMVCA represents a significant milestone in our journey to celebrate African talent and creativity. This year’s edition celebrates a decade of excellence in African cinema and television. As we prepare to mark this momentous occasion, we look forward to honouring the incredible contributions of filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals who continue to inspire and entertain audiences across the continent and beyond.”

    The 10th AMVCA will see winners emerge from 25 categories comprising 16 non-voting, 9 audience voting categories, and recipients of 2 recognition awards – Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer Awards.

    The Cultural Day event will feature musical performances and special cultural presentations.

  • ‘Poor traceability system bane of oil palm production’

    ‘Poor traceability system bane of oil palm production’

    Stakeholders in agriculture have expressed concern over proper implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector.

    They spoke yesterday in Abuja during a policy dialogue on implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector, saying the system is  a standardised way of handling products to meet global standards which Nigerians must adhere to attract investors.

    They noted with proper implementation of a traceability system in the oil palm subsector, local and private sectors will have confidence in investing in the subsector.

    Programme Manager of National Initiative for sustainable and Climate Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (N-SCOPS), Kene Onukwube, said there is no particular traceability system that most actors comply with, with the exception of a Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standard that has some sections on traceability but implementation is not effective across board.

    Read Also:SEC tightens grip on private companies’ debt issuance

    Onukwube, who spoke on enhancing oil palm sustainability system: Traceability for effective market, said: Solidaridad and IDH are facilitating policy dialogue to stimulate and draw attention of sector actors to the fact that there is a need to establish traceability system for Nigeria.

     He explained “traceability systems are to improve food safety quality for palm oil, it will enhance the market, because when the market is improved, you will have an enhanced market.

    He added there are 80 per cent smallholder farmers involved in the oil palm sector as most of them don’t know about this traceability system and don’t practise it.

  • ‘Give Tinubu kudos for Kwara  projects’

    ‘Give Tinubu kudos for Kwara  projects’

    Elder statesman, Chief Ebenezer Adenike,  has acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s people-oriented projects in Kwara State.

     Adenike,  former board member of Nigeria Frequency Management Council, decried misrepresentation of federal initiatives as state’s

    He said: “People hardly know President Tinubu is doing anything for Kwara. People are misled into believing Federal Government projects are state accomplishments.”

    Adenike noted the President deserved applause for the 130-kilometre Bode Saadu-Kaiama-Kosubosu road, valued at nearly N 300 billion.

    He clarified that Ilorin Smart City project is also Federal Government’s.

    He frowned at alleged lack of transparency in land acquisition, particularly in Ilorin East and South, where residents are unaware of federal involvement and compensation.

    Read Also: GTBank Uganda transitions to Tier-2 credit institution

    “The people of Ilorin East and South are not informed this project is a Federal Government initiative. Kwara government is the  facilitator.”

    Adenike criticised the handling of federal food palliatives, alleging Tinubu’s contributions were overshadowed or omitted.

     He noted recognition and distribution of these resources are disproportionately allocated in the ruling party, neglecting non-partisan Kwarans.

    This is the situation in Kwara and the earlier the President arrests this, the better for his glory and legacy in the state.

  • Saudi eyes investment, export of agric products 

    Saudi eyes investment, export of agric products 

    Saudi Arabia has said it will invest in Nigerian agricultural sector and export to near by countries.

     Its Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Abdulmoshen, spoke in Abuja when he visited Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Abubakar Kyari.

    He noted his country would invest in the sector and target Nigerian market.

    Abdulmoshen said both country’s private sector would explore further opportunities.

    Noting certain incentives needed, such as land, he said Saudi government would provide certain laws and incentives to encourage investors to up businesses in Nigeria.

    Read Also:Prince Harry, Meghan arrive Nigeria Friday

     He said: “We believe Nigeria has comparative advantage and the need to invest in agriculture, food, whereby we will target Nigerian market or export to nearby countries.

     “We are aware the challenge facing self-sufficiency is your ability to produce it at a lower cost compared to importing it from outside. Because if we fail, we will continue to import and at a certain point, we may not be able to and the local production is not available.

     “And I also believe certain incentives are expected from the government, including, allocating land. We will be happy to enter into a negotiation, I’m speaking on behalf of Saudi private sector, which leads to sustainable investment”.

     Kyari noted the country is open to business in the sector.

    He said the goal is to boost production and productivity with a eye on value addition.

    The minister reiterated commitment of Nigeria to expand investment in the economy particularly in agriculture.

     “We are desirous of a share in the Agri-Market of Saudi Arabia, to surpass the volume of agri-trade as provided by figures in sesame, cashew, ginger, soyabean, wheat, maize, palm oil, animal feed, among others.

    “Nigeria is open and ready for business. In agriculture and related sub-fields, opportunities are enormous. Our goal is to boost production and productivity with a eye on value addition”, he said.

  • Cybersecurity levy an anti-people policy, says centre

    Cybersecurity levy an anti-people policy, says centre

    Centre for Law and Civil Culture (CLCC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately stop the proposed cyber security levy, describing it as an anti-people policy.

    The group also called on Nigerians to voice out and resist by all legal means possible the introductions of ‘obnoxious policy’.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had ordered banks to enact the process of deduction of cybersecurity levy to be administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

    CLCC said: “It is sad to note that before this latest directive by the CBN, Nigerians have been subjected to four different types of fees on just a single electronic transaction carried out in any commercial bank and other financial institutions via electronic means.

    Read Also: NESG urges govt to reconsider policy on cybersecurity levy

    “Commercial banks do charge transfer fees, stamp duty fees, value-added tax and SMS fees.

    “The introduction of the cybercrime fees/charges would make it the fifth charge that would be levied on a single electronic transfer.

    “CLCC condemns the Cybercrime charges or any other charges at all that will further worsen the terrible and atrocious economic hardship that Nigerians have been subjected to in the last few years. 

    “CLCC maintains that the introduction of such policy at this critical period is insensitive, callous, heartless and cruel.

    “It constitutes a violent violation of the fundamental rights of the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We, therefore, call for immediate suspension of this policy and urge the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria to immediately put a halt to this anti-people policy.

    “We also call on Nigerians to voice out en-mass and resist by all legal means possible, the introductions of this obnoxious policy.”

  • Real estate firm provides wellbeing

    Real estate firm provides wellbeing

    Real estate firm, Facibus Housing has offered payment plans for homeowners at Highbury Heights Phase 1, Lagos.

    It said the promo is part of plans to contribute to reducing the housing deficit whil

    The statement noted real estate investment remains one of the safest and most profitable options.

    “With its rising population and growing economy, Lagos continues to attract investments, with real estate playing a role in its economy.

    Read Also: Real estate firm Kemsan Acres Global celebrates at five, lists future plans

    “Comprising 20 crafted two-bedroom apartments, Highbury Heights Phase 1 epitomises comfort, convenience, and sophistication. Each unit is designed to harmonise modern aesthetics with functionality.

    “What distinguishes Highbury Heights is its prime locationand its premium amenities. Residents can indulge in leisure at the swimming pool, rejuvenate at the spa, maintain a fitness regime at the gym, and enjoy access to every floor courtesy of the elevator.

    “Safety and security are paramount in today’s Lagos, and Highbury Heights prioritises well-being with modern features: CCTV surveillance, standby generators, and smart door locks. The automated gate system and ample parking further aid convenience for residents and visitors.

    “Recognising importance of reliable Internet connectivity in a digital economy, Highbury offers 5G Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring residents have fast and reliable Internet access.”

  • NASENI unveils smart phone, laptop, others

    NASENI unveils smart phone, laptop, others

    National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has unveiled products to complement the effort of the administration to reduce import bills and create employment for Nigerians.

    The products are NASENI laptop, smart phone, lithium battery and 300 Watts LED solar street lamp.

    Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, Executive Vice Chair/Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, said the aim is to create impacts on the life of the people through accelerated technology transfers and massive domestications.

    He noted the agency earlier unveiled its Solar Irrigation System, Electric Keke, electric motorcycle and solar-powered cargo tricycle during the Senate Committee on NASENI’s visit.

    The vice chair said NASENI is the only purpose-built agency of Federal Government aimed at domesticating technology both capital and consumer goods.

    Read Also: Human Manager lists identity management role in financial inclusion

    He said the agency is working towards delivering the right value of gadgets to Nigerians as it’s working to ensure its branded products are in the market.

    Halilu, speaking on affordability of the products, said affordability was the first thing the agency considered.

    “What comes to mind when domesticating a product is its affordability.

    “With regards to our laptops and other gadgets, we are trying to deliver the right value to Nigerians”.

    He said the management under him has adopted a fastrack approach and is interested in Technology Transfer and Commercialization of its research and development (R&D) products.

    Halilu added the agency embarked on its 3C principles of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation with strategic partners to ensure the agency does not only embark on research but take the products to end users.

    “We identified our partners and leveraged technology to come up with products that are competitive and market driven. This is to ensure sustainability. We tell the investors to work with us and support our  industrialisation efforts.

    “The key thing we do differently is to take our R&D results (products) to the market.”, he noted.

    Some of the achievements and ongoing activities of the agency highlighted at the briefing included the development of NASENI Proposal Evaluation Portal, NASENI Growth Hacker, NASENI ERP, NASENI eProcurement, NASENI StemBox, NASENI Innovation Hub, PICTT e.g.: Delta2 and DeltHer, amongst others.

  • Firm unveils mobile solution for logistics

    Firm unveils mobile solution for logistics

    Gavice Logistics, an indigenous e-commerce company driven through technological innovation, has launched its mobile application, Gavice Mobile Application (GMP), for time management, goods tracking, among others.

    Chief Technology Officer, Samuel Chukwu, at Gavice Logistics Ignite Innovation conference, said the firm is a ‘dynamic and innovative logistics company revolutionising how businesses manage their supply chains’.

    Read Also: Terragon Group unveils mobile solutions

    Chukwu noted the app streamlines logistics and e-commerce operations; saves users time through order management, inventory tracking, and shipping fulfillment. He assured the people that GMP is reliable, efficient and secured.

    “Users can trust the app to deliver reliable performance and data security while confidentiality and integrity of information is assured.

  • Netanyahu vows to continue Gaza attacks

    Netanyahu vows to continue Gaza attacks

     Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu in a video statement has said the Israeli forces will continue their attacks in Gaza despite the U.S. threat to halt some weapon shipments.

    “If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone,” said Netanyahu in a public speech made on Sunday’s Israeli Holocaust Memorial Day and posted on his official X account yesterday.

    Read Also: Erdogan: Israel’s Netanyahu ‘will be tried as war criminal’

     The Israeli prime minister added that “no amount of pressure” will stop Israel from “defending itself.”

    During a CNN interview earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said that he would halt some shipments of U.S. weapons to Israel if Netanyahu launches a major invasion of Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip where more than 1 million Palestinians are taking refuge.

    “We’re not walking away from Israel’s security. We’re walking away from Israel’s ability to wage war in those areas,” said Biden.

    The U.S. president admitted that Israel used U.S. bombs on civilians in Gaza. 

    “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centers,” said Biden.