Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Hosts Inaugural Africa International Christian Film Festival, Organisers Urge Creatives to Reclaim Storytelling
Festival concludes after four days of screenings and masterclasses, with call for excellence and cultural identity in film
Festival concludes after four days of screenings and masterclasses, with call for excellence and cultural identity in film
The maiden edition of the Africa International Christian Film Festival (AICFF 2026) ended in Abuja on Saturday, with organisers urging Nigerian and African creatives to reclaim storytelling through excellence, strong identity and kingdom influence. The four-day event, which took place between June 3 and June 6 at a venue in the Federal Capital Territory, featured film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking sessions for stakeholders across the industry.
According to festival organisers, the initiative was designed to promote values-driven content and inspire filmmakers to tell stories that reflect authentic African experiences. Attendees participated in strategic industry conversations aimed at addressing challenges facing local creatives in a global market increasingly dominated by foreign narratives.
Organisers emphasised the need for excellence and innovation among Nigerian filmmakers to help position the country as a leader in Christian-themed cinema on the continent. They called on participants to harness their unique identities and cultural backgrounds as tools for impactful storytelling that can resonate both locally and internationally.
While the festival primarily targeted Christian filmmakers, organisers said the lessons shared were relevant for all storytellers seeking to make meaningful contributions to society. “We believe African creatives have a responsibility to shape narratives that align with our values and realities,” an official stated during one of the closing sessions.
The successful hosting of AICFF 2026 has been described as a step towards building a sustainable platform for faith-based content creators in Nigeria. Organisers hinted at plans to expand future editions, with calls for greater collaboration among industry professionals.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Violence Erupts in Edo’s Estako East as Man Beheaded, Seven Houses Burnt After Dispute Over Girlfriend
Police begin investigation as Ogute-Oke community residents flee following deadly altercation during burial party
Police begin investigation as Ogute-Oke community residents flee following deadly altercation during burial party
One man has been reportedly beheaded and seven houses set ablaze in Ogute-Oke, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, after a violent confrontation broke out between youths over a girl. The incident occurred shortly after the community’s Olimi festival, throwing the area into panic on Saturday.
According to sources within Ogute-Oke who requested anonymity for security reasons, trouble started during a party organised to mark the burial of a prominent chief in the locality. Eyewitnesses said an argument ensued when one young man became angry that another was dancing with the girl he brought to the event. The disagreement escalated rapidly, resulting in one of the men using a cutlass to inflict a fatal injury on his rival’s neck.
Following the fatal attack, reprisal violence erupted as some aggrieved individuals allegedly razed at least seven houses belonging to those linked to the parties involved. The chaos forced several residents to flee Ogute-Oke out of fear of further violence and possible police arrests. Community members say such incidents threaten ongoing efforts at peacebuilding in Estako East, which has experienced sporadic unrest in recent years.
As at press time, efforts to reach Edo State Police Command Public Relations Office were unsuccessful. However, security sources confirmed that police have launched an investigation and are monitoring the situation closely. No official statement had been released regarding arrests or further casualties.
The latest violence has renewed calls for improved security and community engagement in rural parts of Edo State. Local leaders have urged both youths and elders to exercise restraint while authorities continue their probe into the incident.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/man-beheaded-seven-houses-razed-over-girlfriend-in-edo/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Orders Deregistration of ADC, Accord and Three Other Political Parties
Judgement delivered Monday directs INEC to remove affected parties from register, raising questions on political diversity
Judgement delivered Monday directs INEC to remove affected parties from register, raising questions on political diversity
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party, in a ruling delivered on Monday, 15 June 2026. The court’s decision mandates INEC to remove these parties from its official register with immediate effect.
The judgement, which came after a legal challenge to the continued existence of the affected parties, follows arguments regarding their compliance with constitutional requirements for party registration. The order also applies to three other unnamed parties alongside ADC and Accord. The details of the specific infractions or criteria for deregistration were not disclosed in the court’s brief summary.
The move marks another phase in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to streamline its political landscape. In recent years, INEC has periodically reviewed party registrations based on performance and compliance with relevant electoral laws. Many observers say this action could reduce ballot clutter but may also limit choices for voters ahead of future elections.
While the names of all five deregistered parties were not made public at press time, the judgement is expected to have significant implications for party members and candidates preparing for upcoming polls. There was no immediate response from either INEC or representatives of the affected parties regarding plans to appeal or comply with the court directive.
As at Monday evening, it remains unclear how soon INEC will update its records and what process will be in place for aggrieved stakeholders. The development is likely to prompt further debate about electoral reforms and inclusivity within Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Reps Speaker Calls for Bold Solutions to Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Speaker says existing strategies are not enough, urges lawmakers to embrace innovative approaches amid rising insecurity
Speaker says existing strategies are not enough, urges lawmakers to embrace innovative approaches amid rising insecurity
The Speaker of the House of Representatives has emphasised the urgent need for new and courageous strategies to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the Speaker said that current approaches have not yielded the desired results and called on lawmakers to adopt fresh thinking in tackling insecurity across the country.
The Speaker made this call during a session at the National Assembly, noting that rising incidents of violence, kidnapping, and banditry have continued to threaten peace in several states. He stressed that Nigerians expect practical action from their elected representatives, not mere rhetoric. “Our people are looking to us for leadership that delivers real solutions,” he said.
Nigeria has faced escalating security concerns in recent years, with attacks reported in parts of the North-East, North-West and other regions. These incidents have affected economic activities and displaced thousands of citizens. The Speaker’s comments come at a time when many Nigerians are demanding more effective interventions from both federal and state governments.
While addressing his colleagues, the Speaker urged them to support policies that will strengthen security agencies and improve intelligence gathering. He added that collaboration with local communities and investment in youth empowerment could help reduce the appeal of criminal activity. “We cannot afford to keep doing things the same way and expect different outcomes,” he stated.
The House is expected to review existing security frameworks in coming weeks, with possible amendments to enhance operational effectiveness. Lawmakers have also called for increased funding for security agencies as part of efforts to restore peace and stability nationwide.
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Violence Erupts in Edo’s Estako East as Man Beheaded, Seven Houses Burnt After Dispute Over Girlfriend
Abuja Court Orders Deregistration of ADC, Accord and Three Other Political Parties
Reps Speaker Calls for Bold Solutions to Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Court-Ordered Deregistration of ADC in Abuja Threatens Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ambitions
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