Lawmakers urge swift legal action, citing rising cases of child abuse in South-East state

The Anambra State House of Assembly has called for the immediate prosecution of a woman alleged to have brutalised a 10-year-old boy in the state. The lawmakers made this demand on Friday, following reports of severe physical abuse inflicted on the minor at an undisclosed location within Anambra.

According to the Assembly, the incident came to light after concerned residents alerted authorities about the boy’s injuries. Members debated the matter during plenary, expressing concern over the growing prevalence of child abuse across communities in Anambra and urging law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators.

Child welfare has become a pressing issue in Anambra State and other parts of the South-East, with stakeholders raising alarm over repeated reports of domestic violence against minors. The Assembly said urgent steps were needed to protect children and ensure that those responsible for such acts face justice under existing Nigerian laws.

Lawmakers unanimously condemned the alleged act during Friday’s session, insisting that prosecution would serve as deterrence. “We cannot continue to allow our children suffer such inhuman treatment. Those found culpable must be brought before the law,” one member stated during deliberations.

The House resolved to send a formal communication to relevant security agencies, tasking them with investigating and charging the suspect. As at press time, police had yet to confirm if an arrest had been made. The Assembly also encouraged residents to report any suspected cases of child abuse, promising further legislative intervention if required.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888961-anambra-assembly-demands-trial-of-woman-for-brutalising-10-year-old-boy.html

Romantic comedy leads strong year for Nigerian film industry, with historical and faith-based dramas also crossing ₦100m mark

Nollywood has posted impressive box office earnings in Lagos and across Nigeria, with the romantic comedy ‘Call of My Life’ leading the pack by grossing ₦574 million as at June 2026. The film, starring Uzoamaka Power, follows Soluchi’s journey from heartbreak to a fresh start after a chance encounter on a customer service call.

The list of highest-grossing Nigerian films for 2026 so far includes several genres, from faith-based dramas to historical epics. In second place is ‘The Return of Arinzo’, directed by Iyabo Ojo, which brought in over ₦351 million. The sequel to the popular 2013 Yoruba film revisits political scandals and family secrets as an actor returns home to support his father’s presidential bid.

‘Onobiren: A Woman’s Story’, directed by Laju Iren, grossed ₦138 million after a seven-week run in cinemas nationwide. The faith-themed drama tells the story of Roli’s migration from Warri to Lagos and her struggle for independence, highlighting themes of female resilience and solidarity. Other top performers include ‘Ajosepo: The Gathering’ (over ₦128 million), a sequel that explores family ties at a Yoruba wedding, and ‘Efunroye: The Unicorn’ (over ₦102.6 million), which chronicles the life of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, a renowned merchant and kingmaker from Abeokuta who rose to power in Lagos.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde made her directorial debut with ‘Mother’s Love’, which crossed the ₦100 million mark following an opening weekend haul of ₦24.1 million. The family drama centres on Adebisi’s coming-of-age journey during her NYSC year and her mother’s confrontation with past trauma.

Industry stakeholders note that strong marketing campaigns, diverse storylines and improved cinema distribution have contributed to this year’s robust performance. Speaking at a recent forum in Lagos, distributor Kayode Kasum said, “Nigerian audiences are responding well to stories that reflect their realities and aspirations.”

With several months remaining in the year, filmmakers expect more box office records could be broken if current trends continue.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/highest-grossing-nollywood-movies-2026-2026061914020815457

TAPE 2026 to feature top gospel ministers including Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards as House On The Rock opens doors to all worshippers

House On The Rock has formally announced the theme and details for the 2026 edition of The Africa Praise Experience (TAPE), with Founder and Metropolitan Paul Adefarasin set to host the event on Friday, July 10, at The Rock Cathedral in Lekki, Lagos. Organisers disclosed that this year’s theme is ‘One Altar. One Sound. One God.’

The annual praise concert, regarded as one of the continent’s largest gospel gatherings, will unite worshippers, gospel artists, and faith-based creatives from across Nigeria and Africa for a night of music and spiritual renewal. According to House On The Rock, TAPE 2026 will run from 7:00pm until dawn and is open to the public free of charge.

Adefarasin said the event aims to celebrate unity in worship while spotlighting Africa’s diverse musical expressions. “With ‘One Altar. One Sound. One God.’ we are coming together as one family to lift our voices in gratitude,” he stated during the announcement.

The line-up features some of Africa’s most renowned gospel ministers and groups including Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, Beejay Sax, Bidemi Olaoba, Kaestrings, Mr M & Revelation, Onos Ariyo, Prinx Emmanuel, Emma OMG, Blessing Lopez, Sunmisola Agbebi, Sonnie Badu, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Pastor Tolu Odukoya, IB Quake, Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir and The Rock Cathedral Gospel Choir.

Organisers said TAPE 2026 will deliver a blend of contemporary gospel sounds with indigenous African praise traditions. They added that moments of prayer and reflection are designed to inspire hope and renewed faith among attendees. With free admission at the Lekki venue and an impressive roster of artists confirmed, stakeholders expect thousands of worshippers from within Lagos State and beyond to attend.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/house-on-the-rock-announces-the-africa-praise-experience-2026-theme-one-altar-one-sound-one-god-2026061913384672454