Nigeria News (Standard)
NFVCB Pledges Support for Kaduna Film Festival Ahead of August 2026 Event
Board reaffirms backing as KADIFF team briefs Abuja headquarters on plans to boost film industry opportunities
Board reaffirms backing as KADIFF team briefs Abuja headquarters on plans to boost film industry opportunities
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has restated its commitment to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s film sector following a courtesy visit by officials of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) to its headquarters in Abuja. The meeting took place ahead of the next edition of the festival, scheduled for August 2026 in Kaduna State.
KADIFF’s delegation, led by Founder and Executive Director Israel Kashim Audu, visited NFVCB on Wednesday to formally inform the Board about ongoing preparations for the upcoming event and to seek institutional backing. The team outlined key aspects of the festival’s programming and vision, emphasising its role in nurturing local talent and providing platforms for filmmakers across Nigeria.
NFVCB, in response, assured the delegation of its continued support towards initiatives that promote capacity building and international exposure for Nigerian filmmakers. The Board noted that festivals like KADIFF play a significant role in highlighting indigenous stories and strengthening the creative economy within Kaduna State and beyond.
Audu stated during the meeting that KADIFF remains committed to creating new opportunities for both emerging and established filmmakers, adding that collaboration with regulatory bodies is vital for sustained industry growth. The Board highlighted that this partnership aligns with government objectives to expand cultural exports and increase Nigeria’s profile on the global stage.
With preparations underway, organisers said they would continue engaging stakeholders across public and private sectors to ensure a successful festival in 2026. NFVCB reiterated its readiness to provide guidance where necessary, while both parties expressed optimism that KADIFF would further position Kaduna as a centre for film excellence in North-West Nigeria.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/film/nfvcb-backs-kadiff-ahead-of-august-2026-festival/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Port Harcourt Gas Secretariat Confirms Domestic Utilisation Surpasses 2bcfd as Exports Reach Five-Year High
Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost
Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost
Nigeria’s domestic natural gas utilisation has crossed the two billion standard cubic feet per day (2bcfd) mark, with exports hitting their highest level in five years, according to new disclosures by the Decade of Gas Secretariat. The announcement was made during a media capacity-building programme held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.
Mr. Taofeek Balogun, representing the Decade of Gas Secretariat at the event, stated that Nigeria’s gas sector is now recording year-to-date production of 7.85 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcfd). He attributed this progress to the Federal Government’s ongoing gas development agenda, which targets increased domestic supply for power generation, industry, transportation and household use.
The surge in both domestic consumption and exports comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to reduce reliance on imported fuels and strengthen its energy security. The government’s push for wider adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles has also created new demand for domestic gas. Experts say this milestone demonstrates the growing role of natural gas in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and economic diversification efforts.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast gas resources for national development,” Balogun said at the programme, which was organised in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV). He added that continued investment in infrastructure and policy reforms are essential to sustain growth in the sector.
Stakeholders present at the event commended government’s efforts but urged further action to address challenges such as pipeline vandalism and regulatory bottlenecks. As Nigeria consolidates its position as a leading gas producer in Africa, industry players expect ongoing reforms to attract more investments and support job creation across key sectors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Mike Bamiloye Reveals Cameraman’s Disappearance Halted Original ‘Agbara Nla’ Production in Osun
Veteran filmmaker recounts how the iconic Christian film was abandoned in 1987 as new sequel readies for cinema release
Veteran filmmaker recounts how the iconic Christian film was abandoned in 1987 as new sequel readies for cinema release
Renowned Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye has disclosed that the original production of his influential movie, Agbara Nla, collapsed in Osun State in 1987 after the cameraman vanished with all the recorded tapes shortly after filming concluded. Bamiloye made this revelation on Friday via a post on his verified X account, just as anticipation grows for the upcoming cinema debut of Agbara Nla: The Return.
According to Bamiloye, after completing the initial shooting nearly four decades ago, the entire cast and crew were left stranded when the hired cameraman absconded with the only copies of their work. The incident forced him and his Mount Zion Faith Ministries team to abandon their efforts, despite high hopes for what would become one of Nigeria’s most impactful faith-based films.
Agbara Nla later became a household name across Nigeria, credited with inspiring a wave of indigenous Christian filmmaking and outreach. The lost tapes incident, however, delayed its emergence and shaped Bamiloye’s approach to subsequent productions. The filmmaker’s latest account comes as excitement builds for Agbara Nla: The Return, expected to draw significant attention from both older fans and a new generation of viewers.
Bamiloye did not provide further details on how or if the missing tapes were recovered, but he described the experience as a test of perseverance that ultimately strengthened his commitment to gospel drama. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Christian creative sector have hailed his resilience, with many pointing to Agbara Nla as a turning point for local content.
With Agbara Nla: The Return set for cinema screens nationwide, Bamiloye’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges facing early Nigerian filmmakers. Industry observers expect renewed interest in faith-based productions and greater recognition for those who laid the groundwork despite setbacks.
_Agbara Nla: The Return._
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/how-original-agbara-nla-production-collapsed-mike-bamiloye/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Chams HoldCo Appoints New Board Chair in Lagos, Targets Improved Corporate Governance
Company says board restructuring aims to strengthen oversight and drive growth in Nigeria’s technology sector
Company says board restructuring aims to strengthen oversight and drive growth in Nigeria’s technology sector
Chams HoldCo Plc, a major player in Nigeria’s technology and digital solutions sector, has announced the appointment of a new chairperson to lead its board of directors. The decision was made public on Friday in Lagos, as part of a broader effort by the company to enhance corporate governance and accelerate business growth.
According to a statement released by the company, the new appointment forms part of ongoing reforms intended to reposition Chams HoldCo for increased competitiveness within Nigeria’s dynamic technology landscape. The company did not disclose the name of the incoming board chair or provide further details about changes to other board positions as at press time.
Chams HoldCo’s leadership transition comes at a period when Nigerian technology firms are under pressure to demonstrate stronger oversight and adapt quickly to evolving market demands. Analysts say effective corporate governance is key for firms like Chams seeking investor confidence and sustainable expansion in areas such as digital identity management, fintech solutions, and data services.
The company maintained that the restructuring will enable its board to better support executive management in implementing strategic initiatives across various subsidiaries. “This move is part of our commitment to ensuring high standards of accountability and transparency within our operations,” Chams HoldCo said in its official statement.
Industry observers are watching closely for subsequent announcements regarding the composition of Chams HoldCo’s board and next steps for its business strategy. The company is expected to hold an annual general meeting later this year, where shareholders may receive more details on the direction of its leadership and future plans.
