Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Filmmaker Doris Ariole Secures Consecutive Best Director International Nomination at Canadian Festival
Ariole’s recognition at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival highlights Nigerian cinema’s growing global influence
Ariole’s recognition at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival highlights Nigerian cinema’s growing global influence
Award-winning filmmaker and founder of Hadassah Productions, Doris Ariole, has received another Best Director International nomination at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Canada. The announcement, made public on Thursday in Lagos, marks the second consecutive year Ariole is being recognised for her work on the international stage.
The festival organisers listed Ariole among this year’s nominees for Best Director International, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in Nigeria’s creative industry. The nomination comes after her previous recognition at TINFF, making her one of the few Nigerian filmmakers to achieve back-to-back nominations in this category.
Industry observers say Ariole’s continuous international acknowledgment signals the increasing relevance of Nigerian cinema abroad. Over the past decade, Nollywood directors and producers have expanded their reach across North America and Europe, with several works featured at global festivals. Stakeholders believe such achievements will encourage more collaborations between Nigerian creatives and their counterparts overseas.
While official reactions from relevant film bodies were not immediately available as at press time, TINFF has previously praised Nigerian directors for their contributions to African storytelling and for raising the profile of African film on the world stage. The festival, held annually in Toronto, aims to celebrate diversity and promote filmmakers from Africa and its diaspora.
With preparations underway for this year’s TINFF ceremony in Canada, industry watchers expect Ariole’s nomination to inspire emerging talents within Nigeria’s film sector. The event is also anticipated to open further opportunities for local filmmakers seeking international exposure.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abacha’s Ex-Security Chief Says He Has Nothing to Apologise For
Former military regime official insists on his record, declines calls for apology over past actions
Former military regime official insists on his record, declines calls for apology over past actions
A former security chief who served under late General Sani Abacha has stated that he has nothing to apologise for regarding his role in the former military regime. The ex-official made this assertion while addressing renewed public scrutiny in Abuja on Saturday, 27 June 2026, following ongoing debates about Nigeria’s history during the Abacha era.
The statement comes amid fresh calls from some Nigerians for former military officials to publicly acknowledge or apologise for alleged human rights abuses and controversial policies implemented during Abacha’s rule from 1993 to 1998. The ex-security chief, whose tenure coincided with some of the most repressive years in Nigeria’s political history, maintained that he acted within the scope of his duties at the time and stands by his decisions.
The period under General Abacha is widely remembered for widespread detentions, clampdowns on opposition voices, and restrictions on civil liberties. While some stakeholders have called for reconciliation processes and formal apologies from key actors of that era, others argue that any such demands should be based on proven wrongdoing rather than general sentiment.
In his comments on Saturday, the former security chief insisted there was no wrongdoing on his part requiring an apology. He said, “I have nothing to apologise for,” adding that all actions taken were in line with official directives then in force. No official statement has yet been issued by government authorities or human rights bodies in response to his remarks.
It remains to be seen whether this stance will influence ongoing discussions about national healing and accountability regarding Nigeria’s military past. Civil society groups continue to press for greater transparency and acknowledgment of abuses allegedly committed during military regimes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abia’s Don Media Group Celebrates One Year of Expanding Radio Broadcasting Across South-East
Media group marks anniversary of Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM, highlighting innovation in urban and indigenous programming
Media group marks anniversary of Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM, highlighting innovation in urban and indigenous programming
Don Media Group (DMG) commemorated the first anniversary of its radio operations in Abia State on Thursday, spotlighting twelve months of broadcasting through Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM. The event took place in Umuahia, drawing staff, stakeholders, and community representatives to reflect on the group’s achievements since launching both stations in June last year.
According to DMG, Don 103.7 FM was established as a vibrant urban lifestyle station targeting youth and city dwellers in Abia and neighbouring states, while Ikoro 93.3 FM focuses on indigenous content to strengthen cultural identity and grassroots communication within the region. The two stations have provided local news coverage, music, talk shows, and public affairs programming tailored to diverse audiences across the South-East.
The media group said its expansion has boosted access to reliable information, created jobs for young media professionals in Abia State, and given a platform to community voices often excluded from national conversations. Listeners have responded positively to the stations’ blend of entertainment and informative content.
While DMG did not provide specific audience figures or revenue data at the anniversary event, management reaffirmed commitment to further growth and digital innovation. The group said it plans to invest in technology upgrades and training for staff to maintain competitive edge within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Industry observers note that DMG’s dual-station strategy reflects rising demand for both contemporary urban programming and preservation of local languages on airwaves. The group is expected to announce new partnerships with educational institutions and civil society groups later this year as part of efforts to deepen community engagement.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Police Launch ‘Kosaye’ Operation in Ogun, Lagos, Arrest 88, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Joint security exercise targets criminal hideouts; four suspected kidnappers killed during Ore–Ogbere road rescue
Joint security exercise targets criminal hideouts; four suspected kidnappers killed during Ore–Ogbere road rescue
Police commands in Ogun and Lagos States have arrested 88 suspects and rescued five kidnapped victims in a large-scale joint security operation dubbed ‘Kosaye’ across the two states and boundary communities. The exercise, which began this week and was formally launched at the Ogun Police Training College in Iperu on Saturday, aims to root out criminal elements from South-West corridors, according to police authorities.
The operation involved extensive bush combing and coordinated raids on suspected hideouts spanning Ogun, Lagos, and up to the border with Oyo State. Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, said at a press briefing that officers arrested 84 suspects—comprising 75 males and nine females—while also rescuing five persons who were abducted along Ore–Ogbere road on Thursday. Four suspected kidnappers were killed during the rescue effort, with another four taken into custody.
Ojajuni explained that Operation ‘Kosaye,’ meaning ‘no chance,’ was initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of renewed efforts to eliminate kidnapping and armed robbery from major highways and rural settlements in the region. The commissioner described the operation as a proactive response to recent spikes in abductions and violent crime affecting commuters and residents along key transport corridors.
“We formally launch operation ‘Ko saye’ in Lagos and Ogun state. Operation ‘Ko saye’ means there is no space for criminality and criminals,” Ojajuni said at the event. He added that police would sustain aggressive patrols along flashpoints while intensifying intelligence gathering to pre-empt further attacks. The Inspector General’s office has directed all units to prioritise rapid deployment to identified trouble spots.
As at press time, investigations into the backgrounds of those arrested were ongoing. Security agencies urged communities to cooperate fully with law enforcement by providing timely information about suspicious activities. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the development.
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