AFNews World

BLOCKBUSTER SHOCKWAVE: “AVANTE” PREMIERE ROCKS NOLLYWOOD, IGNITES MOVIE INDUSTRY TURNING POINT Nigeria’s film landscape may be on the brink of a new era following the high-profile premiere of “Avante” on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja. The event drew widespread acclaim, with industry stakeholders, veterans, and cast members united in describing the film as a potential catalyst for a Nollywood resurgence. At the forefront of the evening was producer Engr. Kingsley Okafor, who presented “Avante” as more than a cinematic production, but a carefully crafted narrative that blends history, human emotion, and pressing contemporary issues. He described the film as “a compelling blend of a thriller of vengeance, love, and destiny,” built around a young man whose father is brutally murdered alongside members of their community. In the aftermath, the protagonist and his siblings are thrust into a turbulent journey of revenge, grappling with choices that t...

0ne Man, Many Parties; Kano’s Long Struggle with Political Monopoly By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi In the evolving theatre of Kano politics, the reported move by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is being framed by his loyalists as yet another masterstroke of political relevance. But beneath the familiar choreography of defection lies a more uncomfortable truth, one that Kano’s politically conscious electorate must now confront with clarity and courage. It is not a reinvention, as they euphorically claimed, it is a repetition. For decades, Kwankwaso has perfected a pattern of movement without ideological migration, defection without doctrinal evolution. From party to party, platform to platform, the constant has never been policy or principle; it has been personal centrality. The political vehicle may change, but the driver remains the same and the destination is invariably power concentrated in one man’s orbit. For the first time in a l...

2027 Senate : A Clarion Call for Youth Representation Under the Umbrella of FCT Council Young progressive leaders across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have thrown their weight behind Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, describing him as a dynamic, people-centered, and result-driven leader with the capacity to represent the interests of the people at the Senate. They noted that with over 64 percent of registered voters being young people, the demand for inclusive and youth-focused representation has never been more urgent. According to the group, Hon. Abdullahi,the current Abaji Chair,embodies the energy, vision, and commitment needed to drive meaningful change and amplify the voices of young Nigerians within the National Assembly. The youth leaders therefore called on him to heed the growing demand and step forward to contest for the FCT Senate seat, stressing that his candidacy would mark a turning point in the push for generational inclusion in governance. . “This is our ...

ECN Felicitates Tinubu on Birthday, Commends Energy Reforms The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his birthday, lauding his leadership and commitment to national development, particularly in the energy sector. In a statement issued on behalf of the Commission, the Director-General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the President as a courageous leader whose reform-driven governance has continued to inspire confidence and optimism across the country. Abdullahi noted that Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated strong resolve in repositioning Nigeria’s energy landscape, with a clear focus on sustainability and innovation. He particularly highlighted the President’s support for solarisation initiatives and the transition to renewable energy, which he said have significantly improved power access in key sectors. According to him, over 37 health institutions, tertiary institutions, Ministries, Departme...

Yari Hails Tinubu at 74, Praises Leadership, Resilience Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has extended warm congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 74th birthday, describing the milestone as a testament to decades of dedicated public service, resilience, and national impact. In a goodwill message personally signed and circulated on Sunday, the former Zamfara State governor lauded the President’s enduring commitment to nation-building, noting that his life journey reflects years of sacrifice, leadership, and unwavering engagement in Nigeria’s political evolution. Yari said the President’s 74th birthday offers a moment not only for celebration but also for reflection on a legacy shaped by courage and steadfastness in the face of national challenges. “Marking this milestone is a celebration of many years devoted to public service, resilience, and national engagement,” the senator stated, while praying for renewed strength and wisdom for the Nigerian...

Renewed Hope Initiative: ECN DG Hosts Conference of Speakers, Reaffirms Push for Nationwide Solarization. In a move to boost energy planning within the States of the Federation, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has received the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. This ís as he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with states to address energy shortfalls across critical public infrastructure. The engagement which focused on advancing the solarization of government buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, and other essential institutions is part of a coordinated national effort to deliver clean and sustainable energy solutions. Dr. Abdullahi noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supports the decentralization of Nigeria’s energy master plan through the large-scale deploym...

Shehu Sani Condoles El-Rufai Over Mother’s Death Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condoled with former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother. In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Sani described the passing as a profound loss not only to the El-Rufai family but also to Kaduna State and the nation at large. He paid glowing tribute to the deceased, commending her life of service, community leadership, and the enduring legacy of her motherly care and guidance. “Her death is a great loss to Kaduna State and the nation at large. We appreciate her life, community leadership, and motherly love,” he said. Sani also prayed for the repose of her soul, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus. He further prayed for strength and comfort for El-Rufai and his family in this moment of grief. “May Allah console the heart of our former Governor and his family members,” he added. Reflecting on a personal co...

Kingsley Okafor Welcomes Nollywood Stars Ahead of “AVANTE” Premiere As momentum builds toward the March 29, 2026 premiere of “AVANTE”, excitement continues to ripple through the Nigerian film industry, with many already describing the project as a bold and defining contribution to the evolution of African cinema. Taking the lead in ushering in colleagues and stakeholders for the highly anticipated event, actor Kingsley Okafor—one of the film’s central figures—has welcome in advance practitioners and enthusiasts across Nollywood that will be part of what promises to be a landmark moment. He described the production as a testament to the creative ambition and rising standards within the industry. The film, produced under the banner of AfriSQuare Entertainment, has been widely commended for the scale of its vision and the determination required to see it through. Okafor noted that executing a project of this magnitude demands not only technical coordination but also a strong b...

Kano First: The Landmark Ruling That Validates Governor Yusuf’s Bold Shift. By Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi In moments of political turbulence, leadership is ultimately judged not by loyalty to structures in crises, but by fidelity to the people one serves. The recent ruling of the Apo Judicial Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which recognized the Boniface Aniebonam faction of the NNPP as the legally authentic party and directed INEC accordingly, has brought a decisive clarity to what had long been an increasingly murky and destabilizing internal conflict. For the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, this judicial pronouncement does more than settle a factional dispute, it vindicates a decision that, at the time it was made, attracted fierce criticism but was rooted in pragmatic foresight and responsibility. When the Governor chose to part ways with the faction aligned to Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the dominant narrative pushed by critics...

SUMMARY OF  PRESENTATION OF THE CDS AT INAUGURAL LECTURE OF  JDWC The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, a gallant and professional military leader, has emphasized the importance of border synergy and indigenous defence production in ensuring Nigeria's national security. Speaking at the inaugural lecture of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC), the CDS highlighted the need for self-reliance, regional collaboration, and joint synergy among all military and security agencies to address multifaceted security threats. Key points emphasized by the CDS include: - Strengthening local defence production through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other local manufacturers - Enhancing border security and maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries - Promoting synergy and joint military operations among the services - Leveraging the peculiar competencies of each service to achieve operational outcomes - Adopting home-gro...

Australian Mining Executive Referred to Australian Federal Police as Kaduna Communities Allege Bribery and Corruption By Biliyaminu Suraj  Fresh allegations of coercion, political interference and foreign bribery have emerged around one of Nigeria’s most promising lithium deposits, after community leaders in Kaduna State referred an Australian mining executive to the Australian Federal Police for investigation. The case centres on Colin Ikin, an Australian national linked to a cluster of companies — Atlantic Mining Techniques, Mystic Mining and Kings Mines — that have been attempting to secure community consent to operate on tenements discovered and developed by UK-registered Jupiter Lithium Ltd in the Kaninkon Chiefdom of Jema’a Local Government Area. Community leaders say Mr Ikin and his associates sought to pressure them into granting access to the mine-ready project, despite Jupiter Lithium’s long-standing presence and development work in the area. Commu...

China’s Increasing Control of Africa’s Mineral Resources Nigeria’s Minister for Mines prides himself on his recent re-election as Chairman of the newly formed Africa Minerals Strategy Group, established by African Ministers of Minerals and Mining to foster cooperation among African nations in the development of critical minerals.  Minister Alake is a former journalist and close friend of President Tinubu. During Tinubu’s two terms as Governor of Lagos State it was Alake who managed Tinubu’s media as the Governor’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy. It is this African Minerals Strategy Group that is leading the push for the introduction of the Madini Protocol, a blockchain platform which will be the Trojan Horse for Chinese control of the African minerals sector. Since becoming Minister for Sold Minerals Development Alake’s primary focus has been on securing large-scale investments and fostering partnerships for local mineral processing. This has led to the devel...

You never spoke about Sambo Dasuki, You are Talking about Elrufai…Group blasts Sultan A civil society group, the Arewa Peace and Development Forum (APDF),has criticised the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar over what it described as selective commentary on national issues, accusing the revered monarch of failing to address matters concerning former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, during his incarceration, while allegedly focusing attention on the case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The Sultan was reportedly quoted as urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either release El-Rufai or formally charge him in court. However, in a statement issued by its Coordinator, Mal Ibrahim Mohammed Musawa, the group expressed concern over what it termed a “troubling silence” regarding the prolonged legal and political controversies surrounding Sambo Dasuki, a son of the Sokoto traditional institution,whose case has remained a subject of national debate. According to t...

Youth Leaders Demand Zoning of Zangon Kataf/Jaba Reps Seat to Zangon Kataf Youth leaders from the Bajju, Atyap, Ikulu and Kamantan ethnic nationalities have called on the Kaduna State Government and political stakeholders to ensure that the House of Representatives seat for Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency is zoned to Zangon Kataf Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Thursday, the youth presidents of the groups said the call was necessary to uphold what they described as a long-standing political rotation agreement between Zangon Kataf and Jaba LGAs. The youth leaders warned that any attempt to disregard the existing understanding could threaten the political harmony and democratic stability of the constituency. According to them, the distribution of registered voters within the constituency shows a significant disparity, with Zangon Kataf LGA having 180,998 registered voters compared to Jaba LGA’s 66,948. “With a voting strength...