National News
6th Asian Film Festival Begins im Abuja
6th Asian Film Festival Begins im Abuja
By: Michael Mike
This year’s Asian Film Festival has debuted in Abuja to celebrate the unity of some Asian country and friendship with the host nation, Nigeria.
The festival has on showcase films from Nigeria and the Asian countries of South Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Iran, Singapore and Philippine.
The Federal Government lauded the Sixth Asian Film Festival, noting that it is a platform to strengthen cultural diplomacy and foster artistic collaboration, particularly between Nigeria and the participating Asian countries.
The festival, which kicked off at the China Cultural Center, highlights the power of cinema in promoting mutual understanding and economic opportunities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mr. Raphael Oraeluno,, emphasized the role of international cooperation in the creative industries.
He said: “International cooperation enhances the sharing of knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas,” adding that: “Cultural exchange in the film industry not only deepens ties but also creates avenues for economic growth. Promoting our cultural industries leads to job creation, supports local economies, and enhances cultural heritage tourism.”
Oraeluno also called for policies to bolster cultural exchanges and partnerships, with the Asian countries.
He noted that platforms like the festival provide emerging artists and filmmakers with opportunities to share their narratives, which have the potential to change perceptions and foster global empathy.
He added that: “Each film presented at this festival is not merely a work of art; it is a dialogue of perspectives that prompts reflection, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding.”
He noted that the festival underscores the broader role of cinema as a medium that transcends geographical boundaries, showcasing shared human experiences while celebrating unique identities.
Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing highlighted the significance of the event in strengthening ties between Asia and Nigeria.
“This is the third time the China Cultural Centre is hosting the opening ceremony of the Asian Film Festival,” Jianxing said.
He noted that: “The festival brings happiness and allows us to share stories that reflect the unique traditions, values, and creativity of Asia. It builds a bridge between Asia and Nigeria, helping us understand each other better.”
The centerpiece of the festival, the screening of the Chinese film Monster Hunt, exemplifies the fusion of fantasy, humor, and cultural themes. The movie, which tells the story of a hero and heroine rescuing the son of a former monster king, showcases Chinese Kung Fu and explores profound questions about human nature.
“I hope everyone can enjoy the movie and other great films from Asian countries and Nigeria,” Jianxing added.
“This festival celebrates teamwork, shared spirit, and the value of learning from each other to build a community with a shared future.”
On his part, the Director of Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), Mr Kim Changki said the platform would offer his country, South Korea, an opportunity to showcase its culture and promote its rich cultural values to Nigeria.
He said Korea is ever ready to partner with Nigeria in the area of culture and tourism, noting that understanding culture of others present an opportunity for bonding and friendship.
6th Asian Film Festival Begins im Abuja
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Four Nigerian soldiers have sustained injuries in a vehicle accident on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.
The accident occurred on Thursday while the troops were moving across the mountainous terrain of the area, Zagazola reports.
The Emir of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju, was said to have personally joined in the rescue operation to ensure that the soldiers received prompt assistance.
Following the rescue, the injured personnel were evacuated to the 20 Battalion Barracks in Serti for urgent medical care.
Community members and traditional leaders in the area have expressed sympathy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the soldiers, while also calling for the safety of other security operatives on duty.
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
UKNIAF, NGF Advance Electricity Reform with Nationwide Workshop Series
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF), in partnership with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) have wrapped up a major national initiative to support State-led electricity market reforms.
The State Learning Workshop Series focused on Electricity Market Development, Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) and energy modelling software.
Workshops in Lagos, Calabar, Kano and Jos have been successfully completed, drawing participants from all the 36 States and the FCT and setting a strong precedent for what lies ahead.
These sessions equipped policymakers, regulators and stakeholders with the tools to design robust, sustainable and investor-ready electricity markets at the State level, in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
Reflecting on the significance of this initiative, the Director-Legal/Head Power Desk at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Mr. Chijioke Chuku,, stated that: “Nigeria’s electricity future depends on the capacity of our States to lead with vision, clarity, and technical precision. Through the workshop series, we are equipping States not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to take charge of their electricity markets. The NGF is proud to partner with UKNIAF in ensuring that the promise of the Electricity Act 2023 becomes a lived reality across the country.”
The sessions in the State Learning Workshops covered: The legal and regulatory pathways for setting up State Electricity Markets; Commercial models for private sector investment; Integration of State plans into Nigeria’s National IRP;
Practical training on the software platform for energy modelling.
The initiative drew from lessons learned in the course of UKNIAF’s work supporting the Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Oyo State Governments—early movers in electricity market development—in setting up their markets.
It also drew from experience gained in the course of UKNIAF providing technical support to the Federal Ministry of Power in drafting both the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Nigeria’s first National Integrated Resource Plan, both of which were approved very recently.
With States now empowered by the Electricity Act 2023, this series is a timely and strategic effort to ensure capacity, coordination, and sustainability in Nigeria’s decentralised energy landscape.
UKNIAF, NGF Advance Electricity Reform with Nationwide Workshop Series
Three killed, others injured in bandits’ attack on Zamfara community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed three persons and injured three others in an attack on Galadi town, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara.
Sources confirmed the incident saying the attack occurred at about 10:50 p.m. on Aug. 27.
The sources said the bandits stormed the town, shooting sporadically, which resulted in the deaths and injuries.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were mobilised to the scene. The corpses and injured victims were evacuated to Galadi Primary Health Care Centre for autopsy and treatment.
Meanwhile, a manhunt for the fleeing culprits has been intensified, as the bandits escaped before the arrival of the joint forces,” the sources said.
Three killed, others injured in bandits’ attack on Zamfara community
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