UN reaffirms support for Nigeria’s filmmaking to advance SDGs

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting filmmaking to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

Speaking at the third edition of the SDGs short film challenge and awards grand finale 2025 on Tuesday in Abuja, said the UN remains committed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and the rest of the world

The event with the theme: “Film as a catalyst for sustainable development: reimagining the future we want through the screen” was organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs.

Fall said although the UN in Nigeria invested in talent and amplified voices, more needs to be done; saying policymakers. private sector and partners should invest in film stories to achieve SDGs.

He said: “A film story can change life, change Nigeria and not only Nigeria, but the world. To Bollywood, to Afrobeat, to all the sexism and all sorts of art and creation we stand at a turning point.

“ Less than five years remain to 2030 and this is time to attain the SDGs, yet the path we are today is not straight, inequality persists across the globe; Poverty remains, our climate crimes are under direct action and the world is waiting for us to step-up.”

He said the UN’s pathways designed to accelerate progress towards the SDG include; transforming food systems, transforming clean water and affordable energy, and bridging the digital divide for all.

Others are building resilience and sustainable cities, as well as protecting plants and biodiversities for generations to come.

He noted that: “Film is a mirror of our society, a voice for the voiceless, a spark for action, a short film can inspire, and provoke empathy. It can ignite debate, change policy and shift behaviours.

“Since the first edition in 2023, the SDG short film has grown from 73 entries in 2005 to 2,250 entries on 114 entries in 2024 and surged to 2,265 entries on 114 entries this year.

“This is the proof that the world is listening. They are calls to action. They remind us that when creativity meets purpose, change happens, film can inspire audiences to advocate for equality and justice.

“This is the essence of our challenge today. Creativity for action, art for transformation, story for sustainability. The UN in Nigeria stands with filmmakers. We invest in your talent. We amplify your voice. We support your journey.

“We cannot do it alone. policymakers, private-sector partners should also invest in films. Fund them and let them reach every corner of our society; through film we can turn ideas into action, dream into realities, and ensure we leave no one behind,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, said the way people tell stories either proffered solution or created problems in society.

Orelope-Adefulire said: “Today, we celebrate creativity, innovations and the power of young Nigerians to shape national conversation around sustainable development.

“The challenge was conceived to build platforms, to tell compelling stories that reflect collective aspirations under the 2030 agenda: the quality of entries demonstrated good understanding that our country is rich in talents.

“Your contribution highlighted the role of storytelling and creating awareness, influencing policy and mobilising communities toward accelerating SDGs.

“As we celebrate the winners, let us also reaffirm our commitment to building more inclusive, equitable and sustainable Nigeria, one where no one is left behind.”

For her part, Mrs Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo, commended the organisers for promoting the art of storytelling through filmmaking.

According to her, filmmakers demonstrated that cinema is not just entertainment, it is advocacy, education, mobilisation and ultimately a catalyst for transformative change.

“In adjusting it, we have embraced the same spirit of action and innovation as we work tirelessly to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

“While they tell the stories of our culture, our pride, our heritage through the lenses of their cameras. I encourage all filmmakers here today to continue using creative voices as a force for good.

“As we look to the future, let us remember that achieving the SDGs is not the responsibility of government alone, it requires the collective efforts of citizens, who refuse to give up on the idea of a better world,” Anani said.

On her part, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, stressed the need for telling good stories that could influence decision and attract investment for industrial growth.

She explained that such can inspire community development, create a movement or simply whisper to one person to know he or she is not alone and that things can get better.

“This is the power that you carry and that is also why I want to speak to the policy makers here today. The development partners, corporate leaders and philanthropists in this room.

“We all talk about investing in infrastructure, roads, power and technology, but we need to begin to talk just as much about investing in storytelling. If we want to truly accelerate the SDGs, we need filmmakers,” Atuwatse said.

UN reaffirms support for Nigeria’s filmmaking to advance SDGs

Service Chief restate West African security commitment, as defence minister hails troops’ swift response to benin coup attempt

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Waidi Shaibu on Wednesday reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s strategic role in safeguarding the stability of the West African sub-region, stressing the need for stronger cross-border cooperation, shared security responsibility and deeper commitment to democratic governance.

Speaking at the decoration ceremony for newly promoted senior officers at the Nigerian Army Command Officers’ Mess, Abuja, the COAS said Nigeria’s security was inseparable from that of its neighbors.

He said that the Army would continue to support regional initiatives aimed at protecting common borders and strengthening collective defence mechanisms.

“Our role in the security of the West African region is vital,” he said. “We must continue to support general efforts to deepen our lived experiences, secure our shared borders and uphold democratic governance as the key to the stability of each nation in the region.”

“Our role in the security of the West African region is vital,” he said. “We must continue to support general efforts to deepen our lived experiences, secure our shared borders and uphold democratic governance as the key to the stability of each nation in the region.”

He noted that the promotion of the senior officers symbolised the Army’s confidence in their capacity to contribute to national and regional stability through improved strategic leadership and operational readiness.

“We expect you to bring renewed energy, foresight and commitment to your new responsibilities. The challenges before us demand professionalism, collaboration and a clear sense of purpose,” the COAS added.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), commended the Armed Forces for their swift response during the recent attempted coup in Benin Republic, noting that the timely intervention helped prevent the destabilisation of a neighbouring state.

“Our prompt response made sure that the coup failed, and this is what the Armed Forces should always do,” he said. “We must be ready 24/7 to respond to any threat whether against Nigeria or any of our regional allies.”

The minister said the promotion of the officers placed them at the strategic level of command where decisions directly impact national defence and regional peace efforts.

He urged them to lead with integrity, prioritise joint operations and strengthen cooperation with other services and security agencies.

The event was attended by senior military commanders, defence officials, families of the promoted officers and other invited guests.

Service Chief restate West African security commitment, as defence minister hails troops’ swift response to benin coup attempt

Burkina Faso weaponising emergency landing to attack Nigeria after Benin fails coup

By: Zagazola Makama

The Burkinabè military junta is using the precautionary landing of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft as a pretext to demonstrate growing hostility toward Nigeria, following Abuja’s role in helping avert the recent coup attempt in the Benin Republic.

The continued detention of 10 NAF personnel in Bobo-Dioulasso, despite their aircraft making a technical precautionary landing fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, “confirms a disturbing pattern of petty retaliation, insecurity and reckless behaviour by the Burkinabè junta.”

Emergency landings are globally recognised safety procedures, and ICAO rules demand that aircrews must not only be protected but provided immediate assistance. Burkina Faso’s decision to turn a routine safety measure into a diplomatic confrontation “is nothing short of childish and vindictive.”

The Nigerian Air Force earlier issued a statement confirming that the crew carried out a precautionary landing “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” and reported receiving cordial treatment at the initial stage. However, diplomatic sources told Zagazola that the continued withholding of the crew contradicts that assurance.

The action by Burkina Faso did not occur in a vacuum. The hostility followed Nigeria’s military intervention that helped Benin Republic’s constitutional order resist a coup attempt widely believed to have had tacit backing or sympathy within elements of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), of which Burkina Faso is a leading member.

The junta’s behaviour was now consistent with a bloc increasingly defined by militarism, paranoia and antagonism toward democratic neighbours, especially Nigeria, whose regional influence has consistently frustrated destabilisation efforts in West Africa.

Detaining an emergency crew is not an accident. It is an act of vengeance. Burkina Faso is attempting to send a message to Nigeria after the failed coup in Benin, but the message only exposes their irresponsibility and insecurity.

Burkina Faso’s conduct is an “embarrassing display of hostility,” warning that weaponising ICAO-governed emergency procedures for political grudges undermines aviation safety across the region.

If the junta’s behaviour is allowed to stand, it could endanger future emergency operations, discourage pilots from declaring technical concerns, and jeopardise lives. If Nigeria were to apply the same hostility, lives would be lost. Burkina Faso’s action is a threat to global aviation safety.

Given the seriousness of the violation, we advised that the Nigerian Government to immediately summon the Burkinabè Ambassador to provide formal explanation for the junta’s “reckless, unprofessional and unlawful” actions. Nigeria must “respond strongly to prevent further AES provocations.”

We also urged West African and international aviation authorities and every other body to condemn this blatant and dangerous breach of global norms,” while insisting that the detained NAF crew must be released immediately and unconditionally.

The world must not allow a reckless military regime to twist an aviation safety incident into a political attack on Nigeria
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