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UN reaffirms support for Nigeria’s filmmaking to advance SDGs

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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

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NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine

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NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating as the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded another major success against terrorists in the Lake Chad and North-East corridors, following coordinated night precision air strikes that destroyed watercraft, hit key hideouts and neutralised several fighters in the riverine areas of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the missions were executed after weeks of sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance that confirmed increased terrorist movement and logistics activity around the Malimbe–Masaram Island axis and the Northern Tumbuns.

“Based on credible human intelligence (HUMINT) and persistent aerial surveillance, we tracked the movement of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) elements transiting through Masaram Island ahead of Malimbe, as well as Toumbun Beriberi in Kukawa LGA,” the sources said.

He explained that the strikes were carried out under the cover of darkness on Jan. 18, using precision-guided munitions to ensure accuracy and limit collateral damage.

“We executed swift, successive interdictions on identified targets. Several JAS fighters were neutralised and their water vessels, which they use for mobility and logistics across the Tumbuns and Lake Chad waterways, were completely destroyed.

“Those that remained at Malimbe and Toumbun Beriberi immediately abandoned their positions and fled,” he said.

According to him, post-strike battle damage assessment showed the fleeing terrorists withdrawing toward the Abadam axis, apparently in disarray and expressing suspicion that their movements had been compromised by informants within their ranks.

“The mission was adjudged highly successful. However, due to the terrorists’ paranoia that civilians are cooperating with government forces, we are sustaining air and ground monitoring of the area to deter any form of reprisal,” he added.

The officer further disclosed that the NAF also conducted another major Air Interdiction (AI) mission on Jan. 20 at a newly identified terrorist enclave codenamed “Rackstar” in the Northern Tumbuns.

“At about 1300 hours on Jan. 20, the Air mission identified location considered to be a safe haven for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members, including some prominent commanders. The area was also being used as an IED assembly point and a weapons servicing workshop,”said sources

The sources noted that confirmatory ISR carried out on Jan. 18 revealed the general area to be water-logged with dense vegetation, typical of the Tumbuns, but further scanning of the fringes uncovered active terrorist structures about 1.9 kilometres southwest of the initial coordinates.

“We observed terrorists gathering in two different locations. A solar panel and a black flag were also sighted within the enclave, clearly indicating occupation and operational intent.

“Accordingly, selected targets were acquired and engaged with munitions on board. The strikes degraded the terrorists’ capability and disrupted their command and logistics infrastructure,” the sources said.

The sources stressed that the sustained air operations were part of the ongoing efforts of Operation HADIN KAO to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary and resources across the Lake Chad basin.

NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine

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MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

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MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Damuli Investment Company Limited, Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa, has extended assistance to the development of education in Yobe, targeting orphans and underprivileged students in the state.

The company expanded to be worth over $90 million as part of its contribution towards the development of education, students, and orphans in the region, which includes the purchase of mattresses and bedding materials for Mai Bukar boarding primary school.

Prior to government approval, Damuli Investment Company fed boarding primary schools in the region for a good 3 months for free. In addition, it purchased teaching and learning materials and foodstuff for teachers and principals, as well as presented gifts during the graduation ceremony and others to Mai Bukar boarding school in August 2025.

The company also made the payment of school registration fees for 15 orphan students at Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Potiskum, and also supported the Yobe State annual Quranic recitation competition held in Machina in 2025.

“In participation in supporting the students of high institutions, Dabuwa Company made the payment of school fee registration for over 150 students at various high institutions. In addition, it supported Yobe State University during a fire outbreak with bending materials.

“Damuli Investment Company also sponsored common entrance exams into Mai Bukar boarding school across the political wards of the Machina local government area in 2024 and 2025, respectively, as well as rendered support to Medical College Damaturu and purchased teaching and learning materials for GSS Machina.

Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, for turning Yobe State into semi-London.

“Now Yobe State can compete with any developing state in the country in terms of infrastructural development,” Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa said.

MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

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One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe

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One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

A 20-year-old man has been killed while four others sustained injuries in a clash involving youths in Ngidoje Village, Yobe State.

Sources said the incident occurred on Wednesday around 10:00 p.m. when some Fulani youths reportedly had a misunderstanding that escalated into a fight involving sticks and cutlasses.

The deceased, identified as Ibrahim Manu Gagare, was beaten and fell unconscious. He was rushed to Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Buni Yadi, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor. His body was later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.

The remaining four victims sustained various degrees of injuries and are responding to treatment.
End

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