By James Samuel, Abuja

The Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr Ali Nuhu said the screening of Nigeria’s thriller movie “77: The FESTAC Conspiracy” dazzled the international audience at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France.Nuhu, through NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, Brian Etuk, said the preview of the historical film made a strong statement that thundered Nigeria’s cinematic influence at the festival.

“The interplay of Nigeria’s cinema, its cross-border influence and international audience acceptance and the renaissance of African cinema was the centrepiece of the special screening. “The 77 FESTAC Conspiracy” is a major reflection on the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77) and remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s creative and cinematic history in 1977.“Resurrecting FESTAC 77, 49 years after, through the film, is a thrill and relieves enduring memories of the event that took place almost 5 decades ago.“For decades, as the red carpets of the Cannes Film Festival unfurled for cinematic giants, Nigeria, Africa’s most prolific film industry, remained conspicuously absent from its hallowed official selections.“However, history cracked open its doors as Nigeria stormed the Croisette with a landmark of the highly anticipated preview of “77: The FESTAC Conspiracy”,” he said.Nuhu said that the moment was strategic for attracting vital support and resources to Nigeria’s film industry.He explained that, in the high-stakes arena where arthouse cinema crowns its royalty, Nigeria’s presence was not merely a courtesy appearance; it was a thunderous declaration of her artistic arrival, saying “FESTAC 77 was symbolic”.Nuhu emphasized that the Cannes Festival embodied Nigeria’s audacious vision as a “continental creative powerhouse”, adding that it is a vision the NFC is reigniting.He said that “77: The FESTAC Conspiracy,” directed by Izu Ojukwu and produced by Adonis Productions, is far more than a period piece.“The film reunites the powerhouse duo of Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic, reprising their roles as Captain Joseph Dewa and Suzy from the acclaimed political thriller “76.”“Nigeria’s outing at the 2025 Cannes film festival was indeed a success,” Nuhu added.

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Osun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) yesterday responded to a press statement issued by the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the Corps of unlawful arrests, political persecution and other baseless allegations.

In a response to the APC press statement on Thursday by the, Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Yusuf Idowu Abass, “The allegations, as presented by the APC through its Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, are not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to discredit a security outfit that has consistently operated within its legal mandate to protect lives, property, and public peace in Osun State. ”The claim that the Amotekun Corps is being used as a political tool to harass opposition members is patently false. Our operations are intelligence-led, non-partisan, and driven by the urgent need to address security threats in our communities. Alleged arrests in Itaapa were carried out in response to credible reports of unauthorized armed groups operating in the area under the guise of “community security,” an act which violates state law and poses a threat to public safety.”The Chiefs referenced in the APC’s press release were not “abducted” or unlawfully detained. They were invited and questioned based on verified intelligence. They were initially released on administrative bail and subsequently re-invited following new developments. The narrative being spun by the APC is an exaggeration meant to stir public sentiment and obscure the real issue: no individual, traditional or otherwise, is above the law.”The wild claim that Amotekun operates “a dingy underground cell” in Osogbo is nothing short of fiction. Our facilities are open to oversight by relevant authorities, and detainees’ rights are fully respected. In fact, several national and international observers have acknowledged our professionalism and community-centered approach to security.”We strongly reject the defamatory remarks that Amotekun recruits cultists, criminals or thugs. Our recruitment process includes background checks in partnership with statutory security agencies. We are proud to say that Osun Amotekun is composed of disciplined, well-trained, and community-trusted personnel, many of whom are ex-service members with clean records”.Under the newly amended law, Amotekun is now authorized to prosecute cases through the office of the State Attorney General, The Corps functions strictly within the mandate provided by the Osun State Security Network Agency Law.It is regrettable that the Osun APC would choose to politicize security matters at the expense of the safety of the people. Amotekun remains focused on its mandate and refuses to be distracted by political propaganda. The Corps will not fold its arms while individuals, regardless of political affiliation or social status, engage in acts capable of breaching public peace.”We welcome constructive criticism and are always open to oversight by regulatory bodies and human rights agencies. However, we will not tolerate defamation and reckless politicking that endangers the peace we are working hard to protect.”We urge members of the public to disregard the inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims made by the Osun APC. Osun Amotekun remains a non-partisan, law-abiding, and people-driven security outfit committed to safeguarding all residents of the state—irrespective of political leaning”, the statement concluded.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Kogi State, Hon. Ismaila Isah, has announced the retention of outgoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Tosin Toluwaloju, who served in his office throughout her service year.He disclosed this during a send-forth ceremony held in her honour at the Media Centre, Government House, Lokoja.

Isah commended Toluwaloju’s remarkable growth, dedication and willingness to learn and support the team during her service year. “The biggest truths that turn society around are not usually comfortable,” he said, noting how she welcomed feedback and worked to improve herself throughout the year.He further emphasized her impactful role as a presenter at Lugard TV, emphasizing that the media outfit serves beyond being just a primary place of assignment for corps members.“Lugard TV which is an extension of the special adviser to the Governor of Kogi state is a place that promotes individual growth and development and It provides a platform that promises so much for our youths in line with the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to promote and empower young people,” he stated.The Special Adviser assured of the state’s continued collaboration with the NYSC, stressing the importance of retaining talented corps members as part of building a vibrant and innovative media landscape in Kogi State.Earlier, the NYSC Local Government Inspector, Ezekiel Otohinoyi, commended Isah for his unwavering support for corps members in the state.He recalled the special adviser’s own service year in Akwa Ibom State in 2005, where he also distinguished himself, and lauded the transformation he has brought to media practice in Kogi state.He stressed that Hon. Isah has created a home away from home for corps members, describing Miss Toluwaloju as a resilient, hardworking, and exceptionally creative individual.Responding, Toluwaloju expressed deep appreciation to the management and staff of Lugard TV, particularly Isah, whom she described as “a father figure who constantly pushed me to be better.”She said she was humbled by the opportunity to serve in Kogi State and looks forward to building on the foundation laid during her NYSC year.The event, attended by staff and management, served as both a celebration of service and the beginning of what promises to be a flourishing media career.Members of the media team took turns to commend Toluwaloju for her professionalism, humanitarian spirit, and positive contributions to the workplace.