Trending News:Council of State Okays Tinubu’s Request to Pardon 175 InmatesKwara Sugar Film Studios Unveils Maiden MovieEFCC Vs Yahaya Bello: Court Adjourns Trial Till Nov 12Anyaoku Mourns Christopher KoladeTinubu Pens Heartfelt Tribute to ‘inimitable Christopher Kolade’ (Full Text)CBN: Alternative Banking Systems Lifeline for Underserved CommunitiesOsinbajo Advocates Restructuring of Nigeria’s Legal, Judicial PhilosophyBREAKING: Council Of State Approves Amupitan As New INEC Chairman, Confirms SaharaReporters’ Exclusive ReportCouncil of State Okays Prof Joash Amupitan as INEC ChairmanPolice Suspend Enforcement of Tinted Glass PermitsTinubu Presides Over National Council of States MeetingBreaking: Doyen of the Boardroom and Seasoned Broadcaster, Christopher Kolade, Dies at 93EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Audio Exposes MFM Overseer Olukoya Pressuring Pastor To Make Wife Deny Supporting Alleged Church Abuse Victim2027: Northern Youths Drum Support for Tinubu-Shettima Re-electionDSS Warns Public Against ImpostorSterling Bank Upholds Rule of Law Despite Disruption by Chronic Debtor’s AssociatesSchools Curriculum: NGO Unveils National Project on Understanding AIOyebanji: Three Years of Focused GovernanceSAN: Idheze Integrity Forum Felicitates Delta Solicitor GeneralNCC Seizes N100m Pirated Books in Lagos, Urges Public to Report Copyright BreachesATCO Homes Petitions EFCC over Irregular Ibeju-Lekki Land DealBREAKING: Bandits Attack Kaduna Community: Kill Man, Abduct Mother, Shoot Father And SonBreaking: Police Arrest 12 Suspects over Death of Arise News Anchor, Somtochukwu MaduagwuBreaking: Police Arrest 12 Suspects over Death of Arise News Anchor, Somtochukwu MaduagwuNSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based IntelligenceNSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based IntelligenceSowore Announces October 20 For Peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow March To Presidential VillaWeak Frameworks, Multiple Taxation Hindrances to Telecom Sector Growth, Says EdunChinese Scientists Perform First Pig-to-Human Liver TransplantUN Chief Urges Compliance After Israel-Hamas Agreement on GazaBenue Procures Medical Equipment for Teaching HospitalTinubu Inaugurates $400m Nigeria’s First Indigenous Crude Export Terminal in RiversWith Reform Momentum, It’s Time to Bring Gains to the People, Says W’BankNBA, Atiku, Senior Lawyers Push for Probe, Prosecution of Nnaji over Alleged ForgeryLCCI: Non-passage of NAIDP into Law Slowing Progress, Weakening Confidence in Nigeria’s Automobile IndustryNUPRC: Nigeria Attracted over $4.9bn in Non-Associated Gas Investments in Four YearsNCC Moves to Improve Investments in Broadband Connectivity, Safeguard Telecoms InfrastructureNCDMB Recommits to Deepening Local ContentAmid High Cost of Funds, NEXIM Bank Seeks to Enhance SMEs’ Access to Cheap Financing Options, OthersSAN: Idheze Integrity Forum Felicitates Delta Solicitor GeneralTen Years of Progressive Governance in Nigeria: From Reform to RenewalA Bold Step into the Future: Olubunmi Fayokun and the Evolution of Nigeria’s Legal ProfessionSuper Eagles Miss Intercontinental Playoffs Route to 2026 World CupWAEC’S NEW SUBJECT COMBINATIONUCHE NNAJI AND THE BURDEN OF FORGERYKADUNA AND GENDER EQUALITYFG Inaugurates $400m Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal in Rivers$1trn Economy: BPE Positioned as Knowledge Hub for Investors Seeking Opportunities in Nigeria, Says DGNiger SIEC Set for LG ElectionBREAKING: CAN Confirms Rising Attacks, Killings Of Christians In Nigeria Amid ‘Christian Genocide’ Outcry, Says Cries For Justice Often IgnoredAsagba of Asaba Demands Apology, Reparations Over 1967 Asaba MassacreSchool Curriculum: NGO Unveils National Project Towards Equipping Nigerians With Essential Knowledge, Ethical Understanding of AIYahaya Bello: Cash Withdrawal Didn’t Breach Banking Regulations Witness, Tells CourtWhy Tinubu Should Nominate Minister from Nsukka Zone to Replace NnajiOgwashi-Uku Union Berates Group for Campaign of Calumny against Obi OkonjoAkpabio Mocks Shrinking Opposition As Enugu LP Senator Joins APCInsecurity: Abbas Advocates Strengthening of Community Policing 2025 UTME: JAMB Screens 176 Underage Candidates, As Lawmakers Laud ExerciseBREAKING: Nigerian Authorities Delist 1.9 Million Electricity Customers For Inactivity In One YearNigeria Needs to Mobilise Investments, Says ObasanjoRepairs: Lagos Diverts Traffic for Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS States Must Deepen Commitment to Achieve SURWASH Targets, Says FGINEC Extends Ward-level CVR Exercise In FCTFG Appeals to ASUU To Shelve Planned Strike, Vows to Address Pending DemandsBREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Postponed Again As Court Demands NMA’s Medical Report On IPOB Leader’s Fitness To Stand TrialDetty December: AWARI Secures Funds to Empower BusinessesWhy Nigeria’s Youth Must Be EmployedEdo NDLEA Arrests 54 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Destroy 66,000kg DrugsAlleged Imposition of Chairmen, Diversion of LG Fund by FG, Assault on Democracy, Says Osun ADC Caucus2026: Aspirant Unveils Plans for Greater Osun, Prioritizes Mechanised Farming, Affordable Healthcare, Business-friendly ReformsWelding Institute Moves to Flush Out Fake MembersFCCPC Warns Kano Traders against Adulteration, Harmful ChemicalsHamza Madagali Takes Over as PDP Chairman in AdamawaEkiti Cargo Airport Receives NCAA Approval for Commercial OperationsNnaji: My Resignation Not Admission of GuiltSaraki, Gambari, Ihedioha, Others Pay Tributes to AdebayoTony Elemelu Foundation, RHI Empower 500 Women in EdoUche Nnaji, Tinubu’s Minister Accused of Certificate Forgery, QuitsDangote Vs PENGASSAN: Sanusi, Kukah, Oteh, Peterside, Others Wade In, Say Unionism Not Licence to Cripple EconomyAll Eyes on Tinubu as INEC Chair, Yakubu, Bows Out, Agbamuche-Mbu Now ActingTinubu Seeks House Approval for $2.8bn Foreign Loans, Eurobond Refinancing, SukukAlamu: Processed Cocoa, More Lucrative for Nigeria’s Economy Than Raw ExportsTrade Fair Demolition: Peter Obi Pleads for LeniencyThere Was No First World War, Jimoh Ibrahim Declares at UN ConferenceWorld Bank Upgrades Nigeria’s 2025 Growth Outlook to 4.2%With Valuation of Over N1.6trn, SEC, Stakeholders Push to Expand Non-interest Capital MarketForensic Analysis of Emefiele’s iPhone, WhatsApp Chats Stall Amid EFCC–Defence DisputeArsenal Consider Wembley Option to Enable Work on EmiratesLike Kemi Adeosun, Science Minister, Nnaji Quits the StageSilent Heroes Awards Initiative Felicitates with Asagba of Asaba, HRM Azinge on One Year Anniversary on the ThroneAs Curtains Fall on Yakubu’s Tenure as INEC Chairman…NIGERIA’S PATH TO FOOD SECURITYHAPPY BIRTHDAY, DELE ALAKEThere Was No First World War’, Sen Jimoh Ibrahim Challenges Historical Record at UN Conference in TurkeyBREAKING: Tinubu’s Minister Nnaji Resigns After University Of Nigeria Disowns His DegreeTinubu Seeks House’ Approval of $2.34bn External BorrowingACF BoT Chair Condemns Alleged Deliberate Sabotage of Dangote RefineryTinubu Withholds Assent to Two Bills Over Fiscal Risks, Approves Two Police LawsTinubu Accepts Mahmood Yakubu’s Departure As INEC Chairman House of Reps Member Condemns Bandit Attack on Kwara Community
Trending News:Council of State Okays Tinubu’s Request to Pardon 175 InmatesKwara Sugar Film Studios Unveils Maiden MovieEFCC Vs Yahaya Bello: Court Adjourns Trial Till Nov 12Anyaoku Mourns Christopher KoladeTinubu Pens Heartfelt Tribute to ‘inimitable Christopher Kolade’ (Full Text)CBN: Alternative Banking Systems Lifeline for Underserved CommunitiesOsinbajo Advocates Restructuring of Nigeria’s Legal, Judicial PhilosophyBREAKING: Council Of State Approves Amupitan As New INEC Chairman, Confirms SaharaReporters’ Exclusive ReportCouncil of State Okays Prof Joash Amupitan as INEC ChairmanPolice Suspend Enforcement of Tinted Glass PermitsTinubu Presides Over National Council of States MeetingBreaking: Doyen of the Boardroom and Seasoned Broadcaster, Christopher Kolade, Dies at 93EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Audio Exposes MFM Overseer Olukoya Pressuring Pastor To Make Wife Deny Supporting Alleged Church Abuse Victim2027: Northern Youths Drum Support for Tinubu-Shettima Re-electionDSS Warns Public Against ImpostorSterling Bank Upholds Rule of Law Despite Disruption by Chronic Debtor’s AssociatesSchools Curriculum: NGO Unveils National Project on Understanding AIOyebanji: Three Years of Focused GovernanceSAN: Idheze Integrity Forum Felicitates Delta Solicitor GeneralNCC Seizes N100m Pirated Books in Lagos, Urges Public to Report Copyright BreachesATCO Homes Petitions EFCC over Irregular Ibeju-Lekki Land DealBREAKING: Bandits Attack Kaduna Community: Kill Man, Abduct Mother, Shoot Father And SonBreaking: Police Arrest 12 Suspects over Death of Arise News Anchor, Somtochukwu MaduagwuBreaking: Police Arrest 12 Suspects over Death of Arise News Anchor, Somtochukwu MaduagwuNSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based IntelligenceNSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based IntelligenceSowore Announces October 20 For Peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow March To Presidential VillaWeak Frameworks, Multiple Taxation Hindrances to Telecom Sector Growth, Says EdunChinese Scientists Perform First Pig-to-Human Liver TransplantUN Chief Urges Compliance After Israel-Hamas Agreement on GazaBenue Procures Medical Equipment for Teaching HospitalTinubu Inaugurates $400m Nigeria’s First Indigenous Crude Export Terminal in RiversWith Reform Momentum, It’s Time to Bring Gains to the People, Says W’BankNBA, Atiku, Senior Lawyers Push for Probe, Prosecution of Nnaji over Alleged ForgeryLCCI: Non-passage of NAIDP into Law Slowing Progress, Weakening Confidence in Nigeria’s Automobile IndustryNUPRC: Nigeria Attracted over $4.9bn in Non-Associated Gas Investments in Four YearsNCC Moves to Improve Investments in Broadband Connectivity, Safeguard Telecoms InfrastructureNCDMB Recommits to Deepening Local ContentAmid High Cost of Funds, NEXIM Bank Seeks to Enhance SMEs’ Access to Cheap Financing Options, OthersSAN: Idheze Integrity Forum Felicitates Delta Solicitor GeneralTen Years of Progressive Governance in Nigeria: From Reform to RenewalA Bold Step into the Future: Olubunmi Fayokun and the Evolution of Nigeria’s Legal ProfessionSuper Eagles Miss Intercontinental Playoffs Route to 2026 World CupWAEC’S NEW SUBJECT COMBINATIONUCHE NNAJI AND THE BURDEN OF FORGERYKADUNA AND GENDER EQUALITYFG Inaugurates $400m Onshore Crude Oil Export Terminal in Rivers$1trn Economy: BPE Positioned as Knowledge Hub for Investors Seeking Opportunities in Nigeria, Says DGNiger SIEC Set for LG ElectionBREAKING: CAN Confirms Rising Attacks, Killings Of Christians In Nigeria Amid ‘Christian Genocide’ Outcry, Says Cries For Justice Often IgnoredAsagba of Asaba Demands Apology, Reparations Over 1967 Asaba MassacreSchool Curriculum: NGO Unveils National Project Towards Equipping Nigerians With Essential Knowledge, Ethical Understanding of AIYahaya Bello: Cash Withdrawal Didn’t Breach Banking Regulations Witness, Tells CourtWhy Tinubu Should Nominate Minister from Nsukka Zone to Replace NnajiOgwashi-Uku Union Berates Group for Campaign of Calumny against Obi OkonjoAkpabio Mocks Shrinking Opposition As Enugu LP Senator Joins APCInsecurity: Abbas Advocates Strengthening of Community Policing 2025 UTME: JAMB Screens 176 Underage Candidates, As Lawmakers Laud ExerciseBREAKING: Nigerian Authorities Delist 1.9 Million Electricity Customers For Inactivity In One YearNigeria Needs to Mobilise Investments, Says ObasanjoRepairs: Lagos Diverts Traffic for Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS States Must Deepen Commitment to Achieve SURWASH Targets, Says FGINEC Extends Ward-level CVR Exercise In FCTFG Appeals to ASUU To Shelve Planned Strike, Vows to Address Pending DemandsBREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Postponed Again As Court Demands NMA’s Medical Report On IPOB Leader’s Fitness To Stand TrialDetty December: AWARI Secures Funds to Empower BusinessesWhy Nigeria’s Youth Must Be EmployedEdo NDLEA Arrests 54 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Destroy 66,000kg DrugsAlleged Imposition of Chairmen, Diversion of LG Fund by FG, Assault on Democracy, Says Osun ADC Caucus2026: Aspirant Unveils Plans for Greater Osun, Prioritizes Mechanised Farming, Affordable Healthcare, Business-friendly ReformsWelding Institute Moves to Flush Out Fake MembersFCCPC Warns Kano Traders against Adulteration, Harmful ChemicalsHamza Madagali Takes Over as PDP Chairman in AdamawaEkiti Cargo Airport Receives NCAA Approval for Commercial OperationsNnaji: My Resignation Not Admission of GuiltSaraki, Gambari, Ihedioha, Others Pay Tributes to AdebayoTony Elemelu Foundation, RHI Empower 500 Women in EdoUche Nnaji, Tinubu’s Minister Accused of Certificate Forgery, QuitsDangote Vs PENGASSAN: Sanusi, Kukah, Oteh, Peterside, Others Wade In, Say Unionism Not Licence to Cripple EconomyAll Eyes on Tinubu as INEC Chair, Yakubu, Bows Out, Agbamuche-Mbu Now ActingTinubu Seeks House Approval for $2.8bn Foreign Loans, Eurobond Refinancing, SukukAlamu: Processed Cocoa, More Lucrative for Nigeria’s Economy Than Raw ExportsTrade Fair Demolition: Peter Obi Pleads for LeniencyThere Was No First World War, Jimoh Ibrahim Declares at UN ConferenceWorld Bank Upgrades Nigeria’s 2025 Growth Outlook to 4.2%With Valuation of Over N1.6trn, SEC, Stakeholders Push to Expand Non-interest Capital MarketForensic Analysis of Emefiele’s iPhone, WhatsApp Chats Stall Amid EFCC–Defence DisputeArsenal Consider Wembley Option to Enable Work on EmiratesLike Kemi Adeosun, Science Minister, Nnaji Quits the StageSilent Heroes Awards Initiative Felicitates with Asagba of Asaba, HRM Azinge on One Year Anniversary on the ThroneAs Curtains Fall on Yakubu’s Tenure as INEC Chairman…NIGERIA’S PATH TO FOOD SECURITYHAPPY BIRTHDAY, DELE ALAKEThere Was No First World War’, Sen Jimoh Ibrahim Challenges Historical Record at UN Conference in TurkeyBREAKING: Tinubu’s Minister Nnaji Resigns After University Of Nigeria Disowns His DegreeTinubu Seeks House’ Approval of $2.34bn External BorrowingACF BoT Chair Condemns Alleged Deliberate Sabotage of Dangote RefineryTinubu Withholds Assent to Two Bills Over Fiscal Risks, Approves Two Police LawsTinubu Accepts Mahmood Yakubu’s Departure As INEC Chairman House of Reps Member Condemns Bandit Attack on Kwara Community
Some sons and daughters Isoko Nation, who are members of Idheze Integrity Forum (IIF), have felicitated the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Omamuzo Erebe, who was recently elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The legal practitioner with a history of practice in Alternative Dispute Resolution, (negotiation, mediation, arbitration), w as among many others who were recently elevated by the apex court of the country.
And in a letter signed by the President of IIF, Elder Ogaga Nathaniel, the group said Erebe’s elevation is testament to the his unwavering dedication, intellectual rigour, pro-fessionalism, and remarkable contributions to the Nigerian legal system.
Nathaniel said: “IIF extends congratulations to you, on your well-deserved elevation to the esteemed rank of SAN.
Your achievement is a shining example of hard work, dedication, and intellectual rigour. As a proud son of the Isoko Nation, your success brings immense pride to your family, colleagues, and the entire Isoko Nation. You inspire the younger generation with your perseverance, discipline, and devotion to duty and excellence.
We celebrate this historic moment with you and your family. We are confident that you will continue to uphold the finest traditions of the legal profession, providing leadership, wisdom, and courage that will shape the course of justice universally.”
Erebe has a history of practice in Alternative Dispute Resolution, (negotiation, mediation, arbitration), skilled in Legal Drafting and Criminal Law. He graduated from the University of Benin and the Nigeria Law School, Lagos.
The SAN title is the highest honour conferred on legal practitioners in Nigeria, reserved for lawyers who have attained exceptional distinction in the legal profession, either as advocates in the courtroom or as academics.
Council of State Okays Tinubu’s Request to Pardon 175 Inmates
Council of State Okays Tinubu’s Request to Pardon 175 Inmates
.Approves 959 applicants for national award
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The National Council of States (NCS) rose from its meeting on Thursday and approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to grant prerogative of mercy to 175 inmates in various correctional facilities across the country. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State who made this known to newsmen at the end of the NCS meeting held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, said the gesture is aimed at decongesting Correctional Centres and promoting restorative justice. He explained that the move reflected the government’s commitment to tempering justice with mercy, while ensuring that deserving inmates are given a second chance to reintegrate into society. Sani stressed that the Council considered a report from the Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) which recommended various clemency measures. According to him, out of the 175 beneficiaries, 82 inmates were granted presidential pardon, 65 had their sentences reduced, while seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. The governor was, however, not forthcoming on the names of the beneficiaries. The presidential prerogative of mercy, enshrined in Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, or commute sentences. It is typically exercised after careful consideration of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, which assesses factors such as age, ill health, good behaviour, or cases of miscarriage of justice. Sani also stated that the Council took key decisions on national appointments, approving Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Dr. Aminu Yusuf as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), following recommendations by President Tinubu. The NCS further ratified the appointment of Alhaji Tonge Beta Bularafa as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State at the NPC. Also briefing newsmen, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who also doubles as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, described the nomination of the new INEC Chairman, Amupitan, as a constitutional responsibility diligently discharged by the President. He said the appointment received unanimous endorsement, with speakers hailing the nominee as “a serious-minded scholar, a man of integrity, tested and trusted, who has never participated in partisan politics.” The National Council of State also approved President Tinubu’s request for conferment of national honours award on 959 eminent people. Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, told reporters that out of the number, 824 successful applications were recommended and another 135 special awards. Although, she did not disclose the full list, she said that of the Ogoni nine were posthumous. Her words: “Today, council also approved the report of the National Honors Award Committee for the year 2024 and 2025 and the special awards that were earlier bestowed by the president from January 2025 to date. “The president in August 2024 approved the reconstitution of the National Honors Award Committee, ably chaired by His Royal Highness Justice Mohammed Sidi Bage. “The award of titles of honor and decorations of dignitaries is a yearly event at which the president honors deserving nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity. After the expiration of the last committee, another committee was set up. “The reconstituted committee, which is to serve for a period of four years, consists of eminent Nigerians as members. The committee met several times, screened over 5,000 applications, and recommended deserving citizens and friends of Nigeria for admission into the nation’s role of honors. “After diligent screening and selection process by the committee, a total of 824 successful applicants were recommended for the 2024-2025 National Honors, and 135 special awards by the president, bringing it to a total of 959 awardees. “In the spirit of inclusive national recognition, President Bola Tinubu had conferred national honors on several deserving Nigerians and friends of Nigeria this year, including Bill Gates for his contributions to public health and humanitarian support in Nigeria, living and fallen icons of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle in celebration of 26 years of unbroken democracy marked on 12th June, 2025, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher, the Ogoni nine and Ogoni Four honored posthumously for their environmental activism and sacrifice. “The Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Tigress were honored for their international representation and achievement in sports, and Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, the immediate past INEC chairman, was also honored for his service to Nigeria’s democratic process. The list of the successful candidates will be published shortly.” Also briefing newsmen, Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, said there was a request to increase the Nigerian Police Trust Fund. According to him, the Nigerian Police Trust Fund was established by the federal government in 2019, with a renewable lifetime of six years. He said: “The purpose of establishing the Nigerian Police Trust Fund was to support training and retraining of police personnel. The second one is to provide financial resources to enhance police equipment, logistics, and infrastructure. “It was established also to support modernization of the police through investments in technology, vehicles, communications, and crime fighting tools, improve welfare and morale of police personnel, promote accountability, transparency, and governance, also to enhance crime prevention and public safety, strengthen capacity for emergency response and disaster management, fund ongoing training, specialized courses, and skill development, foster public-sector and private sector engagement, channel contributions through individuals, corporations, and civil society into police enhancement programs. “The concerns we had in the Police Trust Fund, the sunset close of six years in the current act limits the lifespan of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, and impedes long-term planning thereby constraining sustainable police reform. “The deduction of 0.5 percent from the federation account needs to be reviewed upward to two percent of the federation account. “So we also prayed that the council should approve the repeal and the reenactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund Establishment Act 2025 in order to remove the sunset close and transition it into an agency. “Second, the council to approve 22 percent deduction from the federation account. And the last one, direct the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to input all the approvals of the council in the proposed executive bill.All these prayers have been approved without any omission.” The National Council of State meeting was virtually attended by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Also in attendance were former Chief Justices of Nigeria; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; state governors, and other statutory members of Council.
.Approves 959 applicants for national award Deji Elumoye in Abuja The National Council of States (NCS) rose from its meeting on Thursday and approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to grant
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push for a brighter future in filmmaking in Nigeria is yielding fruits as the state Sugar Factory Film Studios unveiled its first film – Ajuwaya Series.
A statement by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Government House, Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola, revealed that the movie – 85 per cent of which was executed in the state-of-the-art studios – was financed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who supported the facility with N350 million.
At a media briefing for the unveiling of the project in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Managing Director of the Studios, Gbenga Titiloye, said the movie stands the chance of attracting direct foreign investment, “because this is the only functional film studio in Africa”.
He commended the governor’s foresight and his administration’s resolve to create a platform that nurtures artistry, innovation and economic vitality.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a milestone that marks not just the completion of a facility, but the dawn of a new era in Nigerian cinema and cultural expression—the successful completion of the Ajuwaya project,” he said.
“This moment stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, perseverance and collaborative effort converge for the common good. What the governor has achieved here is foreign direct investment because this is the only functional film studio in Africa, and 85 per cent of this movie was done in this studio.
“His Excellency’s willingness to champion a film studio in Nigeria demonstrates not only a bold strategic mind but also a deep faith in our people and their talent. It is through that foresight and resolve that we have arrived at this moment: a state-backed endeavour that nurtures artistry, innovation and economic vitality.”
Titiloye also appreciated Senator Tinubu for her generous donation to the Sugar Factory Studios, adding that her gesture reflects the spirit of national renewal and investment in the creative economy.
“This grant (from the First Lady) is more than funding; it is a signal, a beacon and a pledge that Nigeria will not only tell its stories but export them with pride and excellence,” he said.
Speaking on the lessons to gain from Ajuwaya, Titiloye said the movie exemplifies how national and regional efforts can combine to create durable infrastructure for culture and economy.
The press briefing was attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Princess Olubukola Babalola; Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bola Olukoju; and General Manager, Sugar Factory Film Studios and Producer of the film, Grace Babasola.
Princess Babalola, for her part, urged the youth to take advantage of the Sugar Film Studios to tap into the creative industry, saying theatre work is a model to reflect modern society.
“This studio is important to economic growth, development growth and projecting our state as a leader in the area of theatre and creative industry generally. So, let us talk to our youth so that they can find their feet in this industry,” she said.
Olukoju described the production of the Ajuwaya Series as a big win for the state, saying it signals the beginning of a new ecosystem in the creative industry in the sub-national.
“For us in Kwara State, the creative industry is a big ecosystem. At the time of shooting this film, 1,211 participated. People benefited a lot, we have fashion designers, caterers, transporters, artisans, among others, and if we can have this regularly, it is going to open up the ecosystem of the creative industry. Every part of the economy benefited in the course of producing the film,” she said.
Babasola lauded AbdulRazaq for the creation of the studios that he noted represents more than just a building or a production house.
“Governor AbdulRazaq is a leader whose belief in the potential of young creatives has opened new doors for the film and entertainment industry in Nigeria,” she said.
“Ajuwaya is just the beginning. It is proof that when opportunity meets passion, great stories emerge that inspire, entertain, and remind us of who we are.”
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push for a brighter future in filmmaking in Nigeria is yielding fruits as the state Sugar Factory Film Studios unveiled its first film – Ajuwaya
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