The Christian Rights Agenda has raised an urgent alarm over the growing threat of terrorism in Northern Nigeria, revealing that more than 80 communities across Benue, Plateau, and Borno states have fallen under the control of Islamic State West Africa Province fighters.
Reverend Kallamu Musa Dikwa, the group’s Secretary-General, said the occupation was part of a calculated plan to spread fear, fuel religious intolerance, and destabilize the region. Amid the worsening crisis, UNICEF has pledged to continue delivering vaccines and humanitarian support to displaced residents, despite the rising insecurity.
In a report issued on April 27, 2025, the Christian Rights Agenda stated that ISWAP, a faction that broke away from Boko Haram, has intensified its violent campaigns aimed at displacing Christian communities and enforcing extremist rule. The attacks have heavily affected several rural areas in Borno State, which has long been a hotspot for insurgent activities. Benue and Plateau states, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, have also come under serious threat, where the presence of armed groups has deepened longstanding tensions between farmers and herders.
According to the group, field teams sent to monitor the situation found widespread devastation in the affected areas. Thousands of mostly Christian residents have been forced to flee, adding to the growing number of internally displaced persons in Nigeria, a population where children make up almost 60 percent. The insurgents’ activities have not only resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of homes, churches, and farmland, but have also severely disrupted the livelihoods of farmers, raising fears of worsening food insecurity across the region.
The Christian Rights Agenda is currently building a detailed database of the attacks and plans to present its findings to the international community to draw attention to what it describes as the increasing persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria. The group has warned that if urgent steps are not taken to counter the insurgents, even more communities risk falling under terrorist control, threatening to further destabilize the country.
On April 28, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the judgment, convicting Nwachukwu of culpable homicide related to his wife’s death on April 8, 2022. The court found that the prosecution had convincingly proven its case against him.
Nwachukwu was charged with 23 counts by the Attorney-General of the Federation, including culpable homicide, spousal abuse, and cruelty to children. The prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, and submitted 25 documentary exhibits. The defense, in response, called five witnesses and provided four exhibits.
Beyond the death penalty for Count 1, Nwachukwu was sentenced to two years imprisonment each for Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months for Count 10; three years for Count 11; and fines of ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 for Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
The case gained widespread attention following Osinachi’s death, initially thought to be from natural causes. Allegations of prolonged domestic violence surfaced, leading to Nwachukwu’s arrest and trial.
A deadly attack targeting tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir has once again pushed India and Pakistan toward the brink of war. The two nations have responded by downgrading diplomatic and trade relations, shutting down their main border crossing, and revoking visas for each other’s citizens.
Pakistan has rejected allegations of involvement in Tuesday’s assault, which left 26, mostly Indian, tourists dead at a scenic location in the Himalayan region. India claimed to have restored calm in the area, despite a rebellion lasting decades. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a previously unknown militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance.
India and Pakistan have fought two out of their three wars over Kashmir — a region divided between them but claimed in full by both. Here’s what you should know about the latest spike in tensions between these two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Indian Officials Say Troops Exchanged Fire With Pakistani Soldiers in Kashmir
According to Indian officials, a brief exchange of gunfire took place between Indian and Pakistani soldiers along the heavily militarized frontier in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. This incident comes as both countries escalate a series of diplomatic retaliations following the deadly tourist attack.
The report of the gunfight emerged amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad after gunmen killed 26 people near the resort town of Pahalgam in Kashmir on Tuesday. India promptly labeled the massacre a “terror attack” and asserted that it had “cross border” links, holding Pakistan responsible for supporting it.
Pakistan rejected any involvement in the attack, which was claimed by a previously unknown militant group identifying itself as the Kashmir Resistance.
Three Indian army officials stated that Pakistani forces used small arms to fire on an Indian position in Kashmir late Thursday. Speaking anonymously due to departmental regulations, the officials said Indian troops returned fire, and no casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday declined to either confirm or deny the incident. Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan told reporters at a news conference that “I will wait for a formal confirmation from the military before I make any comment.”
He further mentioned that no efforts at international mediation had been initiated yet.
Historically, both India and Pakistan have accused each other of instigating border clashes.
What’s At The Heart of The Dispute?
The relationship between India and Pakistan has been largely defined by conflict, tense diplomacy, and longstanding distrust — most notably concerning their conflicting claims over Kashmir.
Armed resistance movements have opposed Indian rule in Kashmir for decades, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting the aim of either joining Pakistan or forming an independent nation. India blames Pakistan for fueling the unrest, an accusation Islamabad consistently denies. Over the years, the conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians, militants, and government troops.
How Has Pakistan Responded To India’s Reprisals?
On Tuesday, gunmen fatally shot 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, near the scenic town of Pahalgam. Although New Delhi immediately tied Pakistan to the assault, it has yet to publicly present supporting evidence.
In response, India announced a series of tough measures, including downgrading diplomatic relations, suspending a crucial water-sharing agreement, and revoking all visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals. Additionally, India stated it would scale down the number of Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi from 55 to 30, effective May 1.
Pakistan denounced India’s response as “irresponsible,” and retaliated by canceling visas for Indian nationals, halting all trade with India — even through third countries — and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft.
Nigeria’s political scene seem to be shaking as a major wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC has left the opposition struggling to hold ground.
Governors, senators, and political heavyweights are leaving in large numbers,
In one of the biggest moves, Delta State’s entire PDP team, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, reportedly switched to the APC on Wednesday, 23rd April. They joined other defectors like former Senate President Pius Anyim and Senator Kawu Sumaila.
As the 2027 elections approach, these moves raise a big question, Is this the end of strong competition, or can the opposition still fight back?
That’s the question on many lips.
People Who Have Defected
The APC is now attracting many major players from opposition parties, Reports show a major defection from Delta State’s PDP in April 2025, Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa led the move, bringing along the PDP state chairman, House speaker, and several local government leaders, This ended PDP’s 25-year dominance in the state.
This was not the first major blow, In July 2024, Pius Anyim, a former Senate President and longtime PDP leader, officially joined the APC, He was introduced to President Tinubu by Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, Anyim said he made the move to help fix national issues, dealing a hard hit to PDP’s strength in the Southeast. Emeka Ihedioha, former Imo governor and ex-Deputy Speaker, also left the PDP, blaming internal problems.
In the North, Kawu Sumaila, a senator from Kano South under the NNPP, defected in 2024 along with two House members, Ali Madaki and Alhassan Rurum. Sumaila said the APC would better meet the needs of his people,
Several members of the House of Representatives also switched parties, including Tochukwu Okere, Donatus Mathew, Bassey Akiba, Iyawu Esosa from the Labour Party, and Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu from the PDP. PDP members like Abubakar Gumi and ADC’s Salman Idris also joined the APC, strengthening its majority in the House.
Other defectors include Muktar Ramalan Yero, former Kaduna governor, and Sylvanus Ngele, former PDP senator from Ebonyi,
A report from Punch revealed that more than 300 PDP members defected between February 2023 and 2024, blaming internal crises and APC’s strong control at the federal level.
How Leaders Are Reacting to the Defections
The defections have triggered strong reactions across the political scene.
APC leaders celebrated the new arrivals as proof of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” plan gaining ground.
APC’s National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka called the Delta defections a major win for development, while former Delta Speaker Victor Ochei described it as a “big wave” that would bring more federal support.
APC’s National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje welcomed defectors like Sumaila and hinted that more politicians would soon follow, confidently declaring victory for 2027.
However, opposition leaders were deeply worried. Former vice president and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar said while everyone has the right to switch parties, the 2027 elections would be about “Nigerians standing up against suffering caused by the current government. ,” He also criticized PDP members who secretly worked with the APC while attacking his own efforts to build a coalition.
Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, said the defections were driven by selfish interests and fear of corruption investigations.
NNPP’s spokesman, Ladipo Johnson, warned that Nigeria’s democracy was weakening and called for legal changes to stop easy defections.
Political analyst Morris Monye argued that these moves shows APC’s fear of losing, not their strength.
Meanwhile, APC’s Joe Igbokwe warned that the Southeast must unite or face political exclusion, while APC spokesman Bala Ibrahim dismissed complaints, saying that freedom to choose parties is a constitutional right.
On social media, reactions are mixed. Some users celebrated APC’s gains, predicting an easy win in 2027, while others lamented the loss of strong opposition voices, fearing it would hurt democracy.
What This Means for the 2027 Elections
The flood of defections clearly strengthens the APC’s position for 2027,
Losing Delta State, a PDP stronghold, and big names like Okowa is a huge blow, The NNPP is also weakening in Kano after losing Senator Sumaila and others, while internal fights have divided the party badly,
The Labour Party, once hopeful after the 2023 elections, is now struggling with poor structure and the loss of four lawmakers,
The PDP looks the weakest, battling heavy infighting and leadership struggles.
Polls show that many Nigerians do not trust political parties anymore, and with the very low voter turnout in 2023, defections could make things worse, making voters more disengaged. This will likely benefit the APC, which controls more government resources.
However, the opposition still has a chance, Atiku’s new coalition is working to bring PDP, NNPP, and LP together. Their hope lies in rising public anger over inflation, job losses, and economic hardship, which could drive voters back to the opposition, But without unity and a strong plan, the opposition risks falling apart before the elections.
The APC, although stronger, also faces risks, Over-relying on defectors, many of whom are seen as opportunists, could weaken public trust. Tinubu’s government has also faced sharp criticism for economic policies and rising hardship.
If voters believe democracy is slipping away, a strong, united opposition could still pull a surprise win.
The Broader Democratic Stakes
The ongoing defections have raised fears that Nigeria could slide into one-party rule. Experts like Professor Hassan Saliu say democracy still exists but warn that massive defections damage party loyalty and public trust,
Timothy Osadolor, PDD deputy national youth leader, describes it as democracy becoming “hollow,” where politicians chase personal gains instead of serving the people.
Nigeria’s laws currently make it too easy for politicians to switch sides without punishment, making the situation worse,
If the trend continues, the APC could control even more federal power, security, and institutions, limiting political competition.
Civil society groups have warned that unchecked defections could hollow out Nigeria’s democracy even further.
Still, there is a glimmer of hope, If Atiku’s coalition succeeds and growing public frustration continues, the opposition could still stage a strong challenge, Stronger laws to control defections could also help rebuild trust in political parties.
Nigeria’s 2015 elections show that a united and focused opposition can defeat even a strong ruling party.
Nigeria’s opposition stands at a critical point, The defections of Oborevwori, Okowa, Anyim, Sumaila, and others have given the APC a big advantage heading into 2027, But the fight is not over, As Atiku said, “The real enemy is not one another, it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure,”.
The 17th edition of the Headies Awards took place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, shining a spotlight on some of the brightest talents in the music industry.
With the theme “Back to Base” and “Apologetically African,” the ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements in African music during the eligibility window spanning from April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.
This year’s event showcased 31 award categories, such as Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and Next Rated, drawing notable figures from both the entertainment world and political circles, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Actress and media personality Nancy Isime, alongside veteran broadcaster IK Osakioduwa, teamed up to host the event, delivering a lively and engaging show.
The evening buzzed with vibrant performances and touching tributes, all while celebrating the artists who have defined the musical landscape over the past year.
The event, marking a return to Nigeria after two years abroad, has already announced several winners in key categories.
List Of Winners And Their Categories
Best Recording of the Year Tems – Burning — Winner
Producer of the Year London – Ozeba — Winner
Next Rated Odumodublvck — Winner
Afrobeats Album of the Year Rema – Heis — Winner
Songwriter of the Year Qing Madi – Vision — Winner
Rookie of the Year Zerrydl — Winner
Best Rap Single Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast — Winner
Best Vocal Performance (Female) Liya – I’m Done — Winner
Music Video of the Year Director Pink – Egwu — Winner
Best Street-Hop Artiste Mohbad – Ask About Me — Winner
Afrobeats Single of the Year Flavour – Big Baller — Winner
Viewers’ Choice Award Chike & Mohbad – Egwu — Winner
Digital Artiste of the Year Davido — Winner
Song of the Year Asake – Lonely at the Top — Winner
Best Vocal Performance (Male) Lojay – Billions — Winner
Best Movie Soundtrack A Tribe Called Judah — Winner
Best East African Artiste Juma Jux (Tanzania) — Winner
Best Central African Artiste Innoss’B (DRC) — Winner
Special Recognition Awards Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor Alex Okosi Amaju Pinnick Kcee
Humanitarian Awards Temitola Adekunle Johnson Mitchell Mukoro
Notable Nigerian Nominees Who Did Not Win
Best Recording of the Year Burna Boy – Higher Ayra Starr & Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song Sarz feat. Lojay – Billions
Producer of the Year Sarz – Happiness Magicsticks – Basquiat Rema/Producer X/Cubeatz/Deatz/Klimperboy – Hehehe Dibs – Different Pattern
Next Rated Qing Madi Shallipopi Ayo Maff Nasboi
Afrobeats Album of the Year Victony – Stubborn Asake – Work of Art Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21 Young Jonn – Jiggy Forever
Songwriter of the Year Simi – Stranger Llona – Can’t Breathe Bloody Civilian – Family Meeting Wizard Chan – Stages of Life
Rookie of the Year Llona Kaestyle Taves
Best Rap Single Odumodublvck feat. Bloody Civilian & Wale – Blood on the Dance Floor Ladipoe, Rozzz & Morrelo – Hallelujah Magnito – Canada Jeriq – Ije Nwoke
Best Vocal Performance (Female) Ayra Starr – Last Heartbreak Song Niniola – Level Simi – Stranger Yemi Alade – Tomorrow
Music Video of the Year Rema – Charm (Dir. Perliks & Folarin Oludare) Jyde Ajala – Metaverse Perliks & Emeka Shine Shine – Like Ice Spice Mattmax – Ojapiano TG Omori – Showa Dammy Twitch – Na Money
Afrobeats Single of the Year Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things Kizz Daniel – Twe Twe Remix Chike feat. Mohbad – Egwu Asake – Remember Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi Remix
Viewers’ Choice Award Young Jonn feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez – Big Big Things Hyce, Boypee & Brown Joel feat. Davido – Ogechi Remix Rema – Ozeba Seyi Vibez – Different Pattern Kizz Daniel – Showa Tems – Love Me Jeje Shallipopi feat. Odumodublvck – Cast Flavour feat. Fireboy – Dealer Flavour – Big Baller
Digital Artiste of the Year Ayra Starr Rema Shallipopi Tems Kizz Daniel Asake
Song of the Year Kizz Daniel – Showa Ayra Starr – Commas Chike and Mohbad – Egwu Rema – Ozeba Flavour – Big Baller
Best East African Artiste Bien (Kenya) Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) Bruce Melodie (Rwanda) Azawi (Uganda)
Best Central African Artiste Gaz Mawete (DRC) Emma’A (Gabon) Eboloko (Gabon) Singuila (Central African Republic) Kocee (Cameroon)
Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League glory remains a formidable challenge, even amid a resurgence under manager Mikel Arteta. The North London club, last crowned champions during their iconic 2003–04 “Invincibles” campaign, has edged closer to the summit in recent seasons—but the title continues to elude them. A combination of factors helps explain why reclaiming the top spot remains a steep climb.
Fierce Competition at the Top
The Premier League has become more competitive than ever, with clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea consistently fielding squads packed with world-class talent. Manchester City, in particular, has set an exceptionally high standard, regularly finishing seasons with record-breaking points totals. This has raised the benchmark for what it takes to become champions—often leaving little margin for error.
Squad Depth and Experience Gaps
While Arteta has built a vibrant, youthful side, depth and experience remain areas of concern. Talents like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli have dazzled, but during high-stakes moments—especially in title run-ins—the absence of seasoned veterans has been telling. Experience can be the edge that turns draws into wins and keeps a title charge on track.
Injury Setbacks
Injuries have also undermined Arsenal’s campaigns. The physical demands of a full season can be brutal, and the loss of key players—particularly in defense and midfield—has disrupted the team’s rhythm at critical junctures. In contrast, rivals with more robust squads have often weathered similar storms with less disruption.
Psychological Pressure
The mental toll of leading a title race cannot be overstated. Arsenal’s faltering finish in the 2022–23 season, where they surrendered a commanding lead to Manchester City, underscored the importance of psychological resilience. Competing at the highest level requires not only technical excellence but also the mental fortitude to withstand pressure over a long season.
Financial Constraints
Despite increased spending in recent transfer windows, Arsenal’s financial muscle still falls short compared to heavyweights like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United. This disparity affects their ability to consistently invest in depth and top-tier talent—crucial elements for maintaining a title challenge across multiple competitions.
While there is genuine optimism surrounding Arsenal’s trajectory under Arteta, breaking their two-decade title drought will require more than just promising performances. Bridging the experience gap, building greater squad depth, managing injuries, and staying mentally tough—while continuing to invest wisely—will be critical if the Gunners are to finally reclaim Premier League glory.
Every year on April 25, the world observes World Malaria Day—a moment to reflect, raise awareness, and galvanize global action against one of the deadliest diseases on the planet. Despite being preventable and treatable, malaria claimed an estimated 608,000 lives in 2022 alone, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with Africa bearing over 95% of the global malaria burden.
While significant progress has been made through preventive tools like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying, effective treatment with antimalarial drugs remains critical to reducing deaths. Unfortunately, one of the most overlooked but dangerous practices is failing to complete a full course of malaria medication.
Why Many People Don’t Finish Their Malaria Medication
Several reasons contribute to this alarming trend:
Early Relief: Patients often feel better within a day or two and wrongly assume they’re cured.
Side Effects: Some drugs may cause nausea, dizziness, or fatigue, discouraging continuation.
Cost: In places without free access to healthcare, the full dosage can be unaffordable.
Misinformation: A lack of awareness about the importance of completing treatment.
Poor Access: Rural dwellers may not have easy access to healthcare facilities or pharmacies.
How Antimalarial Drugs Work
Antimalarial medications are designed to kill the malaria parasites (Plasmodium) in the bloodstream. Most treatments involve a combination of drugs (like Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies – ACTs), which work synergistically to:
Destroy parasites at different life cycle stages.
Reduce the risk of recurrence.
Prevent resistance buildup.
Stopping treatment early leaves surviving parasites in the body, which can come back stronger—and even more dangerous.
5 Dangers of Not Completing Your Malaria Dosage
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “completing the full course of treatment is essential—not only to cure malaria but also to stop its transmission and prevent drug resistance.”
Incomplete Parasite Clearance
The malaria parasites may still be present in the bloodstream and can multiply rapidly, leading to a relapse.
Drug Resistance
Surviving parasites can become resistant to current medications, making future treatment harder and costlier.
Severe Health Complications
Malaria can escalate to cerebral malaria, organ failure, or severe anemia if not completely treated.
Risk to Others
Infected individuals serve as a reservoir for mosquitoes to spread malaria to others in their community.
Higher Treatment Costs Later
A relapse or resistant strain often requires longer and more expensive treatments, posing a heavier financial burden.
On this World Malaria Day, let’s remember that starting treatment is only half the battle—completing it is what truly saves lives. Whether you’re treating yourself or caring for someone with malaria, ensure the full dosage is taken, even after symptoms disappear. It’s a personal step that has public health consequences.
Together, through awareness, education, and responsible medication use, we can help eliminate malaria and protect the next generation.
Our correspondent, Yakub IKHELUWA, reports that the Federal Government has restated its unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.
The BEA Programme, a product of Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and international cooperation, allows qualified Nigerian students to pursue academic programmes in countries such as China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.
These host countries provide free tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends, while the Federal Government complements the support with take-off grants, monthly supplementation, and return tickets upon successful completion of their studies.
Speaking on the status of the programme, the Minister of Education, Marufu Tunji Alausa, disclosed that all supplementary allowances due to Nigerian scholars under the scheme have been fully paid up to December 2024. This, he said, underscores the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the needs of Nigerian students abroad.
The Ministry acknowledged that recent exchange rate fluctuations led to funding shortfalls in disbursements. To address this, the Minister has made a formal request for additional funds to cover the differentials and ensure that all affected students receive their full entitlements.
According to the Ministry, provisions for the scholarship programme have been included in the 2024 Capital Budget, and disbursement for the 2025 fiscal year will commence as soon as implementation begins.
The Ministry assured all stakeholders of its continued dedication to supporting Nigerian students overseas and fulfilling its responsibilities under the BEA scheme in a timely and effective manner.
It also extended sincere appreciation to all students and their families for their patience and understanding, reaffirming its commitment to the continued success of the Bilateral Education Agreement Programme.
The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has marked a major milestone, receiving over 500,000 student loan applications within its first 11 months of operation. This significant achievement reflects the growing demand for accessible higher education financing across Nigeria.
Since the launch of its digital portal, students from various parts of the country have actively applied for both institutional and upkeep loans, showcasing the relevance and urgency of NELFUND’s mission to make tertiary education more inclusive and attainable.
“This is more than just a number — it’s a signal of hope for families across Nigeria. We are witnessing a nationwide demand for opportunity, and NELFUND is proud to be at the heart of this transformation,” said Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND.
The milestone highlights not only the necessity for student-focused funding but also the confidence Nigerians have placed in NELFUND’s transparent and efficient loan process.
As the application window remains open, NELFUND continues to emphasize transparency, accessibility, and efficiency, while urging all stakeholders to join in advancing the vision of equitable education for all.
The Nigerian historical fantasy film Osamede is set to screen at the prestigious Pavillon Afriques during the 2025 Cannes Film Market on May 17, marking a major milestone for African cinema on the global stage.
Directed by Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award winner James Omokwe—known for Chetam, Ajoche, Riona, and Itura—and executive produced by finance and investment expert Lilian Olubi, Osamede explores the mythology of the Benin Kingdom through the eyes of a young orphan girl in 1897 colonial Benin. Armed with supernatural powers and the mystical Aruosa stone, she rises to challenge British colonial forces and liberate her people.
The screening is a significant step in elevating African historical fantasy within the global film industry and further positions Nigeria as a creative powerhouse in the international fantasy genre.
Olubi, who is slated to speak on the Cannes panel “Beyond Budgets: Innovative Funding for Filmmakers,” remarked:
“Nigeria has exported music and films globally, but with Osamede, we’re transforming how African history is told—bringing the legend of the Benin Empire to life with production values and storytelling that rival Hollywood epics.”
Omokwe described the film as an ambitious reimagining of African history through fantasy:
“Osamede is more than just a fantasy film set in Africa—it’s a reclaiming of our historical narrative. What Black Panther did for Afrofuturism, we’re doing for African historical fantasy, blending authentic culture with cinematic spectacle.”
Originally produced as a stage play under Gold Lilies Productions, Osamede captivated audiences through 12 sold-out performances before being adapted for the screen. This proven narrative structure mirrors the success of Broadway-to-Hollywood hits.
“The global audience is hungry for authentic, culturally rich storytelling,” Omokwe added. “Osamede taps into this demand, delivering a powerful narrative rooted in the mythological legacy of the Benin Kingdom.”
The film also aligns with Nigeria’s Screen Nigeria initiative, which aims to expand the country’s cinematic influence globally. Osamede’s Cannes debut comes at a landmark moment for Nigerian film, coinciding with the selection of My Father’s Shadow—the first Nigerian movie to feature in Cannes’ Official Selection.
Osamede features a stellar cast including Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Imasuen, and Alexander Bud, and has drawn comparisons to global blockbusters like The Woman King for its empowering narrative and cinematic scale.
With its Cannes debut, Osamede not only showcases Nigeria’s filmmaking excellence but also brings African mythology into the spotlight—ushering in a new era for historical fantasy storytelling.
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