Entertainment
Obaseki doles out $50,000 cash prizes to winners of Edo Int’l film festival
The maiden edition of the Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF), which had participants from over 94 different countries across the globe, came to a close at the weekend, with the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, doling out cash rewards worth over $50,000 to winners of various categories. Obaseki, at the closing ceremony of the four-day film show, in Benin City, called for increased private sector participation to sustain the annual film festival as well as the gains recorded with reforms to grow the state’s creative industry. The governor’s award of $10,000 for the best overall film at festival went to a project titled, ‘Onaiwu,’ directed by Joseph Okhomina who also won the best director at the festival. The ‘Battle of the West’ emerged best film in the use of technology; ‘Zara’ won best cellphone film and ‘the Funeral’ emerged the best student film, with each winner getting $2,000 cash reward each. The best indigenous language film award, aimed at promoting the use of indigenous language in filmmaking, was bagged by ‘On this mountain,’ while ‘Omoatama,’ emerged the best film shot in Edo state, with each category winner going home with $5,000 cash prize.
Winners of the rural photography award also went home with N375, 000. Other winners are Best Director, Joseph Okhomina (Onaiwu); Best Actor (female), Victory Idahosa (Onaiwu); Best Actor (male), Ben Olaye (Onaiwu); Best Short Film, Tare: Best Documentary, Palm for Crude; Best Film Costume, Osayi Blessing (Onaiwu); Best Filmmaker, Ramon Abdulazeez and Best Cinematography, After a while (Egypt). The governor, while expressing his satisfaction with the success of the festival said, “Edo people are perhaps the most creative people on the black continent.” Obaseki said, “Our history is there to show that we have created masterpieces in terms of arts throughout the centuries. Our people are the most creative Africans that have existed. The talents that we are celebrating here today come from a long line and strong heritage of creativity and heritage. Tonight, we are celebrating our best at the maiden Edo State International Film Festival.
“After today, the dates for next year’s festival will be announced. We are here to give out the award to the best overall film. I am sure the work and time that went into producing this film is worth more than what we are giving as a prize. This prize is just a token of our appreciation for the work put into telling our stories by utilising our God-given talent.” Noting that Edo people have thrived through their creativity in music and films and the capacity to preach the word of God to the rest of the world, Obaseki added, “We are successful in these two areas because of limited government intervention and involvement in your affairs, enabling you to express yourselves and sell your talent to the whole world.
“In our future film festival, you will witness the government pulling back and you’re doing more for yourself. We will continue to support you but will allow the industry to take over as the government does not have the talent to do what you are doing.” Head of festival jury, Prof. Osakue Omoera, while hailing the governor for the initiative, noted that the jury screened over 2,000 films from 94 countries. Omoera advised, “We urge and encourage practitioners in the industry to up their games technically and in terms of storytelling. There is also the need to raise the bar in technical competency in the areas of production design, script play and sound design, amongst others. “We encourage practitioners to avail themselves of the existing training programmes by the government and apply what has been taught to enable quality films emerging from Edo State.”
FirstBank Basketball Club of Nigeria, popularly known as the “Elephant Girls”, have secured their spot in the final round of the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA), scheduled to hold in Cairo, Egypt from 5-14 December 2025.
The Elephant Girls put on a commanding performance at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, winning all three games. Representing Nigeria as the country’s sole team in the tournament, they overcame fierce competition from Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Benin Republic, Ghana, and Togo in the Zone. Their undefeated run included a 66–55 upset against home favourites CSA of Côte d’Ivoire and a thrilling 63–59 comeback win against FBA of Côte d’Ivoire, after trailing by 20 points in the second quarter.
The remarkable performance, marked by resilience, discipline skill, and mental strength, earned the team a triumphant return to continental basketball after a six-year absence. Emerging as champions of Zone 3 and the only English-speaking team to advance, the Elephant Girls have reaffirmed FirstBank’s long-standing commitment to promoting women’s sports in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking on the qualification, FirstBank’s Group Head, Human Capital Management and Development and Chairman of the Sports Council, Olumuyiwa Olulaja, said: “We are incredibly proud of the Elephant Girls for their outstanding performance. They have once again shown the world the strength, resilience, and excellence that define FirstBank. “At FirstBank, we are committed to continuing our support for sports in Nigeria and Africa, and this victory is a significant step forward in our mission to promote excellence in sports on the continental and global stage,” he added.
The Elephant Girls had advanced to represent Nigeria at the WBLA Qualifiers for FIBA Africa Zone 3, following an impressive Silver Medal finish at the Zenith Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Women’s Premier League. With their place secured in Cairo, the Elephant Girls are poised to showcase their talent on the continental stage once again, carrying the pride of Nigeria and the FirstBank brand as they aim to make history in the Final Round of the Women’s Basketball League Africa.
Following the tremendous success of its inaugural edition, Soto Gallery, in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and Main Sponsor Craneburg Construction Company are set to host the second edition of the +234 Art Fair. The highly anticipated event will take place from March 27th to March 31st, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Center (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, starting at 10 a.m. each day. The theme for the 2025 edition, “Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art”, will explore the transformative power of patronage in driving the growth and sustainability of Nigerian art. The fair is designed to offer a significant platform for young, unrepresented Nigerian artists, enabling them to showcase their work locally and internationally. This year we will meet many interesting and varied art Patrons and Collectors who are quietly moving the industry forwards.
Mrs. Tola Akerele, Founder of +234 Art Fair and Soto Gallery Foundation, expressed her excitement about the continued success of the event. She emphasized that patronage in the art world goes beyond financial support; it’s about fostering relationships that empower artists to sustain and expand their creative practices. “Art thrives in environments where the practice is nurtured by a community committed to its growth, and the 2025 edition of the +234 Art Fair aims to facilitate those essential connections. By providing a dynamic platform for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to interact, the fair will demonstrate how meaningful support can shape an artist’s journey and enhance the broader art ecosystem,” she said. Reflecting on the success of the 2024 edition, Mrs. Akerele said, “We are proud of the achievements of the inaugural fair and are committed to continuing to provide opportunities for ‘un-galleried’ Nigerian artists to showcase their incredible skills, elevating their work on both the local and global art stages.”
Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to nurturing the creative sector across Nigeria and Africa. “The creative industry is a vital driver of economic growth and global connectivity, and we are proud to invest in the next generation of African talent. By providing platforms for emerging artists, we aim to support the growth and international recognition of Nigeria’s flourishing art scene,” he stated. The 2025 fair promises to be a vibrant cultural experience, showcasing an array of paintings, photography, and sculptures representing various aspects of Nigerian society. With free entry, the fair aims to foster cultural resonance, wealth creation, and provide opportunities for learning, networking, and social impact. In addition to the diverse art exhibits, the fair will feature an art-centric bookstore, a children’s area, a VIP lounge, culinary offerings, and interactive workshops.
The event is expected to attract a wide range of attendees, including Nigerians, Africans, international residents, government officials, policy makers, diplomats, and global art enthusiasts. It is thanks to visionary Patrons including institutional Patrons like Ecobank, Craneburg and AFC and others like TOOF, that such a pioneering initiative like +234Art Fair is able to amplify the voices of emerging artists in Nigeria. 2024 Event Milestones; over 1,000 submissions to our open call; over 10,000 visitors during the 10-day duration, with an average of 900 visitors each day; Number one trending topic on X (formerly Twitter); showcased over 700 artworks, featuring 200 artists, and had 31 facilitators for 12 Masterclasses and workshops.
By Farouk Mohammed
Once again, FirstBank has reaffirmed its position as a champion of arts, culture, and entertainment through its annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative. This year, the bank brought music lovers an unforgettable Christmas Eve experience with the Davido Live in Lagos concert, held at the iconic Eko Hotel Convention Centre. As part of the initiative, the event was a highlight of the festive season, delivering joy, excitement, and unmatched entertainment to thousands of fans.
Delivering Exclusive Experiences
True to its legacy, FirstBank ensured its customers and followers had the chance to enjoy this spectacular event through ticket giveaways across its social media platforms. By engaging with fans on Instagram (@firstbanknigeria) and Facebook (First Bank of Nigeria Limited), the bank seamlessly connected with its audience, creating opportunities for them to witness one of Nigeria’s biggest stars perform live. Through its First@arts initiatives like these, FirstBank continues to elevate the entertainment experience for its stakeholders, positioning itself as more than just a financial institution but a lifestyle enabler. The bank’s efforts underscore its commitment to bringing premium opportunities to its customers, creating memorable moments for families and individuals alike.
Davido: The Highlight of DecemberIssaVybe
On Christmas Eve, the atmosphere at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre was nothing short of electric as Davido, the Afrobeats superstar, delivered an exhilarating performance. With hits like “Feel,” “Unavailable,” “FUNDS,” and “Dami Duro”, the audience was immersed in a musical journey that celebrated Nigerian creativity and artistry. The energy was infectious, as fans sang along to every lyric, making the concert an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. For many, this was their first time seeing Davido live, and FirstBank made it possible, proving once again its dedication to supporting the arts and providing access to world-class entertainment.
The Spirit of DecemberIssaVybe
The DecemberIssaVybe initiative is not just about music; it’s about community, homecoming, and shared joy. Designed to resonate with Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, the initiative creates opportunities for family bonding and cultural connection during the festive season. Events like Davido’s concert, the Calabar Carnival, and Flytime Fest have all contributed to making the 2024 edition of DecemberIssaVybe truly extraordinary. Through DecemberIssaVybe, FirstBank continues to demonstrate its commitment to enriching the lives of its customers by providing access to premium events and creating platforms that celebrate the essence of Nigerian culture.
More Than Banking: A Commitment to Community
FirstBank’s impact goes beyond providing financial services—it’s about enabling memorable experiences. By supporting events like the Davido Live in Lagos concert, FirstBank strengthens its bond with customers, enhancing its role as a catalyst for joy and togetherness during the festive season. With its steadfast support for the arts and entertainment industry, FirstBank also contributes to the economic empowerment of the value chain, showcasing its leadership in promoting culture, music, and creativity in Nigeria.
Stay Connected, Stay Vibing
For those who experienced the magic of Davido’s concert and other DecemberIssaVybe events, the memories will remain cherished. For those who missed out, FirstBank offers more opportunities to join the excitement. Stay tuned to its social media platforms—Instagram (@firstbanknigeria), Twitter (@FirstBankngr), and Facebook (First Bank of Nigeria Limited)—for updates, contests, and more exciting opportunities.
Steel Ministry earmarks N2.6bn on Ajaokuta Steel’s investment preparation
Ministry of Steel Development has earmarked N2.6 billion on the project preparation for investment mobilization for Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited out of the total budgetary allocation of N24 billion as contained in the 2025 proposed budget presented by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly. The Ministry also earmarked N250 million for the revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and National Iron Ore Mining Company, NIOMCO, Itakpe.
Meanwhile, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited out of its total budgetary allocation of N6.8 billion allocated N6.3 billion for personnel cost, and also earmarked N2.4 million for overhead; recurrent gulped N6.4 billion; and capital got N3.9 million.
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