By Joshua Olomu

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has celebrated the blockbuster film ‘My Father’s Shadow’ for emerging Nigeria’s first movie to receive nomination for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 78 years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Musawa congratulated the film director Akinola Davies Jr. for scripting and directing the iconic movie.

‘My Father’s Shadow’, a film that chronicles the aftermath of the 1993 presidential election, was officially announced on Thursday by organisers to compete at the Cannes.

The 78^th edition of the annual Cannes Film Festival is slated to hold from May 13 to 24 in Cannes, France.

According to the organisers, the movie will screen at the ‘Un Certain Regard’ strand, a prominent section within the Cannes Festival’s official selection that showcases films by new talents, ascendant producers and international cinema.

‘My Father’s Shadow’ is among the 2,909 feature films screened to curate its 2025 lineup.

The minister expressed excitement for the selection, congratulating the cast, crew, and creative team behind ‘My Father’s Shadow’.

According to her, the achievement is a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema and storytelling, showcasing the richness of Nigerian stories, the depth of artistic talent, and the beauty of cultural identity.

“This momentous achievement is not only a personal milestone for Akinola Davies and the remarkable team at Fatherland Productions led by the brilliant Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Wale Davies, but also a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema and storytelling.

“My Father’s Shadow stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when homegrown talent is nurtured, empowered, and given the space to shine.

“With a predominantly Nigerian cast and crew, the film reflects the richness of our stories, the depth of our artistry, and the beauty of our cultural identity.

“This Cannes selection is a ringing endorsement of the transformative power of Nigerian creativity.

“It shows the world that we are not just participants but contenders—ready to shape the global narrative with our unique voice, vision, and excellence”, she said.

Musawa also commended Fatherland Productions for their African storytelling which has earned them a recognition by BAFTA and Sundance Film Festivals.

According to her, the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is also expected to launch ‘Screen Nigeria’ as part of Destination 2030: Everywhere campaign at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

She said the initiative aims to promote Nigeria’s audiovisual industry and showcase the country’s creative talent to a global audience.

“You have shown what it means to carry the Nigerian flag with grace and brilliance on the world stage.

“As we prepare to support ‘My Father’s Shadow’ and its creators at Cannes through Screen Nigeria-our national platform for promoting Nigeria’s audiovisual industry, we are reminded of the importance of initiatives like Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere.

“Let this achievement ignite the dreams of the next generation of Nigerian storytellers.

“Let it reaffirm our commitment to creating an enabling environment for creativity to thrive, and let it remind us all that Nigerian art, culture, and talent know no bounds,” she said. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Joan Odafe

Nigerian entertainment and creative company, Chocolate City Group, has been spotlighted as one of the leading enterprises in Africa’s growing creative space in a report commissioned by Proparco and the European Union’s CreatiFI programme.

The report, titled, ‘Success Stories in the Creative Industries in Africa and other Emerging Markets’, examined 12 successful African creative enterprises across six countries.

The report, which was prepared by PwC Nigeria, Restless Global and TFCC, also provides insights into sustainable business practices in the region’s creative sector.

The study identified key success factors, including longevity, revenue diversification and the importance of strategic partnerships that preserve local creative control, while enabling international market access.

The findings are aimed at guiding investors and entrepreneurs in identifying viable opportunities in the sector and provide a framework for assessing the potential of creative enterprises across the continent.

Audu Maikori, Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Chocolate City Group, said the company had navigated challenges through diversification and strong partnerships to create sustainable models.

“The African creative landscape has evolved dramatically over the past two decades.

“We’ve witnessed the industry transform from a fragmented space to an ecosystem with global recognition, where homegrown companies can compete internationally while preserving their cultural authenticity,” he said.

The Co-founder of the group, Paul Okeugo, said the report confirmed firsthand experiences of the company; that vertical integration and diversified revenue streams were critical in markets where traditional funding was scarce.

“By developing multiple service lines and revenue channels, we’ve been able to sustain our core music business through challenging periods and invest in nurturing new talent,” he said.

Beyond music, the study also highlighted successes in other creative sectors, including Nigeria’s FilmHouse Group, and fashion labels like Ghana’s Christie Brown, which demonstrates the breadth of opportunity across Africa’s creative industries.

According to the report, while investment interest in African creative companies is increasing, successful enterprises like Chocolate City have traditionally relied on self-funding and organic growth.

This, it said, demonstrated remarkable resilience in challenging business environments.

Chocolate City, founded over two decades ago, was initially known for pioneering hip-hop music in Nigeria with artistes like M.I Abaga and Ice Prince, but has evolved alongside the explosive global growth of Afrobeats. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Ibironke Ariyo

Tramatch International Ltd, a faith-based matchmaking platform, has taken a major step to combat online dating scams; it has introduced advanced security measures to protect its users.

The platform’s co-founder, Mr Elijah Bassey, disclosed this during a webinar on Wednesday.

He said that dating scams remain a major challenge in the online dating ecosystem.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tramatch is designed for individuals seeking serious, long-term relationships.

NAN also reports that Tramatch continues to integrate advanced security measures, AI fraud detection, and a commitment to shared values.

This comes as fraudsters increasingly use stolen images to create fake profiles.

Bassey said the team had introduced a mandatory identity verification process. Every user must upload a profile picture and pass a liveness test using their device’s camera.

“We are standing out from our competition. We have taken security a step forward by ensuring uploaded images match the real identity of the user.

“We are committed to providing a safe and secure platform. Our advanced security measures detect and prevent fraudulent activities, allowing users to focus on finding meaningful relationships,” he said.

Bassey added that Tramatch had enabled location-based matchmaking. This allows users to connect with verified matches nearby, reducing the risks of long-distance deception.

He noted that this feature encourages authentic relationships based on shared faith and values.

“Our platform, with over 200,000 registered users, supports individuals who value traditional marriage structures and seek committed, enduring relationships.

“Tramatch’s advanced security measures include Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, AI-driven fraud detection, and proximity-based matching.

“These measures set Tramatch apart from other platforms where unverified users often exploit the system.

“By enforcing KYC, Tramatch ensures that users are real, verified individuals. This reduces risks such as catfishing, fraud, and identity theft,” he maintained.

Bassey urged Nigerians to remain vigilant when dating online and to use platforms that prioritise security and transparency.

He added that Tramatch was working with relevant authorities to identify, flag, and report fraudulent activities. This reinforces its commitment to user safety.

“With the global dating market projected to grow from $11.32 billion in 2025 to $21.71 billion by 2034, Tramatch is poised to play a significant role.

“We aim to provide a safe and secure platform for individuals seeking meaningful relationships,” he said.

Bassey reiterated Tramatch’s commitment to user safety and trust. He highlighted the implementation of advanced KYC verification and AI-driven fraud detection to combat online scams.

NAN reports that Tramatch is an international platform supporting individuals who value religious and traditional definitions of marriage, whether monogamous or polygamous.

It welcomes Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and LDS members seeking committed, enduring relationships grounded in cultural and religious values.

Founded in 2023, Tramatch believes traditional marriage structures provide a stable foundation for families, even in today’s rapidly changing world. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Joshua Olomu/Folasade Akpan

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 15-year-old Nigerian artist, has broken the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Largest Painting, unveiling the world’s largest art canvas by an individual.

The record-breaking artwork, titled “Impossibility is a Myth,” was revealed in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).

The awe-inspiring canvas, measuring 12,303 square meters, more than twice the size of a football field, surpassed the previous record by nearly 3,000 square meters.

The unveiling at Eagles’ Square was attended by civil society groups, diplomats, traditional rulers, top government officials, and stakeholders in the arts and culture sector.

Tagbo-Okeke was presented with his GWR certificate during the event.

Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, lauded the young artist’s achievement, calling it a “historic and inspiring milestone” that demonstrated how age and challenges were no barrier to greatness.

She emphasised that every Nigerian, regardless of background or disability, had the potential to make valuable contributions.

Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Mr Tagbo Okeke, shared that his son’s journey started with his love for colour and a carefully structured routine to help him focus.

He said that the theme of the artwork, “Impossibility is a Myth,” reflected the challenges they faced in creating such a large-scale painting.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr Mohamed Fall, represented by Cristian Munduate of UNICEF, highlighted the importance of disability inclusion in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring equal access to opportunities for people with disabilities.

Sen. Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, lauded the achievement, emphasising that children with autism could be productive and should be provided with specialised education and care.

He encouraged the government to invest more in the education of autistic children.

Chikaodi Ofoegbu, Head of Retail at MTN Nigeria, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of creating an environment where innovation and inclusivity thrived, urging all Nigerians to nurture these values. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Oladele Eniola

‘Labake Olododo’, a movie by Alice Iyabo Ojo, has topped the Nigerian box office, grossing N50.4 million over the weekend following its release.

FilmOne Entertainment, the distributing company, shared the news on Monday.

They revealed that the film marked the second biggest opening weekend for a Nollywood release in 2025.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Labake Olododo tells the inspiring story of a courageous woman who rises against oppression in her community. (NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano State Government, under its World Bank-assisted programme, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has awarded a ₦8.5bn contract for the Bulbula/Gayawa Gully Erosion Control Project in Kano.

The project, a long-awaited intervention, seeks to address the severe erosion issues affecting communities in both Ungogo and Nassarawa Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking at the event to announce the bid winner, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, reaffirmed government’s commitment to the project.

Hashim, who is also the Chairman of the ACReSAL Project, said the project marked a significant milestone in efforts to prioritise infrastructure projects that safeguard lives and property.

“This project is a direct response to the cries of the people. Many believed it was not feasible, but under the leadership of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, we refused to accept impossibilities.

“Today, we are delivering on his mandate to make Kano a safer and more resilient state.

“For years, residents of Bulbula and Gayawa have suffered the devastating effects of erosion, leading to the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and hazardous routes for school children.

“The contract, awarded to Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦8,497,595,290.00, is expected to be completed within 715 days,” Hashim said.

He noted that to ensure quality execution and accountability, a robust monitoring team would be constituted, adding that over N600m would be spent on compensating residents affected by the project.

In his remarks, Ammar Nouri, the General Manager of Habib Engineering Nigeria Ltd., handling the project, said work would commence on the project on April 1.

He promised to deliver the highest quality of work and assured that the company would actively engage with the local community once the project begins.

Some of the residents of affected areas who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also voiced their support for the project.

Ali Bala, a community member at Gayawa, commended the state government for addressing their long-standing concerns.

He noted that the erosion had been a major challenge, causing frequent flooding and damaging homes, roads, and farmlands.

Buba Sani of Bulbula, expressed happiness that the government has finally awarded a contract for the gully erosion control.

He said that erosion has been a serious problem in the neighbourhood for years. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Yakubu Uba