Abuja International Film Festival to Explore AI and Ethics in Filmmaking

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The 23rd Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) will bring together cinema, innovation, and global partnerships under the theme “Frames without Borders: AI, Ethics, and the Future of Filmmaking.”

Scheduled to take place from October 20 to October 25, 2026, in the heart of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.

Reflecting on the vision behind this year’s theme, the Founder of the AIFF, Fidelis Duker, stated: “For over two decades, this festival has pushed the boundaries of cinematic dialogue. As artificial intelligence fundamentally alters how we create, we must confront the ethical questions head-on. AI should be a tool that empowers the storyteller, not one that compromises the soul of the craft. This year, we are providing the definitive platform to shape that future.”

In a massive boost for international industry collaboration, the festival organisers are proud to announce the presence of a high-profile 10-member diplomatic and industry delegation from the China Film Administration.

Led personally by its esteemed Chairman, Mr. Bia, the delegation is visiting Nigeria with a strategic focus on forging powerful bilateral ties between the Nollywood and Chinese film markets.

During the festival, Mr Bia and his delegation will engage in crucial bilateral roundtables, panel discussions, and networking sessions explicitly centred on accelerating international co-production initiatives and cross-continental film distribution networks. This landmark visit opens unprecedented doors for Nigerian filmmakers looking to break into the massive Asian cinematic market and vice versa.

Read Also: Prince Harry Reveals Why He Wants His Family Back in the UK

Festival Director Temitope Duker highlighted the immense value of this international partnership, noting, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr Bia and the entire Chinese delegation to Abuja. This visit represents a massive bridge between two of the world’s most vibrant film hubs. By uniting Nollywood’s raw storytelling energy with China’s expansive market infrastructure, we are creating tangible distribution and co-production opportunities that will elevate our local filmmakers onto the global stage.”

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the creative landscape, the 23rd AIFF is emerging as a crucial platform for examining the intersection of technology and art. Filmmakers, tech enthusiasts, and cinephiles will gather to explore the ethical boundaries, challenges, and unprecedented creative opportunities that AI brings to the global film industry.

In a significant move to foster inclusivity and support the thriving creative community, the organisers have announced that attendance is entirely FREE for the public across its primary scheduled attractions.

Attendees can look forward to a rich and diverse lineup of festival programs running from October 20 to October 24, 2026, hosted at the premier Silverbird Cinemas CBD, Abuja, Nigeria. The festival attractions include All-Day Screenings featuring a curated selection of thought-provoking local and international films. The festival will also feature Masterclasses & Panel Discussions led by industry experts who will tackle film craft, technology, the ethical use of AI, and international co-production strategies.

The festival kicks off with a glamorous, exclusive Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Silverbird Cinemas CBD. This high-profile opening night event is strictly by invitation.

The week of cinematic celebration will culminate in the prestigious AIFF Award Night on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The closing ceremony will move to the luxurious Banquet Hall at National Merit House, Maitama – Abuja, where the festival will honour outstanding filmmakers, exceptional talent, and innovative storytelling that pushed boundaries over the past year.

Driven by its core pillars- Film, People, Ideas, and Opportunities -the 23rd Abuja International Film Festival stands as a beacon for cultural exchange and technical evolution. Whether you are an industry veteran looking to navigate the future of AI or a movie lover eager to experience boundary-pushing cinema, the gates of AIFF 2026 are wide open.

Prince Harry Reveals Why He Wants His Family Back in the UK

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Prince Harry is opening up about his reasons for returning to the U.K. in his first interview since the move.

In a newly released sit-down with GQ’s Zach Baron that was filmed in September during Harry’s trip to New York City, the Duke of Sussex shared what motivated him and Meghan Markle to move their family — including their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5 — back to Britain, people.com reports.

Prince Harry and Meghan, 45, stepped back from their royal roles in 2020 and relocated to her home state of California later that year, when Archie was a baby. Lili was born in California the following year. However, the Sussexes announced in August that they would be moving back to Britain for an extended period, with their children enrolled in school there, and they arrived in the U.K. the same month.

“Opportunities for the family,” Harry, 42, said first about their reasons for the move. “Being able to put the kids in a British school has meant a lot to me. I didn’t know how important it was to me.”

“I always thought it was gonna be something that I would try and do or that we would try and do, but now they’ve been in school for two weeks,” he noted. “They’re loving it, and it’s just giving them a whole different experience.”

Read Also: Dangote Praises Burna Boy, Describes Him as Nigeria’s Ambassador

“Don’t worry, I’m not criticising American schools,” he continued. “But I think for kids at 7 and 5 to be able to have that comparison and to have two completely different cultural experiences is so important today.”

Prince Harry also said the reasons for the move were to be “back closer to my family and to be back on U.K. soil for longer than a few days or a week here or there.”

Harry added, “It’s been nice to be close to friends, family, friends and friends and their children as well, to be able to have endless playdates to really, like, help our kids settle in.”

While he admitted that moving back to the U.K. was something he and Meghan had “thought about and considered,” the move wasn’t planned far in advance.

“For us, when certain stars align, and it’s clear that this should or probably will end up being the case, then we lean into that,” he explained.

Dangote Praises Burna Boy, Describes Him as Nigeria’s Ambassador

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Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has praised award-winning singer Burna Boy, calling him and his colleagues true ambassadors for Nigeria.

Dangote remarked during a media briefing, recounting his first visit to Grenada and how Burna Boy’s image dominated the island.

He said the first billboard he saw on arrival in Grenada was that of the Grammy-winning artiste, a moment that showed how Nigerian music has gained global recognition.

“The first time I went to Grenada, the first billboard that I saw was Burna Boy. These are our ambassadors, and this is what we need to be talking about. We should not be talking about somebody in Nigeria who was caught with drugs elsewhere,” he said.

Read Also: Nigerian Actress Eniola Badmus Apologises to Laide Bakare, Pushes for Peace

According to Dangote, the focus should be on celebrating Nigerian talents who are projecting the country positively, rather than giving attention to those involved in negative activities.

Forbes recently named Burna Boy to its list of 15 African Icons, alongside notable figures such as Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Mo Abudu.
The singer was recognised for helping take African music and culture to a global audience.

Nigerian Actress Eniola Badmus Apologises to Laide Bakare, Pushes for Peace

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Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has publicly apologised to her colleague, Laide Bakare, following criticism over her reaction to Bakare’s name during a recent podcast interview.

Badmus issued the apology in a statement shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, acknowledging that her facial expression during an appearance on Isbae U’s Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast might have been interpreted as dismissive.

The actress expressed regret over her reaction and called for peace between herself and Bakare, suggesting that it was time to put their differences aside.

“On reflection, I realise my reaction when Laide Bakare’s name was mentioned during my recent interview could have come across as dismissive, and for that, I sincerely apologise,” she wrote.

Addressing Bakare directly, Badmus added, “Laide, whatever our differences, I choose peace, and I genuinely wish you well.”

Read Also: Nollywood Actress Chita Agwu Announces End of 11-Year Marriage

She further reflected on personal growth and maturity, noting that people should learn from past experiences and move beyond disagreements rather than allow them to continue creating tension.

“We’re all growing, learning and becoming better versions of ourselves. Sometimes maturity is simply knowing when to let go and move forward,” she stated.

Badmus concluded her message with a direct appeal for reconciliation, writing, “Joo maa binu. No negativity. No grudges. Let love lead and peace reign.”

The apology followed the circulation of a video clip from the podcast in which the host mentioned Bakare as one of his favourite actresses. Badmus’ facial expression in response attracted widespread attention and criticism on social media.

The incident generated discussions among fans, with some questioning the actress’s reaction to her colleague’s name.

Reacting to Badmus’ apology, the podcast host, Isbae U, encouraged reconciliation between both actresses.

“Let love lead. Na my interview go fix Nigeria in whole. I love you both so much. You both should give me a kiss,” he wrote.

Badmus’ statement signals her willingness to put the controversy behind her and promote peace with her colleague.

Nollywood Actress Chita Agwu Announces End of 11-Year Marriage

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Nollywood actress Chita Agwu has announced that her marriage has officially ended following a court ruling that legally dissolved the union.

The actress disclosed the development in a statement shared on her Instagram page, where she described the decision as the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Agwu said she was choosing to move forward with peace, grace and dignity, while appealing to the public to respect her privacy and that of her former partner.

According to the actress, marriage is a deeply personal journey, and not every relationship ends as initially expected. She stressed that people whose marriages have ended deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives without facing public criticism, ridicule or humiliation.

In her statement, Agwu said, “After much thought and a deeply personal journey, I wish to officially inform the public that the court has legally dissolved my marriage.”

Read Also: Antar Laniyan Says He Will Walk Away From Anyone Criticising Tinubu in His Presence

She explained that she would not disclose private details or participate in public discussions about the circumstances surrounding the divorce, emphasising the need to respect everyone involved.

The actress also expressed appreciation to those who had supported her throughout her journey, noting that she was determined to prioritise healing and personal growth as she moved forward.

“I choose peace over controversy, healing over bitterness, and growth over public explanations,” she stated.

Agwu further declared that although her marriage had ended, she remained hopeful about the future and was determined to maintain her dignity.

“My marriage has ended, but my life continues. I move forward with my head held high, my dignity intact, and my heart open to the future,” she added.

Her announcement has brought attention to the sensitive subject of divorce and the importance of respecting the privacy of individuals experiencing changes in their personal lives.

The actress maintained that she would not share further details about the separation, making it clear that she wanted to begin her next chapter without unnecessary controversy.

She urged the public to allow both parties to move forward peacefully.

Antar Laniyan Says He Will Walk Away From Anyone Criticising Tinubu in His Presence

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Veteran actor Antar Laniyan has declared that he will not entertain any form of criticism against President Bola Tinubu in his presence, even if it comes from a close friend.

Speaking during an appearance on the African A-List podcast, Laniyan said he would rather leave a gathering than listen to or engage in conversations that condemn the President.

The respected thespian explained that he does not consider discussions about Tinubu’s performance necessary when he is spending time with friends, adding that he would not want political disagreements to strain his relationships.

Laniyan further stressed that his position would not change even if he personally had issues with the President.
“If you are my friend and while we are together, you talk against President Bola Tinubu, I will walk away because he has not been what you’re saying to me. I don’t have to support you.
Even if he does it to me, I will not engage in the conversation; I will still walk away,” he stated.

Read Also: NoGamesVal Highlights the Humorous Contrast Between ‘Economy’ and 2Baba’s ‘Balling’

His remarks come shortly after fellow veteran actor Jide Kosoko defended President Tinubu’s administration.

Kosoko, while reacting to the country’s economic situation, had maintained that the present hardship should not be blamed entirely on the current government, arguing that past administrations failed to plan adequately for Nigeria’s rising population.

 

NoGamesVal Highlights the Humorous Contrast Between ‘Economy’ and 2Baba’s ‘Balling’

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Fast-rising UK-based Nigerian Afropop artiste, NoGamesVal, has reacted with humour to what appears to be a lyrical contrast between his 2026 single, ‘Economy’, and veteran singer 2Baba’s new song, ‘Balling’.

The conversation started after 2Baba, in ‘Balling’, sang, “We don’t care about economy ’cause big boys go do charity,” a line that quickly caught NoGamesVal’s attention.

NoGamesVal had earlier made the economy the central theme of his own song, where he sang: “If me and you do business, better give me my own %, for this kind economy, don’t play with my currency.”

The two lines have created an interesting musical coincidence for fans. While NoGamesVal’s ‘Economy’ focuses on financial responsibility, honesty and transparency in street business, 2Baba’s ‘Balling’ takes a more carefree approach, urging listeners to enjoy life regardless of the economic pressures around them.

Read Also: “I Tried to Make My Marriage Work, But It Failed” – Salawa Abeni

NoGamesVal found the irony amusing, having stressed the realities of a tough economy, only for 2Baba to declare that “we don’t care about economy” because the big boys will handle it.

There is no indication that 2Baba’s line was directed at NoGamesVal, but the coincidence has sparked entertaining comparisons among fans, with both artistes approaching the same subject from completely different perspectives.

The moment comes as NoGamesVal continues to gain momentum in the emerging Afropop scene.

The UK-based singer recently performed alongside Darkoo and other acts at the Nigeria at 66 Independence Party in the UK, further increasing his visibility among Nigerian music audiences. BuyMaps

He has also dropped the music video for his latest track, ‘Going Hard and Crazy’, as he continues to refine his sound and establish himself among the new generation of Afropop artistes.

With ‘Economy’ still resonating with fans for its money-conscious punchlines and ‘Going Hard and Crazy’ showcasing another side of his artistry, NoGamesVal is steadily carving a niche for himself in the genre.

“I Tried to Make My Marriage Work, But It Failed” – Salawa Abeni

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Veteran Waka musician Alhaja Salawa Abeni has opened up about her failed marriage to popular Fuji singer General Kollington Ayinla.
It was reported that the singer said she made efforts to fulfil her responsibilities as a wife, but things did not turn out as she had expected.

She eventually accepted the situation and decided to concentrate on her career, which continued to grow despite the challenges she faced in her marriage.
Abeni made the disclosure during an interview shared by Daily Independent.

Read Also: Sabinus Slams Those Who Silence Citizens Demanding Good Governance

The veteran musician explained that although her marriage to Kollington Ayinla did not work out, she remained grateful for the success she achieved in her professional life.

According to her, she had hoped to make the marriage work but came to understand that some things in life were beyond her control.

Abeni also spoke about the children she had with the Fuji music legend, making it clear that the end of their marriage did not change his position as their father.

She said: “Destiny can never be changed. I tried to be a wife, but unfortunately, it did not work out. So, I decided to focus on my music career. I have children, and everybody knows that General Kollington Ayinla is their father. The marriage did not work out, but my career did.”

Sabinus Slams Those Who Silence Citizens Demanding Good Governance

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Popular Nigerian comedian and skit maker, Sabinus, has expressed concern over the challenges facing the country, questioning why citizens continue to struggle to unite in demanding good governance and accountability from their leaders.

The comedian, whose real name is Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, shared his concerns in a social media post, highlighting what he described as the frustrating treatment of Nigerians who speak out about the state of the nation.

According to him, citizens who demand better governance are often told to mind their business, while those who choose to stay away from political and national issues are also criticised.

Sabinus wondered when Nigerians would come together to demand the rights, benefits and accountability they believe they deserve from those entrusted with leadership positions.

He wrote, “A lot is going on in this country and we’re just keeping quiet. You demand for good governance, they tell you to mind your business. You try to mind your business, they still insult you. When are we going to come as one and demand for what we’re being owed?”

Read Also: Jarvis Blasts Peller Over Frequent Travels Despite Wife’s Pregnancy

His comments have generated attention around the importance of civic participation and the challenges citizens encounter when expressing concerns about governance.

The comedian’s remarks come amid ongoing public conversations about Nigeria’s economic difficulties, leadership decisions and the need for improved living conditions.

Meanwhile, Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are experiencing. He argued that every generation inherits existing national challenges but has a responsibility to make decisions that will improve the future for those coming after it.

He also defended the administration’s decision to tackle the country’s problems, describing its actions as necessary steps towards creating better opportunities for younger Nigerians.

Jarvis Blasts Peller Over Frequent Travels Despite Wife’s Pregnancy

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Nigerian TikToker Jarvis has expressed frustration with her husband, Peller, over his frequent travels, accusing him of putting the pursuit of money ahead of his family, their unborn child and her mental well-being.
It was reported that Jarvis made her feelings known during a TikTok livestream with Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage.

The content creator was particularly unhappy about Peller’s planned trip to China, which she said she had asked him to postpone.
According to her, she had already advised him to reconsider his travel plans because they were expecting a baby and needed to prepare for the new responsibility.Jarvis also expressed disappointment over what she described as repeated changes to Peller’s travel arrangements.

Read Also: Sarkodie Says Billionaires Are Funding Nigerian Artists

She explained that he had initially informed her about a planned trip to Canada on the 15th, but the date was later changed, leaving her frustrated with the situation.

She said: “What is your problem? I told him to wait with this his China trip. Your wicked management don’t they know your wife is pregnant.

“I gave you strategy that anybody that hears that your wife is pregnant will understand. I told you to tell your management that next year is there. But you want me to look like the bad person. There’s a family here that takes care of me but I am always all alone in the house. It is always so quiet. Is it me that doesn’t want to chase money.

“Money isn’t everything. You are chasing money more than the baby that is coming and my own mental health. The baby already knows i sacrificed a lot more than this man.”