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Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards voting concludes ahead of May 9 ceremony
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Voting for the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards AMVCA has officially closed, with the winners scheduled to be announced on May 9. Africa Magic expressed gratitude to viewers for their participation in the audience categories. The ceremony will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels, with the red carpet starting at 4:00 p.m. WAT and the main awards show at 7:00 p.m. WAT. The 2026 edition includes 32 categories, comprising 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and three special honors such as Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards. Veteran actress Joke Silva is serving as Head Judge for this year's edition. Two new categories, Best Indigenous Language Film North Africa and Best Indigenous Language Film Central Africa, were introduced to enhance continental representation. Nominees include prominent figures like Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, and Bisola Aiyeola. With voting concluded, focus now shifts to the awards night, where winners in film, television, and digital content will be revealed.
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Troops from the 82 Division and Joint Task Force South-East apprehended a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network, Mr. Onyebuchi Dara, 28, during clearance operations in Imo. Dara, from Etinasa community in Orsu Local Government Area, was arrested at Ehioma Junction based on intelligence related to previous attacks on security personnel. He had previously participated in an amnesty program but reportedly went underground due to fears of attacks from a suspected armed group leader known as “Gentle the Yahoo.” Preliminary interrogation indicates Dara admitted to being present during the 2022 killing of two soldiers, retired MWO Linus Musa and Pte Gloria Matthew, at Ubaha–Orsu. He remains in custody as investigations continue to track other suspects. In a separate operation along the Akwu–Udah axis, troops discovered and neutralized five Improvised Explosive Devices. Military and vigilante uniforms, boots, and other items suspected of being used for impersonation and operational support by criminal elements were also recovered. Operations are ongoing to degrade hostile networks and restore security in the South-East.
Must ReadThe Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated an accelerated hearing for six individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set April 29, April 30, May 4, and May 5 for the trial's commencement and bail application hearings. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, confirmed the prosecution's readiness with witnesses. While defense counsel for the first defendant, Mohammed Ilayepo, sought a bail hearing, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the trial would precede any bail considerations. Lawyers for the second, third, and sixth defendants, Paul Erokoro, A.I. Yeru, and N.S. Diri, expressed concerns about the short notice and case complexity. The judge instructed all parties to agree on suitable dates for a speedy trial. Earlier, journalists were barred from covering the proceedings by court officials and Department of State Services operatives. The six defendants, Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani, were arraigned last Wednesday on a 13-count charge including treason, terrorism, and money laundering, to which they pleaded not guilty. A former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in seven counts but is not listed as a defendant, with prosecutors stating he is at large. Previous reports indicated that at least 40 suspects, including military personnel and civilians, were arrested in connection with the alleged p
Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has called on Nigeria’s organized labor to proactively safeguard the nation’s democracy. During a visit to Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Olawepo-Hashim warned of increasing authoritarian tendencies requiring vigilance from the working class. He emphasized that Nigeria's political and social progress is linked to the sacrifices of the working class, highlighting labor's historical role in the struggle for independence and against military dictatorship. Olawepo-Hashim stressed that democracy must improve citizen welfare, particularly for workers, to maintain its relevance, urging political leaders to focus on people-oriented policies. He noted that marginalizing workers could undermine democratic institutions and that inclusive governance is crucial for stability. Recalling his past as a student union leader supporting workers' struggles, he commended the NLC leadership under Ajaero for their courage in defending workers' rights, citing the upcoming Arthur Svensson Prize for Trade Union Rights for Ajaero as international recognition. Olawepo-Hashim advocated for stronger collaboration between labor leaders and political actors to deepen democratic values and ensure people-centered governance. The NLC, Nigeria’s largest trade union federation, along with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, has been vocal on national issues like economic reforms, the rising cost of living, and
Must ReadMr. Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President of African Export-Import Bank, announced that the bank is financing three additional refineries in Nigeria. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase local refining capacity and decrease Africa's reliance on imported petroleum products, thereby reducing vulnerability to external supply shocks. The bank's support extends beyond the Dangote refinery to other projects in Nigeria and Angola. This push into refining is driven by recent global supply chain disruptions, particularly those linked to Middle East tensions, which have increased the cost and complexity of fuel imports for African economies. Afreximbank is employing a dual approach: supporting immediate trade finance needs and investing in long-term productive capacity to lessen structural import dependence. The bank's intervention is supported by a $10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme, which aims to stabilize access to essential imports like fuel, food, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. This facility is already being utilized by countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. The shift towards local refining is also expected to improve macroeconomic stability by reducing foreign exchange pressures associated with fuel imports. In Nigeria, this could help moderate domestic inflation over time. Afreximbank also supports a local currency framework for crude supply to the Dangote refinery, allowing refined products to be sold in naira to ease pressure on