🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Filmmaker Mildred Okwo suggests 2026 AMVCA could be its final edition
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Filmmaker Mildred Okwo has suggested that the current Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards AMVCA could be its last, raising concerns about the future of the popular awards platform. Okwo posted on X, stating she would be surprised if this AMVCA is not the farewell edition. Her comments come amid discussions about the commercial viability of the awards, especially following recent ownership changes involving MultiChoice and its evolving content strategy. Okwo argued that new owners might not be interested in shows that do not yield a significant return on investment in the initial years of acquisition, noting the high cost of producing the show. These concerns arise as MultiChoice focuses on its streaming platform, Showmax, to drive future growth amidst increasing competition. Voting for the 12th edition of the awards has closed, with winners to be announced on May 9. The ceremony will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels. This year's edition includes 32 categories, with veteran actress Joke Silva serving as Head Judge. Two new categories, Best Indigenous Language Film North Africa and Best Indigenous Language Film Central Africa, were introduced to enhance pan-African representation. The speculation about AMVCA's future follows French media giant Canal+'s acquisition of remaining shares in MultiChoice in July 2025, a deal expected to reshape the company's operations with a stronger emphasis on digital expansion and streaming platforms.
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Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, stated that Democracy Day marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's democratic evolution, serving as a unifying reference for the country's political development. He noted that June 12 symbolizes electoral freedom and the pursuit of credible democratic governance, reflecting Nigeria's aspiration for fair elections and accountable leadership. Otuaro paid tribute to Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and others involved in the June 12 struggle, acknowledging their role in the return to democratic rule in 1999. He commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and expand civic participation, citing development outcomes in the Niger Delta as evidence of democracy's benefits under the current administration. Otuaro linked improvements in the PAP to increased government backing, which has strengthened scholarships, skills acquisition, and empowerment initiatives, with over 8,235 students currently benefiting from scholarship schemes. He also referenced federal projects and institutions like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the South-South Development Commission, the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as indicators of government attention to the region's development needs. Otuaro urged citizens to support security agencies in addressing insecurity and called on youths and former agitators in the Niger Del
Must ReadA US deportation flight carrying nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Georgia was en route to the Central African Republic CAR on Friday, according to lawyers. This practice of "third-country" deportations, including individuals with legal protections, has become a feature of US President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The US State Department advises against travel to the CAR due to violence. Lawyers expressed concern that deportees, including Iranian women with "withholding of removal" status, might ultimately be forced to return to the countries they fled. The flight departed from Alexandria, Louisiana, and made a scheduled stopover in Ghana, a known hub for such deportations. It was unclear if all passengers would continue to the CAR. The Trump administration argues it is only barred from sending individuals with "withholding of removal" to their country of origin, allowing them to be sent elsewhere. Critics state these individuals are abandoned in a country where they lack status, connections, and support. While the CAR's security has improved with UN, Rwandan, and Russian support, anti-government fighters and armed groups remain active. A lawsuit was recently filed with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to halt US deportations to Equatorial Guinea, another African hub, and prevent onward expulsion to home countries.
Must ReadThe Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents into society after they completed a deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration program. This group, described as low-risk and minor clients, is part of Batch 9 of the state's initiative. The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi retd., announced this on Friday at an event in Maiduguri. He stated that the exercise is a milestone in the state's non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, which began on July 5, 2021. The program has seen large-scale participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrendered. With this latest batch, the total number of reintegrated individuals under the program has reached 9,680, including 992 spouses and over 2,000 other individuals. The reintegration process involves initial profiling and disarmament, followed by structured rehabilitation programs such as Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness, and vocational training in skills like metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, and solar installation. The state government also provides starter packs to support their transition into civilian life. Community leaders, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hunters screened the individuals before recommending them for reintegration. The beneficiaries are from various local government areas including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Mart