🇳🇬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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Must ReadThe World Health Organization has identified Nigeria as one of the countries contributing significantly to global hepatitis-related deaths in 2024. Viral hepatitis B and C, responsible for 95% of these deaths, caused 1.34 million fatalities in 2024, with 1.8 million new infections annually. Ten countries, including Nigeria, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B-related deaths, while another set of ten countries, also including Nigeria, made up 58% of hepatitis C-related deaths. Despite a 32% decline in new hepatitis B infections and a 12% fall in hepatitis C-related deaths globally since 2015, progress is uneven. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus noted that while elimination is achievable with political commitment and financing, many remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care. In 2024, an estimated 287 million people lived with chronic hepatitis B or C. Africa accounted for 68% of the 0.9 million new hepatitis B infections, yet only 17% of newborns in the region received the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine. Less than 5% of chronic hepatitis B patients and about 20% of hepatitis C patients have received treatment, despite effective therapies. Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer were the leading causes of the 1.1 million hepatitis B and 240,000 hepatitis C deaths in 2024. The WHO emphasizes the need for expanded vaccination, wider testing, improved treatment access, and stronger prevention to meet 2030 targets.
The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA Lagos Operations Office, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, has received 181 Nigerian returnees from Tripoli, Libya. The returnees arrived on April 27, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, aboard an Air Buraq Airline flight. This repatriation was part of the ongoing Assisted Voluntary Return programme, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration IOM in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The group included 159 adults 64 males, 95 females, 12 children 5 males, 7 females, and 10 infants 6 males, 4 females. Upon arrival, the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation. The returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, water, medical care, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, counseling, and coordination services, in line with the Federal Government's commitment to safe and dignified returns.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC has reminded airlines that passengers are entitled to care, including refreshments, communication support, and in some cases, accommodation, during flight delays or cancellations. Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, stated on Channels Tv that these provisions are part of consumer protection obligations for airlines. He explained that refreshments are due for delayed flights, and after further delays, airtime should be provided. The level of care increases with the duration and severity of the disruption, with airlines expected to reasonably support stranded travelers. Abrupt cancellations after long waiting periods may require additional support, such as transport and accommodation, especially if the airport is far from the city. Ijagwu emphasized that each case is assessed based on specific circumstances, including delay duration and airline actions. This FCCPC stance follows increasing passenger complaints about delays, rescheduling, and cancellations at Nigerian airports. Recent incidents at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport left passengers stranded due to rescheduled flights without transport or overnight accommodation. This situation is linked to the rising cost and scarcity of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which has significantly impacted airline operations. The Airline Operators of Nigeria had previously warned of a potential shutdown due to the surge in aviation fuel prices. The Minister
Must ReadThe National Bureau of Statistics NBS reported that the average retail price of petrol in Nigeria increased by 22.55 percent from N1,051.47 in February to N1,288.54 in March. On a year-on-year basis, the price rose by 2.13 percent from N1,261.65 in March 2025 to N1,288.54 in March 2026. Anambra state recorded the highest average retail price at N1,441.22 per litre, while Lagos had the lowest at N1,162.71. The North-East zone experienced the highest average price at N1,336.50, and the South-West recorded the lowest at N1,232.46. Similarly, the average retail price of diesel increased by 16.05 percent month-on-month, from N1,420.17 per litre in February to N1,648.08 in March. Year-on-year, diesel prices rose by 3.05 percent from N1,599.30 in March 2025 to N1,648.08 in March 2026. Ebonyi state registered the highest average diesel price at N2,262.29 per litre, while Kogi had the lowest at N1,383.40. The South-East zone had the highest diesel price at N1,730.14, and the North-Central zone recorded the lowest at N1,593.11. Economist Mr. Opeyemi Alabi attributed these increases to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically mentioning the US-Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global energy supply chains and driven up Brent crude oil prices. He noted that these rising fuel costs are increasing transportation expenses and putting pressure on individuals and businesses, potentially leading to higher inflation across Nigeria.