Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged governments, private investors, and stakeholders to make bold investments in Nigeria’s film industry, describing it as both an economic opportunity and a cultural necessity.
Dr Mahmoud spoke at the 14th Zuma Film Festival held at Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja.
The minister who was represented by her Special Assistant on Social Development Secretariat, Hon. Grace Zamani, also noted that the Zuma film festival has become a true celebration of storytelling, culture, and creativity.

Special adviser on media to the minister, Austine Elemue in a Statement on Monday, quoted her to have stated,
“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that Zuma film festival is not just an event; it is a movement—a convergence of voices, ideas, and visions that shape the narrative of who we are and where we are going.

“The power of film is much more than entertainment. It is a mirror reflecting our collective experiences, dreams, and struggles. It is a bridge connecting diverse cultures and a canvas for the stories that define us,” she stressed.

Mahmoud, however, called on filmmakers to recognise the role of technology in the film industry.

According to her; “As a matter of fact, in an era where technology evolves at lightning speed, the way we tell stories is changing. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence, these tools are transforming how audiences engage with films.

“We must therefore embrace these innovations while remaining true to the authenticity that sets our stories apart”.

The minister identified
funding and infrastructure to distribution and copyright issues as some of the numerous challenges in the industry despite its immense potentials.

Mahmoud, therefore, commended the organizers of the Zuma film festival for creating the platform to showcase the future of African cinema.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ali Nuhu, the Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corporation, described the festival as a hallmark of African creativity and innovation, noting that the festival has been globally recognized for its role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the continent.

He also said that this year’s theme, “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future!”, underscores the transformative power of digital technology in reshaping filmmaking and storytelling.
The event drew creative professionals, diplomats, and government officials to celebrate the fusion of culture and technology.

***AS HallowMace Foundation Hosts 6th Annual Legislative Conference on Energy Security, Sustainability 

The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, has called for legislative action in Nigeria’s quest for a sustainable energy future to address safety and accessibility concerns surrounding the CNG policy.
Prof Sulaiman spoke on Wednesday when he delivered a key note address at a conference focused on the theme, “Legislative Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Enhancing Energy Security, Reducing Transportation Costs, and Lowering Carbon Emissions through the CNG Policy” at the event organized by the HallowMace Foundation in Abuja.
He also called for stronger legislative measures to support Nigeria’s energy transition. 
Prof. Sulaiman emphasized the importance of enhancing energy security, reducing transportation costs, and lowering carbon emissions through the implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy.
He highlighted the adverse effects of Nigeria’s recent fuel subsidy removal, which has led to higher transportation and energy costs. 
Prof Sulaiman however was full of praises for the introduction of the CNG policy by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a viable solution but reiterated the need for legislative backing to ensure its success. 
“The policy must be anchored in legislation to ensure consistency and effective oversight,” he said.
He outlined three key legislative pathways to include strengthening oversight to ensure public and private sector alignment with sustainable energy goals.
The second pathway according to him, is to anact new laws or amend existing ones to promote clean energy investment.

The third option he said is by increasing public awareness of sustainable energy options through constituency engagement.
Prof. Sulaiman cited Rwanda’s success in expanding electricity access through regulatory reforms as an example for Nigeria to follow. 

He also urged lawmakers to prioritize budget allocations for renewable energy projects and incentivize private-sector investment to enhance the nation’s energy infrastructure.

In his welcome address, the convener, Amb. Anderson Osiebe, and founder of the HallowMace Foundation Africa(HAFA) highlighted the urgency of rethinking energy, transportation, and environmental policies in Nigeria. 

He underscored the foundation’s dual mandate of strengthening legislative institutions and fostering democratic consolidation through targeted advocacy, workshops, and strategic dialogue.
Osiebe lauded the collaborative efforts of HAFA’s partners, including NILDS and the National Orientation Agency, in fostering legislative discourse.
He emphasized the potential of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce transportation costs, enhance energy security, and lower carbon emissions, calling for sustained legislative efforts to integrate these policies into national development frameworks.
Among the dignitaries present were Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, Director General of NILDS. 
Osiebe urged participants to engage actively, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s energy and environmental challenges.
The conference concluded with a call for legislative action to ensure energy sustainability, reduce economic burdens on citizens, and position Nigeria for a greener, more equitable future.

***Pleads not guilty to corruption charges involving N110 billion

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered that the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until December 10, 2024, when it will rule on his bail application.

The ruling follows a plea hearing on November 27, 2024, where Bello and two other defendants faced 16-count charges, including conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. Bello denied all the charges, which stem from allegations of diverting over N110 billion in state funds during his tenure as governor.

Counsel for Bello, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Bodunde Dauda, filed a motion for bail, which was contested by the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN. Pinheiro argued that the bail request was invalid due to an expired application filed earlier in October. Dauda, however, clarified that a fresh bail application had been submitted on November 22, stressing that the defendant had shown respect for the law by attending court.

The court heard arguments about the jurisdiction of the case, with the EFCC requesting that the trial begin immediately. However, Bello’s defense team noted that they had only been served with the charges the evening prior and requested additional time to prepare.

Bello faces serious allegations of embezzling state funds to acquire personal properties, including multiple luxury homes and assets worth millions of dollars abroad.
His legal troubles intensified after he had previously evaded arrest in April and September 2024, culminating in a dramatic surrender to the EFCC in November.

The court has also ordered the two other defendants, Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to remain under administrative bail, while the court will continue deliberations on Bello’s case at the next session.

The ruling on the bail request is set to be delivered on December 10, 2024.