Nigeria Launches SDGs Short Film Challenge To Inspire Change Through Storytelling

Nigeria has officially launched the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Short Film Challenge, marking the third edition of this initiative to leverage storytelling to promote sustainable development.

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals inaugurated the event in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre. The challenge is designed to engage filmmakers and encourage them to create impactful short films of up to 15 minutes, addressing critical issues such as poverty, gender inequality, climate change, and social justice.

Senior Special Assistant Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire emphasised the importance of storytelling in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and inspiring action towards achieving the SDGs. Highlighting the success of previous editions, with increasing participation—from 73 submissions in 2022 to 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year—Orelope-Adefulire announced enhancements for the upcoming challenge. These include training sessions for emerging filmmakers to develop the skills necessary to craft meaningful narratives related to the SDGs. This year’s grand finale will take place over three days from August 21 to 23, 2025, featuring exhibitions and high-level discussions.

UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, hailed the initiative as a celebration of creativity and a rallying call for sustainable development. He noted Nigeria’s potential as a storytelling powerhouse and emphasised the importance of empowering young Nigerians to address pressing issues through film. The 2025 SDGs Short Film Challenge aims to raise awareness and drive tangible action towards a more sustainable future, solidifying Nigeria’s role in utilising storytelling as a catalyst for change.

Broadcast Media Africa

President Tinubu marks 73rd birthday today, seeks spiritual guidance for Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu will on Friday join fellow Muslims at the National Mosque in Abuja for a special prayer session for the nation to mark his 73rd birthday, which is on Saturday.

“He will also use this occasion to thank God for preserving and supporting him in the onerous task of piloting the nation’s affairs,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement he signed Thursday.

The statement was titled, ‘President Tinubu To Mark 73rd Birthday with Special Prayer at the Abuja National Mosque.’

President Tinubu’s birthday coincides with the holy month of Ramadan and comes two months before his administration’s second anniversary.

Onanuga said, “On this significant day, the President will dedicate himself to spiritual reflection and supplication for Nigeria’s continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

“Choosing a prayer session reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to Nigeria’s spiritual and moral well-being and his commitment to seeking divine guidance, insight, and strength in leadership. He believes collective prayer is a powerful tool for guiding the nation towards progress and harmony.”

President Tinubu invited the public to join the prayer session in spirit by offering prayers at their places of worship or wherever they may be, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to unity and shared destiny.”

According to the statement, the President expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and goodwill as his administration works tirelessly to advance economic reforms, strengthen national security, and expand opportunities for all citizens.

“I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation. As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria.

“I urge all citizens to pray for divine guidance, unity, and healing for our land. Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives,” he stated.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating democratic gains, fostering economic recovery, and promoting national cohesion.

Therefore, he encouraged citizens to remain steadfast in believing in Nigeria’s destiny as a beacon of hope in Africa.

PUNCH

Nigeria Continues Search for Escaped Binance Exec Nadeem Anjarwalla

The battle between Binance and Nigeria isn't over yet. In what Nigeria Information Minister Mohammed Idris emphasised was a Binance problem rather than a crypto problem, the African nation is continuing its pursuit of British Kenyan Nadeem Anjarwalla.

Anjarwalla and U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan, both Binance executives, were detained in Nigeria in February 2024. The pair visited the country to address allegations that the exchange's activity had crashed the country's national currency, the naira.

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) charged the exchange and its two executives with five counts bordering on money laundering.

Anjarwalla, who serves as Binance's regional manager for Africa, escaped custody in March, with Binance stating, “We were made aware that Nadeem is no longer in Nigerian custody. Our primary focus remains on the safety of our employees and we are working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to quickly resolve this issue.”

In a recent interview, Idris said the government in Abuja, as well as Interpol, are searching for Anjarwalla. “Nadeem Anjarwalla actually did escape lawful custody, and this is against our laws,” Alhaji Idris said.

“Nigeria made a case with Interpol to apprehend him and bring him back to face justice.”

Gambarayan ultimately had his case dropped by the Nigerian court on humanitarian grounds due to his deteiorating health after being detained for eight months.

The Binance exec reportedly had suffered from malaria, pneumonia, and tonsilitis, and also experienced complications from a herniated disk, which left him wheelchair-bound. Local authorities said Gambaryan required urgent medical care outside Nigeria.

Binance CEO Richard Teng defended the exchange, stating that the Nigerian government’s actions “were not warranted” and that Binance had attempted to cooperate, only to be met with resistance.

Minister Idris dismissed these accusations as tactics aimed at strong-arming the government, pointing out that other crypto firms operating in Nigeria had not faced similar legal challenges. “There are other companies operating in the crypto sector in Nigeria, you don’t see them [facing charges],” he said, adding that the government is out to protect investors, “not to cripple anybody.”

Last month, Nigeria sued Binance for $79.5 billion in damages for economic losses allegedly caused by the cryptocurrency exchange’s operations in the country. Additionally, the government demanded $2 billion in back taxes.

Blockhead

Related story: Nigeria suing Binance for $81.5 billion

Wildlife Trafficker Arrested In Nigeria Smuggling Over 300 Exotic Bird Heads & Gorilla Parts

A shocking discovery was recently made during routine baggage inspections at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station in Cross River State, which links Nigeria and Cameroon. The Area Controller of Nigeria Customs, Chief Ogbonna, and his team, intercepted a traveler entering Nigeria from Cameroon, uncovering an illegal wildlife trafficking operation.

The traveler, identified as Abubakar, was found smuggling an alarming assortment of wildlife parts, including “213 parrot skulls, 29 packs of parrot feathers, six eagle skulls, one pack of eagle feathers, 128 African hornbill skulls, two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet,” according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The WCS was called upon to help identify the wildlife species and confirmed that the trade of gorillas, parrots, hornbills, and eagles is prohibited by both Nigerian law and international law.

“This arrest underscores the need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties for wildlife crimes to act as a more effective deterrent. WCS provides ongoing support to the Customs Service to help tackle illegal wildlife trade in Nigeria. Since 2020, WCS has trained more than 100 Customs staff across Nigeria to raise awareness of the threat due to the illegal wildlife trade. Working with Customs, WCS has also provided 10 secure storage facilities across the country for the storage of seized wildlife items, ensuring proper handling of confiscated materials,” according to a statement by the WCS.

In a press briefing in Calabar, Nigeria, Comptroller Ogbonna emphasized the severity of the violations, pointing out that these seized wildlife parts breached both international laws and the NCS Act 2023, which strictly prohibits the trade of endangered species without the necessary permits. “On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, during routine baggage inspections at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station, my officers intercepted a traveler entering Nigeria from Cameroon,” Ogbonna stated, highlighting the determined and proactive efforts of his customs team.

Customs Chief Ogbonna further highlighted the broader implications of the illegal wildlife trade, emphasizing that it “threatens Nigeria’s biodiversity and contributes to crime, economic instability, and public safety risks.”

“We commend the Cross River Command of the Nigeria Customs Service for this bold action and urge the public to stand firm against the illegal wildlife trade. Every seized item represents a tragic loss for nature, but with collective efforts, we can protect our incredible wildlife from extinction,” said WCS.

This recent wildlife trafficking arrest highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and collaboration in the fight against this illicit trade. Only by joining forces can the authorities, conservationists, and the public make significant strides in safeguarding our natural world and ensuring the protection of vulnerable and endangered species for future generations to come.

By Katie Cleary, WAN

Nigeria moves to become third African country to offer citizenship by investment program

The citizenship by investment program will allow foreign investors to obtain Nigerian nationality in exchange for significant economic contributions.

This move aligns with global trends where countries leverage CBI programs to attract foreign capital, boost economic growth, and increase foreign direct investment.

Currently, Egypt and Mauritius are the only African nations offering formal citizenship by investment schemes.

Nigeria’s entry into this space could position it as a key player in attracting wealthy investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals seeking access to Africa’s largest economy.

The CIB program in focus

Egypt and Mauritius offer distinct Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.

Egypt requires a $250,000 non-refundable contribution or investment in approved real estate or business.

Mauritius offers a Permanent Residency by Investment route, requiring a $375,000 real estate investment for a 20-year residence permit, with citizenship eligibility after seven years.

Nigeria's potential CBI program may follow either model, depending on its economic priorities and political stance.

CIB as bait for foreign investors?

Nigeria's House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards granting citizenship to foreign investors who meet specific financial thresholds.

The Citizenship by Investment Bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers passed its second reading and aims to introduce a new class of citizenship known as citizenship by investment.

This move is designed to attract substantial foreign direct investment by offering nationality to individuals who make significant economic contributions to the country.

Although specific details about Nigeria’s program—such as the minimum investment threshold, qualifying sectors, and application criteria—are yet to be unveiled, experts suggest it could include investments in real estate, government bonds, or key economic sectors like petroleum, manufacturing and technology.

The proposed alteration aims to attract foreign direct investment by granting Nigerian citizenship to individuals who invest in the Nigerian economy above a specified financial threshold or in strategic sectors critical to national development.

If implemented successfully, Nigeria’s citizenship by investment program could reshape its economic landscape, making it a more attractive destination for global investors while strengthening its position as a major African economic hub.

By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa