Veteran Nollywood stars Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo have been honoured with the Industry Merit Awards at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

 

Veteran Nollywood stars Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo have been honoured with the Industry Merit Awards at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

The two celebrated actors were recognised for their decades-long impact on Nollywood, with organisers praising their consistency, professionalism and influence in shaping African cinema.

Sola Sobowale, widely admired for her powerful performances in movies and television series, was applauded for inspiring generations of actors and elevating the global profile of Nollywood through her work.

Similarly, Kanayo O. Kanayo was celebrated for his versatility, longevity and memorable roles that have made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

The award presentations were among the highlights of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards ceremony, which gathered filmmakers, actors, producers and entertainment personalities from across Africa to celebrate excellence in film and television.

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has condemned xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa during his acceptance speech at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

 Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has condemned xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa during his acceptance speech at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

Speaking after receiving the Industry Merit Award at the prestigious event, Kanayo expressed concern over repeated incidents of violence and hostility directed at Africans from other countries living in South Africa. He called for greater unity among Africans and urged leaders across the continent to promote peace, tolerance and mutual respect.

The veteran actor noted that Africans should see one another as partners in progress rather than enemies, stressing that the continent’s development depends on cooperation and solidarity among its people.

Kanayo’s remarks drew applause from guests and fellow entertainers at the ceremony, with many praising him for using the platform to address an issue affecting African unity and regional relations.

The Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards is one of Africa’s biggest entertainment events, celebrating outstanding achievements in film, television and digital content across the continent.

The Labour Party in Abia State has said it is not worried about the reported 2027 political ambition of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, stressing that Governor Alex Otti remains committed to governance and development.

 The Labour Party in Abia State has said it is not worried about the reported 2027 political ambition of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, stressing that Governor Alex Otti remains committed to governance and development.

According to the party, the administration is more focused on improving infrastructure, healthcare, education and the economy in Abia State than engaging in premature political campaigns ahead of the next general elections.

LP officials maintained that political ambition is a constitutional right, but insisted that the achievements and performance of Governor Otti’s administration would speak for themselves when the time for political contest arrives.

The statement comes amid increasing political discussions surrounding possible alignments and ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections, with major parties already positioning themselves across different states.

Observers say the remarks reflect growing political tension in Abia, where the All Progressives Congress and the Labour Party are expected to battle for influence in the coming election cycle.

 Yakubu Ajaka has been cleared by the All Progressives Congress to contest the Kogi East Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following the screening and clearance process, Ajaka expressed appreciation to party leaders and supporters, describing the development as an opportunity to further contribute to the growth and progress of Kogi East. He also called on party members and residents of the district to remain united and focused on development-oriented politics.

Ajaka, who previously contested for the governorship position in Kogi State, said his senatorial ambition is aimed at attracting greater representation, infrastructure and economic opportunities to the district.

Political observers say his entry into the Senate race could reshape the political landscape in Kogi East, given his existing support base and visibility from previous elections. The APC is expected to witness increased political activity in the district as more aspirants position themselves ahead of the party primaries.

Bello Bodejo, an aspirant for the Taraba Central Senatorial District seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, has reportedly been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja for investigation.

 Bello Bodejo, an aspirant for the Taraba Central Senatorial District seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, has reportedly been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja for investigation.

Sources familiar with the matter said the development followed allegations linked to financial and security-related issues, although full details of the claims against the politician have not yet been officially disclosed by authorities.

The transfer of Bodejo to the EFCC is expected to trigger further legal and political reactions within Taraba State and among APC supporters, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum.

As of the time of reporting, the EFCC had not released a comprehensive public statement outlining the specific charges or allegations connected to the case.

The screening exercise conducted by Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections reportedly featured 14 governors and a major challenger to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while Siminalayi Fubara was notably absent.

 The screening exercise conducted by Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections reportedly featured 14 governors and a major challenger to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while Siminalayi Fubara was notably absent.

The development has sparked political speculation, particularly because Governor Fubara has remained at the centre of ongoing political tensions in Rivers State. Observers say his absence from the APC screening may fuel fresh discussions about his political future and possible alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The screening process is part of internal consultations and preparations within the APC as the party evaluates key political figures and aspirants expected to play major roles in the next electoral cycle. Political analysts believe the participation of several governors highlights the growing importance of coalition-building and strategic positioning ahead of the polls.

Details surrounding the identity of President Tinubu’s challenger at the screening and the broader implications for the party’s 2027 strategy are expected to emerge as political activities intensify across the country.

 The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has claimed that former President Goodluck Jonathan recently registered his party membership with its leadership.

According to the group, Jonathan’s alleged registration is being interpreted as a sign of renewed political engagement and interest in the party’s internal reconciliation and rebuilding process ahead of future elections. The faction also suggested that such developments could strengthen the PDP’s structure as it seeks to reposition itself nationally.

However, the PDP remains a party with multiple internal factions, and claims about membership activities often reflect ongoing leadership disputes and competing narratives within the organisation. As of now, there has been no widely confirmed official statement from Jonathan himself publicly confirming the registration as described.

Political analysts note that speculation around Jonathan’s political role tends to resurface during election cycles, given his status as a former head of state and influential figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.