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Eze Daniel Izu wins 2nd edition of SDGs Short Film Challenge

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Eze Izu Daniel, Saturday night, emerged winner of the 2024 SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards which took place inside one of the glitzy cinema halls of the Silverbird Cinema, in Central Area, Abuja.

The young film maker’s entry, ‘Wasted’, saw off the stiff contest from 2,249 other entries from across 119 countries, cutting across Europe, America and Asia, to take the diadem position.

The film, which has its theme on the effects of drugs on young people, featured a promising young character who, in the quest to find the right antidote for stage fright, went into drugs, grew from the mild indulgence to the complete addiction that left him so completely dependent, that he lost not just his purpose in life but sanity as well. Essentially, it dwelt on goal 3 of the SDGs which focuses attention on health.

“I feel like the hard work is paying off gradually,” Eze told journalists while reacting to his victory.

Other winners include Road Trip by Victor Eyike/Accelerate TV, 1st runner up, and Oke Okuta by Oke Tolulope.

From the international category, British Passport by Mahmood Pouyandah from Iran won the Best International film version, while the Best Documentary went to Imperishable by Akansha Tiwari from India. Carbon Traces by Stafie Gan from USA won the award for the Best animation, while ‘Alone’, by Stephen Shenboyejo took podium position on Viewers’ Choice.

The choice of ‘Wasted’ as the Challenge grand prize winner was well received both by online viewers and the packed audience at the venue of the event, comprising some of the most credible individuals and groups, local and international. They include Elsie Attafuah, UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator a.i, who described the event as a celebration of talents, a celebration of innovation and vision.

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Other prominent individuals that graced the eye-catching event are Hon Usman Bashir Zubairu, member, House of Representatives, Gwari Giwa Federal Constituency, who stood in for the Speaker, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas.

Hamza Baba; Imran Garba Duba, (SA to the President on Innovation) and Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, FCT Coordinator, NYSC, stood in for the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa and NYSC Director General, Brig-Gen. Y.D. Ahmed respectively. Shaibu Husseini, Ph.D, Executive Director/CEO, the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board, was represented by Ms. Deborah Malgwi.

The grand finale is the climax of a year-long effort by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, the United Nations Information Centre, UNIC, and FreshNEWS Multimedia to engage creative young filmmakers in a global drive to create awareness for Sustainable Development Goals.

As an innovative platform, the SDGs Short Film Challenge is designed to empower young filmmakers to spotlight developmental issues through the lens of sustainability with emphasis on the important need for participants to focus attention in creating short films of no more than 15 minutes, showcasing the challenges and opportunities related to achieving the SDGs.

The films, themed on such development issues as gender inequality, climate change with the films requested to be more than mere artistic expressions hut calls to action through powerful storytelling ability that invites creative filmmakers to engage audiences, provoke critical conversations and inspire tangible action.

In addition, the event is a deliberate attempt by the organizers to highlight the broader significance of youth-driven initiatives in advancing the SDGs spiced up with keynote speeches and interactive sessions designed to inspire young people to take ownership of sustainable development in their communities.

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However, unlike the inaugural challenge which garnered 73 entries from across Nigeria, culminating in a grand showcase on International Youth Day, the 2024 edition attracted 2, 250 entries from 119 countries all over the world.

In her keynote address, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the event as a significant one in that it is set to harness the power of the creative industry to, through young minds, evolve a platform for showcasing diverse development issues and provoking action at sorting them out.

“This is why today’s event is so significant. By harnessing the power of film and the creativity of our youth, the SDGs Short Film Challenge has provided a unique platform for amplifying voices, showcasing diverse perspectives, and inspiring action.

Film transcends boundaries, touches hearts, and ignites conversations. Through this medium, we can shine a light on pressing issues, highlight innovative solutions, and catalyse collective action,” she said.

The SSAP-SDGs, who was enthused by the huge number of entries from across the world, expressed with delight that the 2024 edition surpassed all expectations, a factor that indicates how quickly development fire is burning among young people.

The maiden edition of the SDGs Short Film Challenge, launched as a pilot on the International Youth Day in 2023, received an encouraging 73 entries.

This second edition has surpassed all expectations, receiving 2,250 entries from 119 countries—a remarkable testament to the power of this platform to resonate globally.”

Elsie Attafuah, the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator a.i, in her remarks, stated that the SDGs Short Film Challenge is a veritable tool for advocating for the SDGs.

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“As much as there are challenges, opportunities also abound in Nigeria. Young people play a central role in using digital technologies and creative industries to address socio-economic challenges.

The fourth chapter of the Pact For The Future adopted by all member states of the UN, of course, including Nigeria, is on ‘Youth and Future Generations’.
“Therefore, this SDGs Short Film Challenge is far more than a film show: It is a vital step towards realizing the full potential of young people in Nigeria, leveraging the veritable platform of the movie and entertainment industry.

“It is an innovative initiative designed to empower young filmmakers to spotlight developmental issues through the lens of sustainability, leverages the story telling power of film to amplify youth voices, foster creativity, and inspire collective action to tackle gender inequality, to address climate change.

These films are more than artistic expressions; they are calls to action toward achieving the global goals.
“This event marks the culmination of a year-long effort by the OSSAP-SDGs, UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Resident Coordinator’s Office and Fresh NEWS to engage young filmmakers as key players in the global drive for sustainable development.” She stated.

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National

FG extends civil service recruitment deadline to March 17

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37 minutes ago

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March 10, 2025

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The Federal Government has extended the deadline for applications into the Federal Civil Service to March 17, 2025.

The Federal Civil Service Commission initially announced the recruitment exercise on January 27, 2025, offering over 70 positions across various ministries, departments, and agencies.

However, many citizens lamented difficulties accessing the recruitment portal, prompting widespread calls for an extension.

FCSC spokesperson, Hassan Taiwo acknowledged that some applicants encountered technical issues but maintained that others could register successfully.

In an advertisement published in two national dailies and shared by Taiwo on Monday, the commission announced that the new deadline supersedes the previous one, which was initially set for March 10, 2025.

“The Federal Civil Service Commission has extended the closing date for receiving applications for various vacancies in the Federal Civil Service to Monday, March 17, 2025, to allow more eligible candidates to participate in the exercise.”

This announcement supersedes the previous advertisement of Monday, January 27, 2025, in some national dailies, as well as the FCSC website (www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng), where the deadline was initially Monday, March 10, 2025.

 

“Qualified Nigerians are urged to take advantage of this extension and apply for the available vacancies.

“The Commission assures applicants of a merit-driven and transparent recruitment process,” it concluded.

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Nigeria, UAE to resolve visa for Nigerians

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5 hours ago

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March 10, 2025

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Federal Government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resolve issues related to visa procurement for Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known in a statement following the visit of Amb. Salem Alshamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that the decision was made during a meeting with Alshamsi.

She acknowledged that Nigerians had faced difficulties in obtaining UAE visas, especially tourism visas.

This challenge, according to her, persisted in spite of the warm diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships between the two countries.

“Nigeria has remained committed to the relationship. The city of Dubai in the UAE has become a popular destination for many Nigerians.

“Officially, about 12,000 Nigerians live in the UAE, ranging from unskilled workers to professionals and students across various institutions,” she said.

She noted that in 2015, nearly a million Nigerians visited the UAE, particularly Dubai, spending between 100 million dollars to 150 million dollars on visas alone, and more than 1 billion dollars on shopping, school fees, tourism, and other activities.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the need for a more balanced economic relationship between both countries.

The minister further mentioned concerns regarding the current visa status for the UAE, noting that even some top Nigerian government officials had raised their concerns.

She also pointed out that a joint commission between the two countries was due after the one hosted by the UAE in 2022.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation to the UAE government for their recent donation of relief materials to flood victims in Nigeria, as well as vaccines for chickenpox patients to support Nigeria’s health institutions.

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“There is a need to communicate the new visa policy, if any, to Nigerians.

“We want to reciprocate by hosting the joint commission in Nigeria, where we will address various bilateral issues, including power, renewable energy, and more,” she said.

Alshamsi congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and lauded the progress made in the 50-year Nigeria-UAE relationship.

He acknowledged that visas for both government officials and private individuals had been issued over the past year and a half, with the process handled by an appointed agent.

He assured that the UAE was committed to resolving the visa challenges faced by Nigerians and emphasised that both countries would work together to foster stronger economic partnerships.

“We have issued more than 700 tourism visas since July 2024, and I have had zero visa rejections since I assumed office,” Alshamsi stated.

He also promised to continue signing agreements to further strengthen bilateral ties, with a major agreement expected to be signed ahead of the Nigerian president’s visit to the UAE in the second quarter of 2025.(NAN)

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Abacha’s Family Rejects Babangida’s Claim On June 12 Election Annulment

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5 hours ago

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March 10, 2025

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The family of a deceased former Nigerian military leader,General Sani Abacha has said their patriarch was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief when the June 12, 1993, presidential election was annulled.

According to the family, the decision to annul the election was made under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, who, as the then Head of State, held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for his government’s actions.

Babangida, popularly known as IBB, alleged in his recently launched book, “A Journey in Service,” that the late General Abacha was responsible for annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

However, refuting the claims, Mohammed Abacha said any attempt to shift that blame to the late General, a senior military officer within the regime, was a deliberate distortion of historical facts.

Mohammed said the memory of their late father and leader, General Abacha, must not be tarnished by baseless accusations meant to absolve those who were truly responsible.

“Our attention has been drawn to recent claims made by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, in his newly launched book, “A Journey in Service”, where he alleged that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was the responsibility of the late General Sani Abacha.

“These claims have sparked widespread controversy and necessitate a clear response from the immediate family of General Sani Abacha and the entire Abacha clan in the interest of historical accuracy and justice.

“It is important to state unequivocally that General Sani Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief when the June 12 election was annulled. The decision to revoke the election was made under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, who, as the then Head of State, held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for his government’s actions.

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“Any attempt to shift this blame onto General Sani Abacha, who was a very senior military officer within the regime, is a deliberate distortion of historical facts.

“For years, various actors have attempted to rewrite the history of that critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. However, the facts remain unchanged. We urge Nigerians to be wary of revisionist narratives that seek to manipulate public perception for personal or political reasons. The memory of our late father and leader, General Sani Abacha, must not be tarnished by baseless accusations meant to absolve those who were truly responsible.

“Furthermore, we wish to emphasise that despite this unfortunate attempt to shift blame, General Sani Abacha remained a faithful and loyal friend to General Ibrahim Babangida until his death. He was a man of unwavering commitment to his comrades. We also find it necessary to state that when General Babangida’s life was under threat, General Abacha came to his rescue, ensuring his safety.

“We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to the many Nigerians who have risen in defence of General Sani Abacha to set the record straight. Your unwavering commitment to truth and historical accuracy is deeply appreciated, and we acknowledge the outpouring of support from those who refuse to allow history to be distorted.

“As we reflect on Nigeria’s history, we acknowledge General Sani Abacha’s time in leadership and his role in the nation’s development. Like past leaders, his contributions remain part of our country’s history. We believe that history is best judged with fairness and objectivity,” he added.

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