Featured

NCAC Announces Enugu As Host of NAFEST 2025

Published

1 year ago

May 26, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has announced that the 2025 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) will be hosted by Enugu State this November, under the inspiring theme: “Connected Culture”, according to a statement signed by the Council’s Head of Media, Dr. Dennis Olofu.

The art and culture fiesta is billed to hold between November 22 and November 29, 2025.

At a meeting at the Lion building office at government house, Enugu. Obi Asika, Director General/Chief Executive, National Council for Arts and Culture led a delegation of senior directors to meet with the Executive Governor H.E Peter Mbah and his team, led by the Hon Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke and other senior members of the Enugu state exco.

“I am delighted to be back in Enugu or 042 as we know it, I grew up here and I carry Enugu in my heart everywhere I go. We have been watching the incredible work His Excellency Peter Mbah has been doing and I want to thank him for all we have seen and for accepting to host Nigeria. I also want to thank the Hon Commissioner, Dame Ugochi Madueke for being engaged and working with us to insure Enugu hosts Nafest. I know it’s going to be an incredible event and the over 5 thousand competitors who will come from all over Nigeria are guaranteed a safe, secure and exhilarating experience. As beyond Nafest they will be able to visit some of the incredible vistas and locations in and around Enugu. I must mention the canopy walkway at the Nsugbe pyramid site, the gof resort at Ovu lake, the first zipline in Nigeria at Ngwo Pine forest, the highest cross in Africa at Okpatu and the water park at Akwuke. We can’t wait for Enugu to show all it has to offer to the rest of Nigeria as well as to the whole world,” Asika said.

In his remarks, Giv Mbah noted that
“Enugu is delighted to bave been selected to host NAFEST2025 and dare I say we are ready today. As part of our agenda to grow Enugu’s economy and attract 3 million visitors per annum we are investing in both soft and hard infrastructure to further unlock our possibilities. Enugu air launches this month, we are investing in our heritage and tourism sites such as Awhum waterfalls, the canopy walk and of course we have over 300 hotels here. We can’t wait to host Nigeria and have the whole country come together to celebrate our connected culture live here in Enugu.”

In her remarks, the Hon Minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hon Hannatu Musawa, expressed joy and appreciation, reminiscing her last visit to Enugu.

“I am delighted to hear that Enugu is going to host NAFEST and I can’t wait to be part of it, I was honored to light up the Christmas lights last year in Enugu and it is clear that the Governor has a vision and is delivering for the people, Congratulations to Ndi Enugu, I will certainly be there to enjoy what will undoubtedly be a most remarkable NAFEST”.

Tagged Nigeria and Africa’s Cultural Olympics, NAFEST 2025 will bring together the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory for a week-long celebration of music, arts, dance, fashion, drama, crafts, indigenous cuisine, and traditional sports performances. This year’s festival will take place at multiple venues including the iconic Opara Square, the International Conference Centre and other venues in Enugu. Opara Square will serve as the venue for both the opening and closing ceremonies with superstar artists billed to hold opening and closing concerts.

NAFEST 2025 is the festival that unites the nation, a convergence of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and a showcase of our collective identity. There are competitive and non-competitive events, providing platforms for states to not only compete but also collaborate, share, and connect.

Set in the heart of southeastern Nigeria, Enugu – the Coal City – is a land of beauty, learning, and history. Renowned for its rolling hills, serene environment, and warm hospitality, Enugu offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Home to over 27 tertiary institutions, Enugu is not just a cultural capital but also an intellectual hub. The city boasts vibrant marketplaces, a rich culinary tradition, the masquerade and Ogene culture and historical landmarks such as the Ngwo Pine Forest, Awhum Waterfall, and Miliken Hill.

From the lush green landscapes to the bustling artistic communities, Enugu is a place where tradition meets innovation, and where visitors are always welcomed like family.

What to Expect at NAFEST 2025:

Spectacular opening and closing ceremonies at Opara Square
At the international conference centre we will hold our competitive formats including the Swag Show, the Dance Off Naija, the Sing Off Naija, Naija Home Makeover, Jollof Wars and the Nafest colloquium.

The Children’s cultural fiesta and language competitions will also feature. We will also have traditional sports including Dambe Boxing, traditional wrestling and Ayo.

Art exhibitions, film screenings, and creative workshops are all part of the agenda and will be held across town. The National Council For Arts and Culture will also run capacity building programs through Clap and Ice for young talent in Enugu.

NAFEST 2025 is more than a festival – it is a call to unity, a celebration of diversity, and a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s strength through her culture. As we gather in the Coal City this November, we invite all Nigerians and international visitors to experience the culture that connects us all.

Featured

Certificate Forgery: Group Seeks Tinubu’s Disqualification from 2027 Election

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Kano seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

‎According to court documents seen by Daily Trust, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu presented forged academic certificates from Chicago State University and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 elections.

‎‎The suit, marked FHC/K/CS/312/2026, lists Tinubu, INEC, and Chicago State University as defendants.

‎The plaintiff contended that Tinubu never attended Government College Lagos as claimed, noting that the school was established in 1974, four years after Tinubu allegedly graduated.

The CSO further argued that Tinubu does not possess a valid secondary school certificate, which is the minimum constitutional requirement to contest for the presidency.

‎It claimed that INEC had failed to act on its petition dated June 19, 2026, demanding clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility.

‎‎In its statement of claims, the group referenced a 2023 U.S. court ruling in In Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which compelled Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

‎The plaintiff insisted those records revealed false entries and inconsistencies, including a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

‎The prayers asked by the plaintiff included declaration of forgery against Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate, issuance of an order directing INEC to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential election, directing CSU to strike Tinubu’s name from its records and perpetual injunction restraining INEC from uploading Tinubu’s name as a candidate.

‎The plaintiff also submitted affidavits of non-multiplicity of action, witness statements, and letters to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demanding disclaimers on the alleged fake NYSC certificate.

Featured

Lagos Island Red Cross Holds Annual Thanksgiving Service

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Lagos Island Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has held its 2026 Annual Thanksgiving, to express gratitude for another year of provision of succor and comfort to as many that are in need.

The thanksgiving service, which was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, on the last Sunday of June, was led by the Division Coordinator, Chief (Olori) Aderonke Elegushi.

Speaking to The Boss on the activities of the Island Division of the Red Cross over the years, Olori Elegushi noted that it has been a thing of joy to be at the forefront of releasing the milk of human kindness to as many that needs it, and when they need it.

Coordinator, Lagos Island Division Nigerian Red Cross Society, Chief (Olori) Aderonke Elegushi (m), Vice Coordinator Abimbola Adeshile (2nd left), Secretary Ajibola Adu (2md right) and Saheed Ayinde Yusuf (1st right)

“This is what I love to do, and this is what the Red Cross is all about; lending helping hand and spreading love across borders, especially here in Lagos Island.

“In everything, we won’t forget our Maker, the Almighty God, through whose power we are able to do the little and much we can do. That explains why we here today to give thanks as it’s a tradition every year,” Olori Elegushi said.

Olori Elegushi also noted that as an not for profit organization, the Society seeks support well-meaning Nigerians and Lagosians to come to their aid so that the gospel of continuous lending of helping hand to the needy will continue unabated.

“We also seek the support of well-meaning individuals, organizations, and the Church in our efforts to expand our humanitarian activities. With adequate funding and partnerships, we can organize first aid and health awareness programmes for public school students, train more volunteers, equip communities with emergency preparedness skills, and carry out outreach programmes that will positively impact lives across our society,” she concluded.

Olori Elegushi, who will soon join the octogenarian club, was accompanied at the thanksgiving event, by Vice Coordinator Abimbola Adeshile, Secretary Ajibola Adu, Saheed Ayinde Yusuf, and a host of other members, dressed in their sparkling white uniform.

The Red Cross Society is an international organizational saddled with the responsibility of providing healthcare services among other humanitarian services to the people of the world. The Society is domiciled in every part of the world.

Featured

Insecurity: Adeboye, Oyedepo Urge More US Military Action in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

June 28, 2026

Eric

The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, have thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for recent military action against terrorism in Nigeria, urging Washington to do more to halt the unrelenting attacks.

Both clerics spoke at the “Faith Heroes Award Gala” in Washington D.C. on June 26, 2026, organised by Save Nigeria Group USA, SNGUSA, with the US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition.

The event honoured Trump, Congressmen Chris Smith and Riley Moore, and other advocates of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Addressing a packed audience of activists, policymakers and faith leaders at the Hilton Garden Inn, Capitol Hill, Adeboye said the scale of violence has moved beyond what any religious leader can handle alone.

“Terrorism is now at my doorstep,” he said. “If you want to help us, help us more.”

The RCCG leader, who had faced criticism for not speaking out earlier, said he chose “spiritual warfare” instead of public escalation. He noted that Trump’s December strikes on terrorist camps did not surprise him because the U.S. President had warned of consequences.