The 6-day Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival (KILAF) concluded yesterday Saturday, wrapping up an exciting week with a grand finale. The 7th edition’s closing ceremony featured the presentation of prestigious awards to exceptional films from across Africa, honoring excellence in multiple categories.

In her speech through a vedio recording from Paris, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, described KILAF as a remarkable events that unites African peoples’ culture and heritage.

The Minister further said KILAF aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed agenda for culture and economics growth.

“Let me use this medium to commend the Founder of KILAF Festival, Mr. Abdulkareem Muhammad and his team for coming up with this great opportunity to promote our culture and values.”

“Film producers uses their platforms and talent to create awareness on certain issues on Government’s policies and other issues affecting society.

Federal Government is always ready to be part this initiatives.” Barrister Musawa stated.

Similarly in their separate remarks, Ali Nuhu Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation and Kaltume Bulama Gana Artistic Director/CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria said KILAF served as an avenue that promotes cultural identities in a multilingual Africa and developing world.

They further said KILAF is beyond making a celebration alone but provides Africans to showcase their talent.

Also speaking, the Commissioner Internal Services, ECOWAS, Dr. Nazifi Darma expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting the Festival.

He maintained that the the theme for this encapsulate with African journey to development

He stressed that Language is a soul of the people, where knowledge is being transmitted, noting that cultural films is no doubt decolonising Africa.

He added that ECOWAS prioritizes cultural values of every member nation.

Earlier speaking, the Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Commissioner Tourism and Culture, Hajiya Ladidi Ibrahim Garko urged film producers to focus more on issues bedeveiling the society such drug abuse, Child Abuse.

Governor Abba called youths to be self-reliant rather than depending on Government’s Job.

People coming from different parts of the world and country and are making it in Kano.

He noted that Kano State Government is making a good efforts towards reviving cultural heritage.

Kano State Government is planning to revive Annual Cultural Event title Kalankuwa that is being conducted after the harvest of farm produce.

The event involved every body in hausa society across 44 LGAs this year. And next we will do it across the 19 Northern States and the following year 2027 we will sponsor it across the country.

In a remark, Professor Emmanuel Okhai, Chairman Jurors Committee, explained that the 6 Jurors were directed to proceed with the job on the 15th July, 2024.

He further explained, “We received 511 films entries from 35 African 66 all over the Countries. We were unbiased and unitimidated by the work load.

During our job we did not consider tribes but professionalism in custume, culture, attire, cinematography and other features of film production.

Earlier in his welcome address, Alhaji Abdulkareem Muhammed the Founder of KILAF Festival and Managing Director of Moving Image expressed his appreciation to Federal Government, Ministry of Arts and Culture, ECOWAS, Kano State Governor, ACF, Bayero University Kano and other stakeholders for supporting his mission to enhance African Identity and Heritage.

There no way you see opportunity coming your way you look other way round, the stakeholders have no choice than to join the caravan.

“This is not the evening for entertainment alone but encourage our youth to produce indigenous film languages.”

Some of the Films honoured in different categories, include: Kaka from Nigeria, Mukola from

During the 6 day event some of the activities conducted, including: KILAF Master Class, African Kitchen.

Kilaf Conference ’24, Master Classes, African Kitchen and Panel Discussion

Other activities include: Arts Crafts and Products Exhibition, ACF Kano Chapter Lunch, Nominees Dinner, Kano City Tour, Films Screening and Award Night

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has praised members of the Commission’s armed squad for their outstanding performance during a recent evaluation exercise.

This exercise included shooting, marksmanship, tactical drills, and a stripping demonstration.

The performance evaluation took place at the 177 Battalion Guard Brigade of the Nigerian Army base in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Saturday.

Dr. Aliyu applauded the squad for their discipline, precision, and professionalism displayed during the rigorous training sessions.

He emphasized that their high-level performance demonstrated their readiness to combat corruption and protect ICPC officers while carrying out their official duties.

“The armed squad has shown remarkable improvement and a commitment to excellence in handling arms and ammunition.

This reflects their dedication to duty and preparedness to confront any security challenges they may encounter,” he stated.

The Chairman underscored the importance of the exercise in boosting the squad’s confidence and effectiveness in high-risk operations.

He highlighted the synergy between the ICPC and the Nigerian Army, expressing gratitude for the military’s support in training the Commission’s armed personnel.

Dr. Aliyu noted that such partnerships were crucial for strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. “By collaborating with the Nigerian Army, we are ensuring that our armed squad receives world-class training to meet the challenges of combating corruption.

This collaboration is essential in building a secure and corruption-free society,” he added.

He concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to providing the armed squad with adequate resources and continuous training while urging them to remain steadfast in fulfilling their duties with integrity and diligence.

In his remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Abi Enuwa, the Commanding Officer of the 177 Guards Battalion Brigade, represented by Major M.A. Sani, commended the ICPC for its dedication to combating corruption in Nigeria.

He praised the Commission for organising the training programme for the armed squad, which aims to enhance their operational capacity and instill discipline in the fight against corruption.

Major Sani acknowledged that the ICPC’s initiatives were crucial for ensuring accountability and integrity in governance, aligning with the military’s national security objectives.

He further emphasised the importance of such training in equipping personnel with the skills necessary to confront corruption effectively.

He urged the trainees to apply the knowledge and strategies gained during the programme to contribute meaningfully to the ICPC’s mission and the broader goal of achieving a corruption-free society.

The event concluded with a live demonstration of tactical drills and shooting accuracy by the armed squad, the ICPC Chairman and other senior ICPC officials present at the event.

The training and evaluation focused on marksmanship, tactical drills, the stripping and maintenance of different firearms, and operational readiness, all aimed at enhancing the squad’s capabilities.

Federal lawmakers from Kano State have opposed the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which recently passed its second reading in the National Assembly.

The decision was reached during a state caucus meeting chaired by Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and attended by most of the state’s representatives.

Hon. Idris Dankawu, the member representing Kumbotso Federal Constituency, stated, “To clarify this issue, I want to inform the people of Kano State, especially the residents of Kumbotso Federal Constituency, that based on the outcome of our meeting, we are against the proposed Tax Reform Bill. We have agreed to work collectively to ensure that the bill is withdrawn in the overall interest of the people of Kano State.”

He further assured, “Let me reassure the good people of Kumbotso Federal Constituency that your views, opinions, and yearnings will continue to receive my utmost attention and care.”

The lawmakers are actively working to challenge the bill, citing its potential negative impacts on residents of Kano State.

The four bills, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on September 3, have sparked widespread controversy and strong opposition.

These bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Critics, including the Northern Governors Forum, the Traditional Rulers Council, the National Economic Council, and the Northern Elders Forum, have raised serious concerns about the bills.

The National Economic Council, comprising the vice president and governors, has advised the president to withdraw the bills for further consultations. The governors argue that some clauses in the bills are detrimental to the northern region.

While the Senate allowed the bills to pass their second reading, the House of Representatives halted their progress due to heated debates and confrontations. Lawmakers across party lines reportedly resisted attempts by the House leadership to advance the bills further.

Kano Times