FIFA Okays Normalisation Committee For NFF Till May 2027

October 23, 2026October 23, 2026 admin

FIFA Thursday announced approval of plans to institute a normalisation committee for running the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until May 2027.

This was contained in a letter to the NFF’s interim leadership where FIFA said it would, in conjunction with CAF, appoint committee members “as soon as possible”.

Read the letter: “The period during which the normalisation committee shall perform its functions shall expire as soon as it has fulfilled all of its tasks, but by no later than 31 May 2027″.

The NFF is expected to hold new elections before the committee’s tenure expires. None of the panel members will be eligible for the positions to be filled in the elections.

Pending the appointment of the committee members, Emmanuel Ikpeme, the NFF acting general-secretary, will continue to manage the Federation’s affairs.

FIFA officials visited Nigeria in September to confirm the absence of government influence after most NFF executives resigned in August.

Ibrahim Gusau, NFF president, and Mohammed Sanusi, the general-secretary, both resigned after pressure over disappointing performances by various national teams.

Shortly after the exits, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a “comprehensive reform” of Nigerian football to “overcome repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments”.

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October 23, 2026 admin 0

Nollywood Loses Actor, Francis Duru, @ 57 After Brief Illness

Late Francis Duru.Death was at the wee hours of Friday announced of Francis Duru, a popular...

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October 22, 2026 admin 0

Cotton Falls On 2026 Globacom-Powered Ofala Festival With Royal Banquet

A Royal Banquet in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi, Wednesday rounded off 2026 Globacom-sponsored Ofala Festival. The elegant event, attended by the monarch, his cabinet chiefs, Glo trade partners and high-net-worth customers, marked the grand finale of the festival sponsored by the telecommunications company. Speaking at the occasion, Globacom’s Divisional Head, South-East, Mike Ehumadu, said the banquet underscored the importance of partnerships between corporate organisations and traditional institutions in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage. He congratulated Igwe Achebe, the Ofala Festival organising committee and the people of Onitsha on the successful celebration, reaffirming Globacom’s commitment to initiatives that promote cultural diversity, strengthen community bonds and showcase Nigeria’s rich heritage to the world. The banquet featured an exciting blend of culture, music and comedy, with performances by Aniweta Mazeli, Boy o Boy and the Groove Band. Comedian MC Ezegetive also entertained guests with lively performances, adding to the splendour of the evening and creating memorable moments for the royal household, community leaders and other distinguished attendees. Globacom also rewarded winning Onitsha age grades with cash prizes and trophies in recognition of their competitive spirit, discipline and community pride, which were evident throughout the festival’s various competitions. The gesture highlighted the company’s support for community participation and the values that make the Ofala Festival a significant cultural celebration. It also presented hundreds of bags of special Basmati rice to all the members of the different age grade associations. Globacom’s enduring sponsorship of the Ofala Festival reflects its commitment to supporting traditional institutions and preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy. The company’s involvement also demonstrates the role of private-sector partnerships in promoting cultural events that strengthen community ties while creating wider social and economic value.

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October 22, 2026 admin 0

NFVCB, China Film Administrations Seek Strategic Approach To Expand Flick Distribution

R-L: ( 4&5) The ED/CEO, National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Husseini and Mr. Bai Yimin, Chairman, HuaXia Film Distribution in a group photo with staff of both agencies. The compelling need for the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the China Film Administration to explore opportunities for strategic collaboration in expansion of film distribution between Nigeria and China, has resulted in meaningfull discussion between both countries. This will further improve market access for filmmakers and strengthen regulatory cooperation in an increasingly technology-driven global film industry. Furthermore, it formed the fulcrum of discussions when a delegation from the China Film Administration, led by Mr. Bai Yimin, Chairman of HuaXia Film Distribution Ltd. Co., visited the Board’s Abuja office. Receiving the delegation, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Chinese film industry stakeholders to facilitate the distribution of Nigerian films, particularly Nollywood productions, across China, while creating opportunities for wider distribution of Chinese films in Nigeria. Dr. Husseini emphasised that international partnerships would expand Nollywood’s global reach, open new commercial opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers and distributors, and promote cultural exchange and economic growth through cinema and audiovisual content. He expressed the Board’s willingness to enter into appropriate agreements to facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation. He stressed, however, that all distribution arrangements involving the Nigerian market must comply with the country’s regulatory framework. He urged the Chinese delegation to engage only with duly registered distribution companies in Nigeria and to seek clarification from the Board on the registration and regulatory status of prospective partners. Discussions focused on practical mechanisms for strengthening commercial film distribution between both countries, including theatrical distribution, licensing arrangements, regulatory cooperation and technical expertise exchange. Both sides explored ways to improve access to their respective markets, enabling Nigerian filmmakers reach wider international audiences and Chinese productions to gain a stronger presence in Nigeria. The meeting also highlighted the importance of transparent and efficient licensing and rights-acquisition processes to facilitate legitimate cross-border distribution, protect intellectual property and minimise barriers to international market access. Closer engagement between relevant regulatory authorities was also discussed to improve understanding of film classification requirements and regulatory procedures in both countries. Dr. Husseini further requested that the Chinese delegation support the Board with modern film classification infrastructure to strengthen its operational capacity and enhance the discharge of its statutory mandate. He noted that technical cooperation and knowledge exchange would help build institutional capacity in an industry increasingly shaped by technological innovation and evolving distribution models. The engagement also addressed emerging global film regulation challenges, particularly the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital distribution platforms and the circulation of unclassified films through online channels. Both sides acknowledged the need for closer cooperation and appropriate strategies to promote responsible content distribution, regulatory compliance and Intellectual Property protection. In his remarks, Mr. Bai Yimin expressed the delegation’s willingness to explore practical avenues for strengthening film distribution between Nigeria and China. He highlighted the potential for cooperation among stakeholders in both countries to expand market access, promote film circulation and deepen bilateral engagement through cinema and audiovisual content. To advance the discussions, the Chinese delegation invited Dr. Husseini to visit China for further engagement on areas of mutual interest. The proposed visit is expected to build on the Abuja discussions and explore practical frameworks for cooperation in film distribution, licensing, classification, technological advancement and professional knowledge exchange. Other members of the Chinese delegation included Mr. Xu Yang and Mr. Shang Xiao Meng, both of China Film Distribution; Mr. Yang Gang, Chief Executive Officer of Tai Ge Film Company; and Mr. Luo Gaocheng of Tiger Pictures Entertainment. The meeting, facilitated by veteran filmmaker and Convener of the Abuja International Film Festival, Mr. Fidelis Duker, was also attended by members of the NFVCB management team.

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