AMVCA 2026 Full Winners List Revealed As African Film And TV Stars Shine In Lagos

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AMVCA 2026 Full Winners List Revealed As African Film And TV Stars Shine In Lagos

The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026 took place in Lagos at the Eko Hotel and Suites, celebrating outstanding achievements across African film, television and digital content production.

The ceremony, which commenced at 7 p.m., brought together top actors, filmmakers, directors and content creators from across the continent, with winners announced in multiple competitive categories spanning movies, scripted series, indigenous language films and digital content.

Brandspur Brand News reports that “My Father’s Shadow” emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, clinching top honours including Best Movie, Best Director and Best Writing in a Movie category, reinforcing its dominance at this year’s awards.

In the acting categories, Uzor Arukwe won Best Lead Actor for “Colours of Fire”, while Linda Ejiofor secured Best Lead Actress for “The Serpent’s Gift”. Bucci Franklin was named Best Supporting Actor for “To Kill a Monkey”, and Linda Ejiofor also won Best Supporting Actress for “The Herd”, marking a standout performance across multiple categories.

Other major winners included “To Kill a Monkey” for Best Cinematography, “MTV Shuga Mashariki” for Best Writing – TV Series, and “Nigerian Idol (Season 10)” for Best Unscripted Series, highlighting the diversity of storytelling formats recognised at the ceremony.

In the technical categories, “Colours of Fire” also secured Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction, while “My Father’s Shadow” won Best Sound and Sound Design, further cementing its critical acclaim.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/energy-drink-consumption-linked-to-rising-kidney-disease-cases-among-nigerian-youths/

The digital content space saw “Leave To Live” win Best Digital Content Creator, reflecting the growing influence of online storytelling platforms across Africa’s entertainment ecosystem.

The awards also recognised excellence in indigenous language productions across different regions, with films such as “Lisabi (A Legend is Born)” and “Inimba” securing top honours in their respective categories.

Special recognition awards were presented to industry veterans, including a Trailblazer Award for Uche Montana and Lifetime Achievement Awards for Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo, honouring their long-standing contributions to African cinema.

Organisers say the AMVCA continues to serve as one of Africa’s most prestigious entertainment platforms, celebrating creative excellence while strengthening the continent’s global film and television presence.

Energy Drink Consumption Linked To Rising Kidney Disease Cases Among Nigerian Youths

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Energy Drink Consumption Linked To Rising Kidney Disease Cases Among Nigerian Youths

A growing body of medical evidence is raising alarm over a possible connection between frequent energy drink consumption and the increasing incidence of kidney disease among young people in Nigeria, as health experts warn of long-term risks linked to popular stimulant beverages.

Across campuses, motor parks, gyms and nightlife centres, energy drinks have become widely consumed among youths seeking increased alertness, stamina and productivity. The drinks are often used to cope with academic pressure, demanding work schedules and lifestyle-related fatigue.

However, health professionals are increasingly concerned that excessive intake of these products—often high in caffeine, sugar and chemical stimulants—may be contributing to dehydration, hypertension and kidney-related complications.

Medical literature and global health data show that energy drinks typically contain caffeine levels significantly higher than standard soft drinks, alongside additives such as taurine, guarana and sugar-based compounds that can place strain on the kidneys when consumed excessively or combined with alcohol.

Brandspur Health Desk reports that clinicians are now observing a worrying trend of kidney dysfunction among individuals in their 20s and 30s, with dialysis centres reporting increased cases of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease potentially linked to lifestyle and dietary habits, including energy drink abuse.

Health experts warn that excessive caffeine intake may lead to irregular heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, dehydration and reduced kidney filtration efficiency. Medical practitioners also note that combining energy drinks with alcohol can mask intoxication levels, increasing the risk of overconsumption and organ damage.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/bua-group-chairman-abdul-samad-rabiu-rises-to-become-africas-second-richest-person/

Public health specialists further classify many energy drinks as ultra-processed products, often loaded with refined sugars, artificial additives and stimulants. Studies referenced by global kidney health bodies suggest that high consumption of ultra-processed beverages is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

Reports indicate that kidney disease prevalence in Nigeria is rising, with estimates suggesting that a significant percentage of adults may be affected, particularly within productive age groups. In urban areas, prevalence rates have been recorded in double digits in some population-based studies.

Experts also highlight research linking ultra-processed food and beverage intake to long-term kidney damage, with sugar-sweetened drinks identified as a major contributing factor. Some studies suggest that heavy consumption of such products can significantly increase the likelihood of developing chronic kidney conditions.

Medical authorities and public health advocates are now calling for stronger regulation, clearer labeling and public awareness campaigns to discourage excessive consumption of energy drinks, particularly among young people.

Health professionals emphasize that prevention through dietary moderation, hydration and lifestyle changes remains critical in reducing t

BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Rises To Become Africa’s Second Richest Person

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BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu Rises To Become Africa’s Second Richest Person

Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, has climbed to second place on Africa’s wealth rankings, overtaking South African billionaire Johann Rupert in a major reshuffling of the continent’s billionaire league.

According to the latest rankings released by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Rabiu’s net worth has risen to an estimated $19.1 billion, driven by strong market performance of his listed companies and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that Rabiu now trails only Aliko Dangote, whose fortune of approximately $35.9 billion keeps him at the top of Africa’s wealth table. The development marks a rare milestone, with Nigeria now producing the two wealthiest individuals on the African continent.

Johann Rupert, chairman of luxury goods group Richemont, has slipped to third position with a net worth estimated at $17.7 billion, reflecting slower asset growth compared to Nigeria’s fast-rising industrial valuations.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/aliko-dangote-eyes-kenya-for-proposed-650000-barrel-per-day-oil-refinery-in-east-africa/

Market data shows that Rabiu’s surge in wealth has been largely powered by the exceptional performance of BUA Group’s publicly listed subsidiaries, particularly BUA Foods Plc and BUA Cement Plc, on the Nigerian Exchange. Both companies posted strong first-quarter 2026 results, triggering sharp gains in share prices and boosting the group’s overall valuation.

Since the beginning of 2026, Rabiu’s net worth has increased by more than $8.8 billion, representing one of the largest wealth gains globally this year. The rise has moved him from fifth to second position in Africa and placed him among the top 150 richest individuals worldwide.

Analysts attribute the momentum to BUA Group’s aggressive expansion across cement manufacturing, food processing and other industrial segments, alongside sustained domestic demand and improved corporate earnings.

With ongoing investments, including major infrastructure and energy-related projects, observers say Rabiu’s ascent highlights the growing influence of Nigeria’s private-sector industrial leaders and signals continued competition at the top of Africa’s wealth rankings.

Aliko Dangote Eyes Kenya For Proposed 650,000-Barrel-Per-Day Oil Refinery In East Africa

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Aliko Dangote Eyes Kenya For Proposed 650,000-Barrel-Per-Day Oil Refinery In East Africa

Aliko Dangote has disclosed plans to site a major oil refinery project in East Africa, with Kenya emerging as the preferred location for the proposed development.

The billionaire industrialist revealed that he is considering Kenya for the construction of a 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, a move that would significantly expand refining capacity in the East African region and deepen cross-border energy investments on the continent.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that Dangote made the disclosure in an interview cited by the Financial Times, noting that the project forms part of his broader strategy to replicate large-scale, integrated energy infrastructure across Africa.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/jumia-posts-39-revenue-growth-as-nigeria-emerges-as-companys-largest-market-in-q1-2026/

If executed, the refinery would rank among the largest in Africa, positioning Kenya as a strategic refining and distribution hub for petroleum products serving East and Central African markets.

Industry analysts say the proposed investment could reshape fuel supply dynamics in the region, reduce reliance on imported refined products and stimulate downstream industrial activity, including logistics, petrochemicals and employment generation.

While timelines and financing structures have yet to be finalised, the potential project underscores Dangote’s growing influence in Africa’s energy sector following the launch of his flagship refinery in Nigeria.

Kenyan authorities have not yet issued an official response, but observers say the project, if confirmed, would represent one of the most significant private-sector energy investments in the country’s history.

Jumia Posts 39% Revenue Growth As Nigeria Emerges As Company’s Largest Market In Q1 2026

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Jumia Posts 39% Revenue Growth As Nigeria Emerges As Company’s Largest Market In Q1 2026

Jumia Technologies has recorded a strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2026, posting a 39 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue to $50.6 million, with Nigeria now confirmed as its single largest and most active market.

The latest results highlight a major shift in Jumia’s regional dynamics, as Nigeria overtook other African hubs in transaction volume, customer activity and overall revenue contribution. The surge comes amid a broader strategic pivot toward international vendors supplying competitively priced goods.

The e-commerce platform has significantly expanded direct sourcing from Chinese and Turkish merchants, driving an 87 per cent jump in international seller volumes during the quarter. The strategy focuses on fast-moving categories such as fashion, electronics and home essentials, allowing Jumia to compete more aggressively on pricing as African consumers grapple with inflationary pressures.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the growth push is taking place alongside a major operational restructuring, with Jumia deliberately scaling back its geographic footprint to concentrate on core, high-growth markets including Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya.

As part of its cost-optimization drive, the company has exited South Africa, Tunisia and Algeria, redirecting capital and logistics capacity to fewer markets with stronger unit economics. Despite the revenue expansion, Jumia reported a pre-tax loss of approximately $17.8 million, reflecting restructuring expenses and rising logistics costs linked to higher fuel prices.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/nigeria-advances-plan-to-relaunch-national-shipping-carrier-with-global-port-operators/

Management disclosed plans to implement an additional 200 job cuts over the next two quarters as part of its “path to profitability” strategy. The company expects these measures, combined with improved margins from global sourcing, to support a transition to cash-flow-positive operations by the fourth quarter of 2026, with full-year profitability targeted for 2027.

Commenting on the operating environment, Jumia Chief Executive Officer Francis Dufay said order volumes and gross merchandise value both recorded growth of more than 30 per cent, even as macroeconomic headwinds continued to pressure costs across key African markets.

To strengthen last-mile delivery and customer convenience, Jumia added more than 80 new pickup stations across Nigeria during the quarter. The company said this expansion is critical to managing delivery costs, improving fulfillment speed and sustaining customer trust.

With nearly 24,000 China-based merchants now active on its platform, Jumia is increasingly relying on a global sourcing and local delivery model to defend its market share in West Africa and reinforce Nigeria’s role as the backbone of its African growth strategy.

Nigeria Advances Plan To Relaunch National Shipping Carrier With Global Port Operators

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Nigeria Advances Plan To Relaunch National Shipping Carrier With Global Port Operators

Nigeria has taken a major step toward restoring a national shipping carrier after more than 30 years, as the Federal Government confirmed advanced discussions with leading global maritime partners to revive the long-dormant national fleet.

The announcement was made in Lagos by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed that two of the world’s most influential port and logistics operators — AD Ports Group and DP World — have formally expressed interest in partnering with Nigeria on the project.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the proposed carrier is designed to reverse decades of freight revenue losses following the collapse of the Nigerian National Shipping Line in 1995. Government estimates show that Nigeria has been losing close to nine billion dollars annually in freight earnings to foreign shipping firms due to the absence of a national carrier.

Before its liquidation, the former national line operated a fleet of 30 ocean-going vessels, supported maritime training for Nigerian seafarers and played a central role in transporting the country’s cargo across international trade routes. However, persistent operational inefficiencies, rising debt and weak competitiveness eventually led to its shutdown, with the remaining vessels sold off during liquidation.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/kaduna-set-to-roll-out-northern-nigerias-first-bus-rapid-transit-system-in-june-2026/

Since then, Nigeria’s shipping space has been dominated by foreign operators, including MSC, CMA CGM, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, which now control the bulk of the country’s seaborne trade.

Officials say the proposed relaunch is part of a broader blue economy strategy aimed at retaining freight value within Nigeria, strengthening maritime capacity, creating jobs for seafarers and improving the country’s influence in global shipping and logistics networks.

While details of fleet size, ownership structure and timelines are still being finalised, the government said the renewed national carrier will be driven by private-sector partnerships, global best practices and strong corporate governance to avoid the failures of the past.

The move signals Nigeria’s renewed ambition to reclaim strategic control of its maritime trade and reposition itself as a competitive shipping hub in Africa’s fast-growing logistics and transport market.

Kaduna Set To Roll Out Northern Nigeria’s First Bus Rapid Transit System In June 2026

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Kaduna Set To Roll Out Northern Nigeria’s First Bus Rapid Transit System In June 2026

The Kaduna State Government has concluded arrangements to begin construction of Northern Nigeria’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, with a formal groundbreaking scheduled for June 2026, marking a major leap in the region’s urban transport infrastructure.

The BRT project will feature a dedicated 24-kilometre transit corridor running from Kawo Bridge to Sabon Tasha, designed to move up to 160,000 passengers daily. Officials say the system will significantly cut travel time, improve commuter efficiency and ease persistent traffic congestion across Kaduna metropolis.

Brandspur Politics reports that Governor Uba Sani has earmarked ₦30 billion in the state’s 2025 budget as counterpart funding to support the project. This funding complements a €110 million financing package provided by the French Development Agency, Kaduna’s key international development partner on the initiative.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/nigeria-emerges-as-net-exporter-of-refined-petrol-in-historic-oil-sector-turnaround/

The transport system will deploy 120 modern buses powered by Compressed Natural Gas, aligning with Kaduna State’s clean energy and climate transition objectives. Plans also include 30 purpose-built stations equipped with off-board ticketing systems and platform-level boarding to improve safety, speed and accessibility.

State authorities estimate that the BRT project will generate over 3,200 direct jobs for drivers, technicians and operational staff, while creating an additional 11,000 indirect employment opportunities across ICT services, logistics and security.

Environmental projections indicate that the introduction of high-capacity public transport will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 38 per cent, reinforcing Kaduna’s push toward sustainable urban development.

The BRT network is being designed to integrate seamlessly with the proposed Kaduna Light Rail Transit system, for which the Federal Government has approved significant infrastructure funding, including a dedicated allocation in the 2025 budget.

With design work nearing completion and procurement expected to conclude in May, the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA) says construction will commence as planned in June 2026, with full system operations projected to begin in 2028.

When completed, the Kaduna BRT will become Nigeria’s second such system after Lagos, positioning the state as a transportation model for northern cities seeking modern, efficient and environmentally responsible mass transit solutions.

Nigeria Emerges As Net Exporter Of Refined Petrol In Historic Oil Sector Turnaround

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Nigeria Emerges As Net Exporter Of Refined Petrol In Historic Oil Sector Turnaround

Nigeria has recorded a major milestone in its energy sector, officially becoming a net exporter of refined petrol for the first time in several decades, following a sharp rise in domestic refining output.

Industry data confirms that as of March 2026, Nigeria’s local fuel production has surpassed national consumption levels, reversing years of dependence on imported refined petroleum products despite being one of Africa’s leading crude oil producers.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the shift has been largely driven by increased output from the Dangote Refinery, whose operations have significantly boosted the country’s refining capacity and enabled surplus petrol to be exported beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Export records show that refined petrol shipments have already reached regional and international markets, including Mozambique, signaling Nigeria’s growing role in cross-border fuel supply within Africa.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/federal-government-tightens-rules-on-honorary-degrees-to-safeguard-university-system-credibility/

Analysts say the development is expected to ease long-standing pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, reduce import-related dollar demand and support greater stability for the naira. The shift also strengthens the country’s balance of trade by converting fuel imports into export earnings.

Energy sector stakeholders note that Nigeria’s emergence as a net exporter positions the country as a strategic refining hub on the continent, with capacity to serve both West and Southern African markets.

Projections indicate that export volumes of refined petrol and other petroleum products are likely to expand further by 2027, as domestic refining capacity continues to scale and logistics infrastructure improves.

The development marks a structural change in Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain, reinforcing the government’s long-term objective of deepening local processing, reducing import dependence and maximising value from the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

Federal Government Tightens Rules On Honorary Degrees To Safeguard University System Credibility

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Federal Government Tightens Rules On Honorary Degrees To Safeguard University System Credibility

The Federal Government of Nigeria has rolled out sweeping reforms to curb the misuse of honorary degrees, introducing stricter controls aimed at restoring credibility, discipline and academic integrity within the country’s university system.

The new framework, approved by the Federal Executive Council, targets the growing commercialization and political exploitation of honorary doctorates. Under the policy, recipients of honorary degrees are expressly prohibited from using the “Dr” title in any official, academic or professional capacity.

Brandspur Politics reports that honorary awardees must now adopt clearly defined post-nominal identifiers such as Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) or Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), ensuring a visible distinction between honorary recognition and earned academic qualifications.

In a major institutional overhaul, only universities with fully accredited doctoral programmes — and with at least one successfully graduated PhD cohort — are now eligible to confer honorary degrees. The reforms also restrict Nigerian universities to four approved categories: Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Doctor of Letters (D.Lit), Doctor of Science (D.Sc) and Doctor of Humanities (D.Arts).

The policy further bars serving public office holders from receiving honorary degrees, a move designed to eliminate political patronage, conflicts of interest and undue influence over academic institutions.

Enforcement authority has been vested in the National Universities Commission (NUC), which will conduct mandatory vetting of nominees prior to any award. Universities are now required to submit proposed honourees for clearance before convocation ceremonies.

To enhance transparency, the NUC will maintain and publish an annual national register of verified honorary degree recipients. Institutions are also limited to awarding no more than three honorary degrees per convocation, a measure intended to preserve the prestige of such recognitions.

Education authorities warned that presenting an honorary degree as an earned academic qualification will be treated as academic fraud, attracting legal, institutional and reputational consequences.

Officials say the reforms mark one of the most comprehensive interventions in Nigeria’s higher education sector in recent years, reinforcing global best practices and re-establishing public confidence in the country’s academic honours system.

Federal Government Tightens Rules On Honorary Degrees To Safeguard University System Credibility

The Federal Government of Nigeria has rolled out sweeping reforms to curb the misuse of honorary degrees, introducing stricter controls aimed at restoring credibility, discipline and academic integrity within the country’s university system.

The new framework, approved by the Federal Executive Council, targets the growing commercialization and political exploitation of honorary doctorates. Under the policy, recipients of honorary degrees are expressly prohibited from using the “Dr” title in any official, academic or professional capacity.

Brandspur Politics reports that honorary awardees must now adopt clearly defined post-nominal identifiers such as Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) or Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), ensuring a visible distinction between honorary recognition and earned academic qualifications.

In a major institutional overhaul, only universities with fully accredited doctoral programmes — and with at least one successfully graduated PhD cohort — are now eligible to confer honorary degrees. The reforms also restrict Nigerian universities to four approved categories: Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Doctor of Letters (D.Lit), Doctor of Science (D.Sc) and Doctor of Humanities (D.Arts).

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/nigeria-targets-value-added-chocolate-exports-as-sunbeth-global-concepts-launches-70000-tonne-cocoa-processing-facility/

The policy further bars serving public office holders from receiving honorary degrees, a move designed to eliminate political patronage, conflicts of interest and undue influence over academic institutions.

Enforcement authority has been vested in the National Universities Commission (NUC), which will conduct mandatory vetting of nominees prior to any award. Universities are now required to submit proposed honourees for clearance before convocation ceremonies.

To enhance transparency, the NUC will maintain and publish an annual national register of verified honorary degree recipients. Institutions are also limited to awarding no more than three honorary degrees per convocation, a measure intended to preserve the prestige of such recognitions.

Education authorities warned that presenting an honorary degree as an earned academic qualification will be treated as academic fraud, attracting legal, institutional and reputational consequences.

Officials say the reforms mark one of the most comprehensive interventions in Nigeria’s higher education sector in recent years, reinforcing global best practices and re-establishing public confidence in the country’s academic honours system.

Nigeria Targets Value-Added Chocolate Exports As Sunbeth Global Concepts Launches 70,000-Tonne Cocoa Processing Facility

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Nigeria Targets Value-Added Chocolate Exports As Sunbeth Global Concepts Launches 70,000-Tonne Cocoa Processing Facility

Nigeria is taking a decisive step towards domesticating chocolate production with the unveiling of a large-scale 70,000-metric-ton cocoa processing plant by Sunbeth Global Concepts, a move expected to significantly reposition the country within the global confectionery industry.

The new facility, scheduled to begin operations in March 2027, represents a strategic shift away from Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on exporting raw cocoa beans toward higher-value processing and manufacturing. Industry observers say the development could reshape the structure of Nigeria’s agricultural exports while unlocking new revenue streams across the cocoa value chain.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the project was formally presented to global investors and sector leaders at the London Stock Exchange, signaling strong international interest and positioning the plant as a potential anchor for increased foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector.

The processing complex will be located in Akure, within Ondo State, a region widely recognised as Nigeria’s cocoa production hub. In addition to cocoa processing, the project includes an 80,000-tonne cashew processing facility, designed to broaden export capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.

Analysts note that while Africa supplies over 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa beans, it captures only a fraction of the value generated from finished chocolate products. By processing cocoa locally at scale, Sunbeth Global Concepts aims to retain more economic value within Nigeria, stimulate industrial development and deepen linkages between agriculture and manufacturing.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/12/lagos-state-approves-14-new-licences-for-off-grid-metering-and-mini-grid-power-operators/

The company estimates that the dual processing facilities will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while providing a reliable offtake market for smallholder farmers across cocoa- and cashew-producing communities.

To support long-term supply stability and meet global standards, Sunbeth Global Concepts has embedded the Orange Cocoa Sustainability Framework into the project. The programme is structured to support more than 51,000 farmers through improved agronomic practices, yield enhancement and fully traceable farm-to-export systems.

With global cocoa and chocolate markets estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars, stakeholders say the Akure facility could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s ambition to move from commodity exports to competitive participation in global value-added food manufacturing.

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