Sankira - Where ideas find community

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) recently concluded, marking another successful year for Nigerian cinema on the global stage. Several critically acclaimed Nigerian films were screened, drawing significant attention from international distributors, critics, and audiences. This continued presence at major festivals underscores the growing artistic quality and international appeal of films originating from Nollywood.

Nigerian athletics continued its upward trajectory at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with Ezekiel Nathaniel delivering a standout performance. The hurdle sensation shattered the Nigerian national record in the men's 400m hurdles, storming to a brilliant finish that earned him a bronze medal. His feat underscores the growing prowess of Nigerian athletes in technical track events on the global stage.

To understand the soul of Nigeria, one must witness its festivals. These events are not just celebrations; they are living history, connecting the present to centuries of tradition. The Osun-Osogbo Festival, held annually in the Sacred Grove of Osun (a UNESCO World Heritage site), attracts thousands of devotees and tourists who come to pay homage to the river goddess in a spectacle of white attire and spiritual drumming.

It has been a year of mixed fortunes for Nigeria's senior men's basketball team, D'Tigers. Following a strong showing at the AfroBasket Championship in Angola earlier in 2025, where they decimated fierce rivals Tunisia 87-66 with NBA star Josh Okogie dropping 33 points, the team has hit a stumbling block in their quest for a World Cup ticket. The initial optimism from the continental championship has been tempered by recent results.

Nigeria continues to assert its leadership role in West Africa, hosting the 2025 Nigeria-Africa Trade Summit in Lagos. The event has drawn heads of state and business leaders from across the continent to discuss the practical implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Nigerian government used the platform to sign bilateral agreements with three neighboring countries aimed at removing non-tariff barriers that have historically stifled cross-border trade.

Recognizing the critical role of a skilled workforce in driving technological advancement, Nigeria is witnessing a surge in tech education initiatives. From coding bootcamps and online courses to specialized university programs, efforts are underway to equip young Nigerians with the digital skills needed for the 21st-century economy.

Nigeria's comedy scene is experiencing an explosive transformation, with a new generation of comedians not only dominating sold-out stand-up shows but also successfully transitioning into film, television, and digital content creation. This cross-platform success highlights the versatility and immense talent within the industry, solidifying comedy's place as a cornerstone of Nigerian entertainment.

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is making unprecedented strides on the international stage, with several major Hollywood studios reportedly finalizing co-production agreements with leading Nigerian production houses. This move signifies a significant shift in global cinema, acknowledging Nollywood's immense storytelling potential and its massive, engaged audience both at home and in the diaspora.

The expansion of Nigeria's digital infrastructure is crucial for unlocking the nation's full technological and economic potential. Significant investments are being made in fiber optic networks, broadband connectivity, and data centers to ensure that more Nigerians have access to reliable and high-speed internet.

In what can only be described as the most anticipated collaboration in Nigerian music history, Afrobeats titans Wizkid and Davido have officially announced a joint musical project. The news, broken via cryptic social media posts from both artists, sent their millions of fans into an immediate frenzy, with hashtags like #WizkidXDavido and #LegendaryCollab trending worldwide.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has publicly committed to respecting the rule of law following a controversial week involving high-profile asset seizures. After a Federal High Court ordered the release of several properties deemed to have been wrongfully confiscated, the anti-graft agency faced intense scrutiny regarding its adherence to due process. In a statement released today, the Chairman assured the public that the agency would not act above the law.

In a landmark development for public health, Nigeria has officially commenced the administration of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, marking a critical turning point in the nation's fight against the deadly disease. The phased rollout, which began in late 2024, has seen health workers in Kebbi and Bayelsa states administering the first doses to thousands of eligible children. Early reports from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) indicate a high turnout, driven by extensive community engagement campaigns led by local researchers and international partners.

Mobile money services are transforming the financial landscape in Nigeria, offering a lifeline to millions who were previously excluded from traditional banking systems. With the widespread adoption of mobile phones, these services provide easy access to payments, transfers, and other financial transactions, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Lagos is an electrifying fusion of chaos and charm, a coastal metropolis that pulses with an energy unlike anywhere else in West Africa. From the upscale vibes of Victoria Island to the artistic enclaves of Lekki, the city offers a dynamic travel experience for 2025. Visitors are increasingly drawn to the revamped beachfronts at Landmark Beach and the bustling nightlife that defines the city's social calendar.

Nestled in the southeastern corner of Nigeria, Calabar is renowned for its cleanliness, greenery, and warm hospitality. Often referred to as the 'Nation's Paradise', it serves as the gateway to some of Nigeria's most pristine rainforests. The city itself is steeped in history, with colonial architecture and the Slave History Museum providing a sobering yet essential look into the region's past.

The Super Falcons have landed in Morocco with a singular mission: to secure a record-extending tenth Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. The 2025 edition of the tournament kicked off in July, with Nigeria fielding a star-studded 24-woman squad. Led by the talismanic captain Rasheedat Ajibade and featuring global stars like Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie, the team is brimming with confidence.

Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has officially concluded his monumental 'I Told Them...' global tour, leaving a trail of broken records and adoring fans in its wake. The tour, which spanned North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, saw sold-out stadiums and arenas, solidifying his status as a truly global music icon.

As the National Assembly resumes plenary, the Senate Leadership has outlined a robust legislative agenda for 2025, placing a premium on strict budget oversight and the ongoing constitutional review process. The Senate President emphasized that the era of 'padding' budgets is over, warning heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that they will be held personally accountable for every naira allocated in the 2025 appropriation act.

The National Security Council convened an emergency meeting yesterday to address the emergence of a new terror group, 'Lakurawa,' operating in the North-West. Defense chiefs briefed the President on the group's modus operandi, which reportedly involves recruiting local youths through financial inducement. The military has been ordered to intensify intelligence-gathering operations and deploy special forces to the affected border communities.

The battle for eyeballs in Africa's burgeoning streaming market is heating up, with international giant Netflix and local powerhouse Showmax fiercely competing for subscriber dominance. As internet penetration increases and smartphone adoption soars across the continent, streaming platforms are recognizing Africa as the next major frontier for growth, leading to aggressive content acquisition and production strategies.