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JOS, PLATEAU STATE — Student creativity and digital storytelling took centre stage in Jos as the 2nd edition of the European Union–National Film Institute (EU-NFI) Students Film Festival came to a colourful close on September 29, 2026.

The two-day festival, organised by the National Film Institute (NFI) in partnership with the European Union (EU), brought together emerging filmmakers, film students, industry professionals and stakeholders for screenings, masterclasses and competitive showcases aimed at developing the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers.

The event provided students with an opportunity to showcase their creative abilities while exploring the role of film and digital storytelling in documenting Nigerian experiences, culture and contemporary realities.

EU Ambassador Applauds Students’ Creativity

Speaking at the festival finale, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Gautier Mignot, described the students’ creative output as impressive and expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s film industry.

Mignot highlighted the important role of the National Film Institute in Nigeria’s creative ecosystem, noting that initiatives such as the students’ film festival align with the European Union’s priorities in youth empowerment, education, culture and strengthening EU-Nigeria relations.

He also commended the leadership of the Institute, particularly the Rector, for his commitment to the students and for fostering a relationship built around creativity, mentorship and learning.

Ali Nuhu: Festival Is More Than Competition

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr. Ali Nuhu, described the festival as more than a platform for competition.

According to him, the initiative provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop their skills and become cultural ambassadors who can use film to tell stories that reflect Nigeria’s identity and diversity.

He called for sustained investment in skills development, education and learning opportunities for young people seeking careers in the creative industry.

NFI Announces Winners

The Rector of the National Film Institute, Prof. Pomak Frank Tengya, expressed the Institute’s readiness to continue supporting young filmmakers and assured participants that the institution would host the 2027 edition of the festival.

He subsequently announced the winners in the various competition categories.

Each of the top prize winners received ₦100,000.

The winners include:

• Best Sound: Rev Kola — Osakpolo Arthur
• Best Documentary: Carrying a Legacy — Badung Chuhwak
• Best Animation: Coming Home — Habibi Risku
• Best Cinematography: Dusk Till Dawn — Longtong Tamg’an
• Best Director: They Call Me Mother — Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani
• Best Short Film: They Call Me Mother — Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani

Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani emerged as one of the biggest winners of the festival, taking home awards for both Best Director and Best Short Film.

Nurturing the Next Generation

The festival further demonstrated the potential of film education and practical creative opportunities in nurturing young talents and strengthening Nigeria’s growing creative economy.

With students taking centre stage as writers, directors, cinematographers, animators and storytellers, the EU-NFI Students Film Festival provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to gain exposure, learn from industry professionals and connect with fellow creatives.

As the National Film Institute looks ahead to the 2027 edition, the festival continues to position Jos as an important centre for film education, creativity and digital storytelling in Nigeria.

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Airtel Mobile Commerce N.V. (Airtel Money), the mobile money business of Airtel Africa, has set the offer price for its planned initial public offering (IPO) at £1.96 per share, implying an estimated market capitalisation of £5.3 billion ($7.0 billion) at admission.

Airtel Africa disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying Airtel Money intends to list its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange, with admission currently expected on 14 October.

The planned listing followed Airtel Africa’s announcement on 23 September of its intention to undertake an IPO for Airtel Money, which operates mobile money services across several African markets.

Listing offer

Under the offer, certain existing shareholders of Airtel Money are expected to sell 270 million existing shares. Also, an additional 27 million shares may be sold if the over-allotment option is fully exercised.

Airtel Africa said it does not expect to sell its existing Airtel Money shares in the offer, except pursuant to the over-allotment option.

The telco said it would remain a “long-term strategic shareholder” in Airtel Money and support the business as it moves into its next phase as an independently listed company.

Based on current indications from existing shareholders, approximately 16.5 per cent of Airtel Money’s issued ordinary share capital is expected to be held in public hands if the over-allotment option is not exercised.

This could rise to approximately 17.5 per cent if the maximum additional shares are sold, according to Airtel Africa.

Airtel Money expects the level of public ownership to make it eligible for inclusion in the FTSE UK indices.

The company said it intends to apply for admission of its ordinary shares to the equity shares category of the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and for trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market.

Airtel Money said further details of the offer would be contained in its prospectus, which it said would be made available on Airtel Money’s IPO website, subject to applicable access restrictions, on Thursday.

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Airtel Africa has been planning to spin off its mobile money business from its core telecoms operations following the financial subsidiary’s performance in previous years.

Its mobile money unit, Airtel Money, logged a strong performance in 2025, recording $1.4 billion in turnover, more than one-third higher than what it reported a year before.

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Airtel Africa provides an integrated offer to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services, as well as mobile money services, both nationally and internationally.