Entertainment
Zamfara: What Nollywood stars said about killings in Nigeria, vow to drag sponsors to UN
BY: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka
Nollywood actors on Wednesday alleged that the killings in some part of the North, precisely Zamfara State were politically-motivated.
The group, under the umbrella of Concerned Actors and Seasoned Nollywood Stars, which was lead by former President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Ejike Asiegbu at a rally held in Surulere, Lagos, called for an end to the sponsorship of the senseless killings in the State by political actors and their cohorts.
Asiegbu also urged sponsors of these dastardly acts to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of humanity.
He said if those politicians failed to stop the senseless killings in their interest Nollywood stars were ready to take this campaign beyond the shores of Nigeria, down to the United Nations.
According to Aseigbu: “We have watched the horror movie in Zamfara State and concluded that our politicians had thrown the sanctity of human lives to the dogs with the way and manner that have carried with their political activities which have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and the destruction of properties.
“Consequently, the Concerned Actors and Seasoned Nollywood Stars in Nigeria would no longer fold its hands and watch politicians continue with their nefarious activities that have brought untold sorrow and blood to numerous families.
“The sanctity of human life must be respected by these politicians that have brought hell to families in Zamfara State.
“The worrisome aspect of the whole issue is the fact that these politicians have been dramatizing in public and on the pages of newspapers condemning the killings when in truth, the entire world knows they are the ones behind the senseless killing of innocent women and children because of their vested interest.
“The Concerned Actors and Seasoned Nollywood Stars in Nigeria is lending its voice to the global campaign to call the political elites to question on the continued killings in Zamfara state and other parts of North West Nigeria.
“It is indeed an irony that these politicians that were voted into office by the people have now turned their back against the people all in a bid to acquire political power and relevance, and also to enrich their pockets all at the detriment of the people and their host communities.
“Yes, we know gold is a precious stone, but to make the mistake of equating gold with human life is an anomaly that must be resisted by all and sundry in the interest of peace and tranquility in Northwest Nigeria.
“These gold miners are not spirits, they have names, and they reside amongst the people, and they have sponsors. But they must also realize that the same politicians sponsoring them to kill innocent people today can decide to turn against them and order for their elimination tomorrow.
“They must realize that human life is indeed precious than gold and as such the senseless killings must stop.
“The Concerned Actors and Seasoned Nollywood Stars have reviewed the situation critically in North West Nigeria and concluded that unless urgent and proactive measures are taken, the killings in North West Nigeria will not abate especially with the level of desperation exhibited by the politicians behind the carnage.
“We wish to state that this protest is by no means a joke or a flash in the pan, it should indeed serve as a wakeup call to the politicians behind the killings that the world is now fully aware of their nefarious activities and how they have placed a premium on gold over human lives.
“The Concerned Actors and Seasoned Nollywood Faces wishes to use this medium to call on the attention of the world to the plight of the people of North West Nigeria who have been severely battered and degraded by the same politicians they elected into office to better their lives, but instead they have added sorrow of unimaginable proportion to their lives.
“We also wish to send a strong message to Zamfara politicians that they must stop the senseless killings in their interest as the Concerned Actors and Seasoned Nollywood Stars is ready to take this campaign beyond the shores of Nigeria, down to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to ensure that justice for the innocent men and women that were wasted in their prime because of selfish interest and the lust for gold.
“It must be noted that this protest became necessary due to the fact that the security of lives and properties is not the job for only the military or the police, but all hands to be on deck with critical stakeholders such as the Concerned Actors and Seasoned Nollywood Stars coming out to raise awareness to the plight of the people of Northwest Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that our security agencies have been up and doing in the task of protecting lives and properties in Zamfara state and its environs. However, they still need our support in ensuring that peace returns to Zamfara state and its surroundings.
“We consequently call on the gold miners and the sponsors of these dastardly acts to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of humanity.
“We shall also spare no initiative to ensure that in the world over, nobody buys their blood-soaked gold which has become the basis for the senseless killings in Zamfara state and other parts of North West Nigeria.
“We have taken the pain to come out to voice our concerns in a bid to end the senseless killings and to also put the country and the whole world on notice about the acts of genocide been perpetuated in Zamfara state by politicians.”
Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa. The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season. Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.
“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”
This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike. The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.
In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’. This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent. Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.
Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.
“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu. “We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”
You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.
The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.
Forty years after the release of the original JESUS film, Jesus Film Project is releasing an updated edition of founder Paul Eshleman’s book, I Just Saw Jesus.
The new edition features a heartfelt foreword written by Eshleman’s daughter, Jenn Huff, as well as refreshed cover art. The book was officially released in October 2024.
Originally published in 1985, I Just Saw Jesus chronicles Eshleman’s journey to create the JESUS film, the most translated and viewed film in history. Translated into more than 2,100 languages and counting, the film has been a significant resource in spreading the gospel to millions across the globe.
The release of this updated edition comes at a critical juncture as Jesus Film Project reimagines the 1979 film for today’s generation.
In her foreword to the new edition of I Just Saw Jesus, Huff reflects on her father’s vision and passion for the project. She writes, ”The JESUS film, meticulously crafted to depict the life of Jesus with unprecedented accuracy, stood as a beacon of attention to detail. Behind the scenes, my father’s equally meticulous storytelling mirrored the attention that was paid to every aspect of the film’s creation.” She added, “I Just Saw Jesus is not just a book; it is a testament to the miraculous change Jesus makes in people’s lives.”
Paul Eshleman’s work on the JESUS film was inspired by the mission to share the gospel message in every corner of the world.I Just Saw Jesus tells the stories of the faithful volunteer film teams, missionaries and pastors who ventured into remote tribes to show the JESUS film. They carried generators and projectors across jungles, stood before influential leaders, and overcame threats, curses and deadly diseases – all to share the story of Jesus in the heart language of those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.
This new edition of I Just Saw Jesus is a tribute to Paul Eshleman’s legacy. It marks a new chapter in the ongoing mission to innovate and reach people with today’s tools, ensuring that the gospel remains accessible to new generations.
Purchase I Just Saw Jesus on Amazon or the Cru store, and join the ongoing conversation about how media can inspire the next generation.
Gather25, a trailblazing global gathering of Christians founded by Jennie Allen, has unveiled the first of its contributors for the upcoming event in 2025.
Featuring a multi-denominational, international line up of Christian teachers, storytellers and prayer guides from six continents, Gather25 aims to showcase powerful stories of how God is transforming communities and hearts around the world.
The event, with a schedule that will circumnavigate the globe over 25 hours, celebrates a line-up of individuals who bring a unique perspective of how God is moving in their context.
Together, they are partnering with Gather25’s mission to mobilize Christians everywhere to reach the 5.5 billion people on earth who have yet to encounter Jesus.
Through live-streaming technology and AI, Gather25 will connect with Christians in homes, in churches, in stadiums, or on their phones, across six continents, with each continent hosting a portion of the 25 hours.
The teachers, storytellers, and prayer guides include:
● Jennie Allen – Founder & Visionary of Gather25, Bible teacher, author, the visionary behind IF:Gathering.
● Pastor Charles Mugisha – Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries.
● Matt Maher – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Lord, I Need You.”
● Mark Varughese – Founder and Senior Leader of Kingdomcity.
● Matt Redman – Double GRAMMY®-Award winning worship leader and songwriter.
● Priscilla Shirer – A New York Times Best-Selling author and actress featuring in movies like War Room.
● Sinach – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Way Maker.”
● Tasha Cobbs Leonard – GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter.
● Rorisang Thandekiso – A multi-talented media personality and musician, and the founder of “Jesus This Jesus That.”
● Rick Warren – Author of The Purpose Driven Life, his books have been translated into 200 languages.
Gather25 is a global collaboration of Christians who are instrumental in connecting the global church from the ground up. Pastor Charles Mugisha said, “Gather25 gives, for the first time in history, Africa a voice to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ more than ever before.”
“I have a feeling in my heart that (Gather25) is a God thing. The Bible commissions us to go and take the Gospel to all nations and for the first time, I see that we can actually take the Gospel to all the nations in 25 hours. That’s exciting for me!”
The event will kick off in the United States at 01:00 UTC on Saturday, 1st March 2025, and will journey around the globe, concluding in Peru at 02:00 UTC on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. This continuous broadcast is designed to empower Christians worldwide through inspiring stories and testimonies of God’s work across nations. Each session will be hosted from a different country, featuring teaching, worship, stories and prayers from various locations within each session. The event will also unveil never-before-heard accounts from the underground church.
Join us for this global event to connect with believers from every corner of the world. Find out about Gather25, and sign up for more resources at: gather25.com
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