Creative Industry
‘Avante’ Premieres in Abuja as Okafor Calls It “Hypothetical Presumption of Reality”
Nollywood producer and actor Kingsley Okafor says his new film Avante is meant as a moral compass “a hypothetical presumption of reality” for anyone struggling with life’s hardest decisions. The thriller, directed by Toka McBaror, opened Sunday night at Silverbird Galleria in Abuja.
Okafor, who also stars in the film, framed the story ahead of the premiere: “The movie is a thriller of vengeance, a thriller of love and a thriller of destiny. The movie is all about a son whose father was murdered alongside other people in the community, subscribed to a path with the siblings that they must avenge the death of their parent, and when you are faced with difficulties of choosing to go ahead with this, or destiny or love, it is going to be some decisions to make.” He added that it is “recommended for anyone faced with the cho in life.”
The plot centers on Gaju, driven by vengeance, who disguises himself as Albert, a humble farmhand, to infiltrate the remote estate of his parents’ killer. “But when he falls in love with the killer’s daughter, he must now choose between revenge and the life he never thought he could have,” Okafor explained.
Avante features Chimezie Imo, Patience Ujah, Eddie Walker, Maliya Michael and Ruth Nkweti alongside Okafor. Early trailers presented a second narrative strand: Imo as Kelechi, a Lagos hustler drawn into the orbit of a powerful businesswoman (Ujah) and her lieutenant (Okafor). As Kelechi climbs money, cars, influence he is pulled into blackMAIL, police shakedowns and a love triangle with the boss’s protégée (Michael).
McBaror, whose credits include Karma and The Anomalous, uses the twin arcs to explore ambition and betrayal in glossy nightlife and rural hideaways. The film’s palette shifts from neon-lit clubs to the dust of an isolated farm, underscoring what Okafor calls “a high-stakes, morally gray story.”
Okafor insisted the vengeful premise is universal. “A lot of people can learn from it,” he told reporters on the red carpet, noting that Nigerian audiences rarely see revenge tales grounded in family debate rather than pure action.
With its Easter release, Avante tests whether Nollywood can blend commercial shine with the kind of ethical questioning Okafor believes viewers need. For him, the answer lies off-screen: “It’s about the decisions you make when no one is watching.”
Creative Industry
Emirates Holidays Unveils Thailand Pass with Up to 40% Savings
Joel Ajayi
Emirates Holidays has introduced the Thailand Pass, offering travellers exclusive discounts and complimentary benefits across shopping, dining, leisure and tourist attractions in Thailand.
The initiative provides Emirates Holidays customers travelling to Thailand with savings of up to 40 per cent, with no minimum spending requirement, alongside special offers designed to enhance their holiday experience.
Under the programme, customers can redeem shopping and dining vouchers at 14 participating malls across Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Krabi and Chiang Mai. To access the benefits, travellers are required to present their vouchers and a copy of their passports at participating outlets to collect their Welcome Packages.
The Thailand Pass also includes complimentary shuttle services between centralwOrld and Central Village Bangkok, as well as free VIP lounge access at both locations.
Beyond shopping and dining, customers can enjoy Buy One, Get One Free offers on selected attractions and experiences across Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi. Participating brands include Playsquare Laser Tag, Playmondo, Swensen’s, Auntie Anne’s, Aquaria Phuket, OTO Playpark and Monowheel.
The package also offers an additional five per cent discount on Karmakamet wellness products.
The launch comes as Thailand continues to attract Emirates Holidays customers, with bookings increasing by 10 per cent year-on-year, according to the company.
The initiative further strengthens Emirates’ presence in the Southeast Asian destination. The airline recently deployed its Airbus A350 aircraft to Phuket and currently operates retrofitted Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy cabins on services to Bangkok.
Emirates operates 49 weekly flights to Thailand, reflecting sustained demand for the destination and supporting the introduction of additional holiday benefits.
The Thailand Pass applies to eligible package bookings made until March 31, 2027. Customers can secure their holidays with a deposit and benefit from a flexible cancellation policy, providing additional time to arrange visas where necessary or make changes to their travel plans.
The offer is available to Emirates Holidays customers booking from selected markets, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom’s neighbouring European markets and other participating countries.
Further information, including eligibility requirements and terms and conditions, is available at Emirates Holidays Thailand.
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