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
NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom
Cyril Ogar
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.
The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.
He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.
In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.
The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.
The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.
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