*…”You remain our pride” *Governor Okpebholo praises Lancelot Imasuen pledges support for his 30-years behind camera celebrations*

In furtherance of the upcoming celebration of DGuv at 30, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, has received Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and his team in Edo’ Government House.

Governor Okpebholo during the visit pledges Edo State Government’s support and showered praises on DGuvnor for his steadfastness and the beauty he has brought to the Edo’s culture by using his films to showcase and preserve the culture and the people of Edo.

He was full of praises for Ambassador Lancelot in the presence of the members of his cabinet, which comprises of the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Arts, Culture and Digital Economy, and many other top hierarchies of his government, including the State’s Head of Service.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the official shirts of DGuv at 30 celebration to the Governor, who received it with pleasure, after which the Governor and Lancelot’s team went into a close-door meeting.

On Lancelot’s entourage was the Chairman Association of Movie Producers, Edo State chapter Mr Derek Igbinakenzua, the Vice Chairman Directors guild of Nigeria Edo state chapter Mr Billy kings , Edo celebrated female filmmaker And member Directors guild of Nigeria Mrs Lovebest OGIE, Administrator of Benin film academy MIss Chidinma Joy Ewuzie, mr Nicolas Benson-Imasuen member Creative designers guild of Nigeria and frontline production designer, Actor producer Mr Uyi Stanley Agbontean.

Meanwhile, as part of the activities lined up in celebration of DGuv at 30, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen will be unveiling a trip-in-motion, a memoir that chronicles his experience in the landscape of Nollywood on Thursday, 27th November, 2025 at the iconic Mike Adenuga’s elegant edifice,

Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The book, written by renowned poet and

author of “The Broken Cross and Bush Radio”, Godson Osarenren and will be unveiled in Lagos as climax to a two-week long celebration of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen 30-years behind the camera.

Distinguished guests, Nollywood’s best, diplomats, captains of industries, top politicians,, socialites, and friends of Lancelot Imasuen are all expected to grace this high octane and star-studded event.

At the event, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen will be giving an award to appreciate men and women who have supported his lifelong career in the make believe world. Notable among them are; Late Captain Hosa Okubor, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Sir Emmanuel Isikaku who was the first person that funded Lancelot’s film in the year 1996 and several other notable individuals, as the launch is intended to be a packed event.

Lancelot’s 30-years behind the camera celebration will start on November 15th, 2015 with an open street casting that is going to happen in various major streets in Benin and ending at the place where he grew up as a young child. Then, the colloquium, which will be the major event, will take place in Benin, which will see the unveiling of Oduwa Imasuen Lancelot, OIL Foundation. A Foundation that is poised to help resuscitating and rejuvenating dramatic and Film Clubs across various schools in Edo State.

See The Programme’s Itinerary.

30 Years of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen in Filmmaking

Celebrating a Visionary | Honouring a Legacy

November 15 – 27, 2025

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Saturday, 15th November – OpenStreetCasting

Meeting Point: Benin Film Academy (BFA)

Route: BFA → Ring Road → Mission Road → New Benin → Guobadia street ~BFA

Time :9:am

Street Casting Parade & Open Call

Community Engagement with Aspiring Actors

Media Coverage & Fan Interaction

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Sunday, 16th November – Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony

Location: Victor Uwaifo creative hub Benin City

Red Carpet Reception 4:pm

Formal Conferment of Lifetime Achievement Award

Musical & Theatrical Tributes

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Monday 17th – Friday 21st November – Eastern Celebration

Location: Imo State University, Owerri

Masterclasses with Film & Theatre Students

Campus Film Screenings

Interactive Panel: The Power of African Stories

Special Eastern Homage to Lancelot

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Saturday, 22nd November – Directors Guild of Nigeria ( Edo state chapter)Tribute Night

Location: 7-9 Peddie Okao Street by the skylark schools, off upper Airport Road Evbuodia, Benin City

Time : 4pm

Directors’ Roundtable: Lancelot’s Impact on Nollywood

Artistic Presentations & Guild Recognition

Closing Toast by Veteran Filmmakers

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Sunday, 23rd November – First-Ever Quadruple Movie Premiere

Location: Venue still pending Benin City

Premiere of Four Lancelot-Directed Blockbusters

Red Carpet Experience & Media Engagement

Appearances by Cast, Crew & Industry Icons

Celebration of Three Decades of Cinematic Excellence

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Monday, 24th November – Colloquium & OIL Foundation Inauguration

Location: Eghosa grammar school

Time: 1pm

Academic Colloquium: Filmmaking, Identity & Legacy

Official Inauguration of the Oduwa Imasuen Lancelot (OIL) Foundation

Unveiling the School to fame project and re-inauguration of Dramatic and film Klubs in secondary schools around Edo state

—

Wednesday, 26th November – Masterclass by AGN Lagos State Chapter

Location: Lagos

Education, Legal, Intensive Acting & Industry Masterclass

Hosted and Facilitated by Amb. Dr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen (The Governor Himself)

Talent Networking Session

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Thursday, 27th November – Grande Finale & Book Launch

Location: Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi – Lagos

Red Carpet Event

Official Launch of the Book: “A Trip in Motion” by Godson Osarenren

Tributes from Industry Giants & Global Guests

Live Performances & Media Unveiling

Closing Ceremony

Let’s Honour a Living Legend

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen — 30 Years of Impact, Innovation & Immortality through Cinema.

*Lt General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede: A Round Peg in a Round Hole

By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment of Lt Gen Oluyede as *Chief of Defence Staff,* it was not just another change of guard — it was the perfect alignment of talent, experience and purpose. In his lengthy and distinguished military journey, Oluyede has repeatedly shown why he is exactly the “round peg” for this “round hole.”

*A Remarkable Journey*

Born in 1968 in Ikere, Ekiti State, Oluyede joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 (effective from 1987).

Over decades of service he has held vital command and staff roles including:

Platoon Commander & Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

Operational leadership in the field: he served with the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia, commanded operations in the Bakassi Peninsula (Operation Harmony IV) and led the 27 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East.

He rose to Major General in September 2020, then to Lieutenant General as he assumed as COAS, Nigerian Army.

This experience means that from the trenches to strategic command rooms, Oluyede has been there, done that — making him supremely qualified for the top seat.

*Achievements That Speak Volumes*

As he climbed the ranks, Lt Gen Oluyede didn’t just execute orders — he reformulated them. He has been recognised for his distinctive approach to soldiering and institutional reform.

He implemented welfare initiatives for the troops: from improving feeding allowances to introducing a housing scheme for soldiers.

He modernised training and operations: establishing new training depots (for example in Oshogbo), upgrading intelligence and surveillance across theatres of operation.

He stressed joint-agency cooperation and adaptation to new threat landscapes: understanding the era of asymmetric warfare, technology and regional security linkages.

These moves show his dual focus: one on the people in uniform, and one on the structure in which they serve. It’s a rare combination, and it’s exactly what the demands of Nigeria’s defence environment require.

*Why This Appointment Matters*

With Nigeria navigating insurgency, banditry, maritime threats and porous borders, placing the right leader at the helm of the Armed Forces is critical. Lt Gen Oluyede’s appointment as Chief of Defence Staff thus signals three important messages:

1. *Continuity with reform*: His earlier initiatives as Chief of Army Staff give him momentum rather than a blank slate.

2. *Breadth of experience*: He bridges the gap between field operations and institutional leadership.

3. *Human-centred leadership:* He recognises that security is not only about fire-power, but also morale, dignity and professionalism.

That said, expectations are high and the challenges real. To excel, he must deliver on several fronts:

Operational effectiveness: real, measurable improvements in key theatres.

Institutional modernisation: smoother logistics, better training, joint-force integration.

Troop welfare and morale: keeping soldiers motivated, equipped and respected.

Public trust and professionalism: ensuring the military is part of the solution and aligned with democratic values.

*The Road Ahead: Why He Will Succeed*

Lt Gen Oluyede isn’t just the right person for this role — he is arguably the only one who checks all the boxes. His leadership style is calm, strategic and inclusive. His record is both operational and reformative. His vision is aligned with the demands of modern security.

Whether he is reshaping training facilities, enhancing inter-service coordination or ensuring that Nigeria’s defence posture is fit for 21st-century threats, he brings the credentials, and the mindset, that matter.

*Conclusion: A Legacy Begins*

As Lt Gen Oluyede steps into the role of Chief of Defence Staff, Nigerians can look ahead with hope. His journey from cadet in Ikere-Ekiti to the highest military office is testament to dedication, excellence and service. He stands not just as a commander, but as a symbol of the possibility of transformation — of the Armed Forces and of national security.

In appointing him, Nigeria hasn’t taken a chance. It has made a promise: that its defence will be led by someone capable, experienced and committed. And in him — a true round peg in a round hole — that promise has a realistic chance of being fulfilled.

The article was contributed by Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.

New Service Chiefs: NASRE Calls For Fresh Strategies And Stronger Commitment To Nigeria’s Safety

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resource Editors (NASRE) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of new Service Chiefs, describing the decision as a necessary and strategic step toward repositioning Nigeria’s security architecture and restoring citizens’ confidence in the nation’s defence institutions.

In a statement signed by the National President, Femi Oyewale, NASRE congratulated the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, urging them to inject fresh energy, strategic thinking, and measurable results into the task of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace across all regions.

The Association noted that Nigerians are yearning for visible improvements in security operations, especially in the fight against insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, oil theft, and other forms of organized crime. It therefore called on the new military leadership to adopt intelligence-driven tactics, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and rebuild the trust between security operatives and the citizens they serve.

NASRE also emphasized the need for the Service Chiefs to prioritize the welfare of officers and men in uniform, ensuring that those on the frontlines are adequately equipped, trained, and motivated. The Association further urged strict adherence to human rights principles in all operations to promote harmony between security agencies and civilian communities.

The editors described the new appointments as an opportunity for the armed forces to reinforce discipline, transparency, and accountability within their ranks. Leadership by example, NASRE stressed, will not only inspire confidence among troops but also rebuild public trust in the military institution.

As a media body committed to responsible journalism and national development, NASRE reaffirmed its readiness to serve as a vital communication bridge between security agencies and the general public. It pledged to support the new Service Chiefs in ensuring clear communication of government policies, security updates, and public enlightenment initiatives that promote mutual understanding and confidence between the armed forces and Nigerians.

The Association pledged continuous support to the Nigerian government and security agencies through fair and factual reportage, reiterating its commitment to highlighting efforts that promote peace, unity, and stability across the federation.

Concluding, NASRE charged the new Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President and the Nigerian people through outstanding performance, unwavering patriotism, and visible progress in the protection of lives and property nationwide.