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Celebrating Michael David Akpenyin, A Creek Boy Turned Film Maker Of International Repute
Like many other children born in the Niger Delta creeks, his environment provided him with no opportunity. The government at both state and federal levels made no attempt to provide him access to good education. His parents, who could have, had no stable means of livelihood as their lands and sea have been polluted by the activities of the multinational oil companies operating within the region.
But with his disciplined attention, resourcefulness, resilience, and ingenuity, he was able to see both beyond the present and physical. Hence, he was able to surmount all the stumbling blocks mounted in his journey to greatness; and today, his name features among the list of who is who in the film making industry, not just in Nigeria but the world over. This is the synoptic story of Michael David Akpenyin.
Born in February 1983, in the peace-loving town of Okerenkoko and Kunukunma community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state, Michael David Akpenyin against all odds did everything positive to seek western education. That resolve was blessed by God who got him admitted and saw him through the prestigious University of Port Harcourt where he studied Film/Television Production. And today, he is a world-class film Director, Editor, and Producer and this has taken him around the globe – South Africa, Isreal, Zambia, Ethiopia State of Palestine, Cameroon, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic to mention just a few. He is married and the union is blessed with a lovely baby boy.
GbaramatuVoice recently met him at his Abuja abode where he threw light on some topical and other sundry issues. Here is the detail of that conversation with our correspondent.
GBARAMATUVOICE: Who is Michael David Akpenyin?
Michael David Akpenyin is a Nigerian from the oil-rich but government abandoned Niger Delta. I was born in February 1983, in the peace-loving town of Okerenkoko/Kunukunma community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state. Michael is an easy going young man who believes that the word impossibility does not exist.
As a boy from the creek, growing up was difficult; no good school, no water, not even a per of sandals. It wasn’t easy as a young boy. But despite all these deprivations, I was full of hope and believe that my future shall be rewarding; who believes that the future is bright and that I must make an impact in my world. That got me thinking what I should do that will enable the world to hear of me and my region.So, as a pacesetter who does not believe in doing something that everyone is doing at the same time, I choose that part that will bring hope, peace, and love to my people.
What actually made me start thinking differently was when I discovered that we have a lot of untold stories that the world needs to know. So I decide to do something different for everyone.
So when the Late Nollywood actor Justice Esiri of blessed memories saw me, he loved my drive, my push, he told me we could do things together, so that was how we started working together. One day, he decided to introduce me to one prominent leader from Gbaramatu Kingdom, sorry I will not want to mention his name. That was through a telephone conversation and the man remarked; my son I never believed we have someone who can change the pattern, I thought everyone is looking for quick money through illicit means. He finally promised to support me
But even with this breakthrough, my quest to make an impact did not stop. So, I left the creek to the city seeking for greener pasture. After some time, God intervened and I started recording successes. I have worked with virtually all the Nollywood actors in Nigeria within this short period.
In summary, from the creek, I have toured states, cities, and nations which includes but not limited to; South Africa, Isreal, Zambia, Ethiopia, State of Palestine, Cameroon, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic. It’s all God, and we give Him the praise. The creek boy becomes the international boy.
GBARAMATUVOICE: There is the news making the round that you are about producing a new film. Please, tell us, what is it all about?
Yes, we recently concluded the project plan and its actually God who has been on our side. The name of the film is ‘THE TRIALS OF JOSHUA IGINLA’. For me, it is a major project in this year 2017 among other projects that I have handled this year.
The film is based on a true-life story. It is all about the early life of a man of God (Bro. Joshua Iginla, Senior Pastor Champions Royal Assembly). The story chronicled his early life in the ministry; the hard times he paused through, betrayals, rejection and frustration, hunger and starvation.
So we decide to tell the story in a film and we thank God the project recorded the huge success; from the camera, works to the directing, scripting, editing everything came out excellently well. We give God the praise (smiles).
GBARAMATUVOICE: What are the challenges faced on relocating to Abuja?
Creating new contacts and friends was the first major challenge. But in the same vein, relocating to Abuja was a big breakthrough to me and my family. I would say also that God brought the man of Champions Royal Assembly, Abuja, and Bro Joshua Iginla to rescue me from the delay. In fact, let me say this, he who finds a wife found a good thing and obtain favour from the Lord. Immediately I got married to my lovely wife, doors began to open. And my talent started paying off.
GBARAMATUVOICE: What is your advice to the youths in the creeks?
Hmmm, advising the youth… My Advice to the youth is a simple one. First, they should change their pattern; they should not depend on the politicians or get themselves involved in any form of illicit dealings with them. They should believe in themselves, be focus and work hard to achieve whatever target they set for themselves.
They should seek knowledge by going to school as education holds the key to greatness. They should stay away from crime and other vices. Long live Gbaramatu Kingdom.
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Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.
Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.
He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.
While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.
The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.
Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.
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The Enemies Within: Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
The Enemies Within:
Jonahs Are Not Manageable — Dr. Chris Okafor
…….“To remove Jonah, you must bring Jesus into the matter.”
When a “Jonah” enters a person’s life, confusion, gossip, blackmail, betrayal, and the pull-him-down syndrome often follow. But the moment Jesus Christ is invited into the situation, the storm subsides and stability is restored.
This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr. Chris Okafor, during the midweek non-denominational Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions Service (PHDS) held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Clergyman also declared that Nothing Happens Without Spiritual Influence
In his sermon titled “The Enemies Within,” Dr. Okafor declared that nothing happens without spiritual involvement. According to him, every visible battle has an invisible root.
Referencing the biblical story of Jonah, the Man of God explained that Jonah’s presence on the ship gave access to a contrary spirit that tormented everyone onboard.
Despite the losses suffered by innocent traders and sailors, the storm persisted because of one man’s disobedience.
However, he noted that when Jesus speaks into a situation, every storm must obey. Just as Christ rebuked the storm and it ceased, so too will the storms in believers’ lives subside when He is invited into their “boat.”
*The Impact of a Jonah*
Dr. Okafor further emphasized that “Jonahs” are difficult to manage. When such individuals are present in one’s circle, progress becomes delayed.
What should ordinarily manifest quickly may be prolonged or frustrated because someone close—someone who understands you deeply—may be operating as a spiritual adversary.
He explained that negative narratives, unnecessary battles, and unexplained setbacks often begin when a “Jonah” gains access to a person’s inner circle.
*The Solution*
“To remove Jonah from the boat of your life,” the Generational Prophet declared, “you must invite Jesus Christ into the matter.”
According to him, when Jesus takes control of the boat, the plans of the enemy are overturned.
What was designed for downfall becomes a testimony. No storm or battle can succeed where Christ reigns, and the enemy is ultimately put to shame.
The midweek service witnessed a strong prophetic atmosphere, with the power of God evident through deliverance, restoration, and divine revelations.
The Generational Prophet ministered deeply in the prophetic, calling out names, villages, and addressing alleged spiritual strongholds, as many lives were reportedly restored—all to the glory of God.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION By O’tega Ogra
FROM BORDER TO MARKETS: HOW NIGERIA’S REFORMS ARE REWRITING AND MODERNISING TRADE FACILITATION
By O’tega Ogra
On the surface, the 2026 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi, held in the last week of January, followed a familiar script: flags, formal sessions, carefully worded speeches. But beneath the choreography, something more consequential was unfolding. As customs chiefs and trade officials compared notes on the future of borders, Nigeria arrived not with theory, but with a working proposition.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Modernisation Project, being implemented through Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited, unveiled to a global audience of customs administrators and policy leaders a window into how Africa’s largest economy is confronting one of the most complex challenges in public administration: reforming the machinery of trade while it is still running.
For decades, customs reform was treated largely as a technical exercise—frequent patches here, shoddy fixes there; new software in one corner, revised procedures in another. Nigeria’s presence in Abu Dhabi signalled something different. TMP Limited, working in partnership with the NCS, advanced the argument that trade is a cornerstone of economic development and must be supported by organic, sustainable partner ecosystems. Such ecosystems deliver speed and trust, revenue and credibility, and secure borders without stifling commerce.
That argument resonated in a room increasingly aware that global trade is no longer defined solely by tariffs and treaties, but by data, interoperability, and the quiet efficiency of systems that simply work.
The annual WCO Technology Conference has, in recent years, become a barometer for the direction of global trade governance. This year’s discussions reflected a shared anxiety: supply chains are more fragile, compliance risks are rising, and governments face mounting pressure to collect revenue without discouraging investment. Customs administrations now sit at the intersection of all three.
Nigeria’s response has been to attempt a full reset.
At the heart of this effort is the NCS Modernisation Project, implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with TMP Limited as the concessionaire. The project seeks to replace fragmented technology deployments and manual processes within the Nigeria Customs Service with a single, integrated framework. This is anchored on B’Odogwu, a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) that brings together cargo clearance, risk management, payments, and inter-agency collaboration. The ambition is sweeping—and so are the stakes.
Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Chairman of TMP, framed the initiative as nothing less than an institutional reconstruction, designed to position the NCS at the forefront of global customs administration technology, aligned with international standards and assurance frameworks.
“Digital trade modernisation is not just about upgrading systems,” he told participants in Abu Dhabi. “It is about upgrading trust, predictability, and confidence in how trade flows through our borders.”
That choice of words matters. Nigeria’s economy has long struggled with the perception gap between its size and the ease of doing business. Investors cite delays. Traders complain of opacity. Government points to revenue leakages. In this context, customs reform becomes as much a credibility project as a technical one.
Saleh’s message was timely and direct: modern trade demands modern customs. Data-driven processes, automation, and risk-based controls are no longer luxuries; they are prerequisites for competitiveness in a world where capital moves faster than policy.
The institutional face of this digital transformation is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who led Nigeria’s delegation to Abu Dhabi. His message reflected a subtle but important shift in how customs leadership now understands its role.
“Customs administrations today must evolve from gatekeepers to facilitators of legitimate trade,” Adeniyi said. “Nigeria’s customs modernisation project reflects our determination to place the Nigeria Customs Service at the centre of national economic transformation.”
It is a familiar refrain globally, but one that carries particular weight in Nigeria, where customs revenue remains a critical pillar of public finance. Automation, Adeniyi argued, is not about weakening control; it is about strengthening it through intelligence rather than discretion.
Risk management systems reduce unnecessary physical inspections. Integrated platforms limit human contact. Data analytics improve compliance targeting. When executed well, the result is faster clearance for compliant traders and tighter scrutiny for high-risk consignments.
In Abu Dhabi, peers from Asia, Europe, and Latin America listened closely to Nigeria’s presentation. Reforming customs in a small, open economy is one thing. Doing so in a market of over 200 million people, home to some of Africa’s busiest ports and its largest economy, is quite another.
Nigeria’s engagement emphasised that customs modernisation is embedded within a broader economic reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Simplifying trade procedures, strengthening revenue assurance, and aligning with international standards form part of a wider effort to reposition the economy for investment-led growth.
What makes the project particularly noteworthy is its insistence on end-to-end coherence. Rather than digitising isolated functions, the reform aims to connect agencies, harmonise data, and reduce duplication across government—an all-of-government approach that acknowledges an uncomfortable truth: trade friction is often created not at the border, but between institutions.
The WCO 2026 Technology Conference offered Nigeria more than a platform; it provided a stress test. Questions from peers were pointed. How will change be sustained across political cycles? How will capacity be built? How will entrenched institutional behaviours be unlearned?
The responses were pragmatic. Reform is being phased. Training programmes are ongoing. International benchmarks are being adopted not as slogans, but as operating standards. There were no claims of perfection—only a clear statement of intent.
“Our engagement here underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation,” Adeniyi noted. “We are learning, sharing, and contributing to global conversations on the future of customs administration.”
That contribution matters. As Africa moves to deepen regional trade under continental frameworks, customs efficiency will determine whether integration succeeds in practice or remains aspirational on paper. Nigeria’s experience, if successful, could offer a valuable template for other developing economies navigating similar constraints.
In Abu Dhabi, the mood was cautious but curious. Reform fatigue is real in many countries. Yet there was a growing sense that Nigeria’s effort—precisely because of its scale and difficulty—deserves attention.
Borders are rarely glamorous. But they are decisive. In choosing to modernise its borders in public, under global scrutiny, Nigeria is signalling something beyond technical competence. It is signalling seriousness.
And in global trade, seriousness still counts.
O’tega Ogra is Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, responsible for the Office of Digital Engagement, Communications and Strategy in the Presidency.
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