NCMM digitises museums, monuments to boost tourism

By Joshua Olomu

Mr Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), said efforts were underway to digitise the nation’s museums, monuments and heritage to boost tourism.

He stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of an event to celebrate the 2024 International Museum Day (IMD) on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the nation has rich cultural and historic heritages, as well as artifacts which need to be showcased to the world to make Nigeria a choice tourists destination.

He said that Nigeria needs to take advantage of digital platforms to showcase its rich history, and that was what NCMM seeks to achieve.

“It is time for us to start to celebrate our culture, celebrate our heritage, control our own narrative and tell our own stories so that subsequent generations can take pride in being Nigerians.

“The museum space is a very good opportunity to boost tourism, by showcasing our heritage because people are very interested in Nigerian culture.

“If we can get our museum to the standard where people can fly in from other parts of the world, definitely that will boost our economy,

“These tourists are coming to spend money as they stay in hotels, they are going to restaurants and they will even experience other things besides the museum.

“That is why we need to digitise to showcase that our culture is as good as any other culture in the world, and that we do not always have to look outside to find inspiration.

“So with digitisation, we have started 3D scanning of a lot of our artifacts, and what that does is it to allow you experience an object anywhere in the world online.

“We are also revamping our website to become more user friendly and creating virtual tours, so that on your phone you can walk around museums and have experience as if you were there in real life,” he said.

Holloway added that the commission was presently working towards revamping museums across the country in line with the ‘renewed hope’ mantra of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He, however added that because of the huge funding required for the projects, the commission was seeking public-private partnerships for the projects.

“There is the infrastructure upgrade and is the hardware, so for us we can achieve this only through partnerships with the private sector because funding is also a big part of any dream you have.

“We are currently building a world class storage facility in Benin, and these are just some of the things that we are doing to reposition our museums,” he said.

NAN reports that International Museum Day (IMD), coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).), is held annually on May 18.

IMD provides the opportunity for museum professionals to meet the public and alert them as to the challenges that museums face, and raise public awareness on the role museums play in the development of society.

It also promotes dialogue between museum professionals and highlights a specific theme which changes every year reflecting a relevant theme or issue facing museums internationally.

“This year’s theme is “Museums for Education and Research”.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Joshua Olomu

Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), says the Federal Government has approved the prohibition of money rituals and glamourising of vices in Nigerian films.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Husseini disclosed this at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

Movie producers, directors and actors drawn from different parts of the country, as well as leaders of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry were present at the event.

Husseini said that today, we are facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians and stakeholders.

“When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed on the need to make a subsidiary legislation to curtail the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, he saw the need to include money rituals.

“Others included in the regulation are ritual killings and glamourising other crimes in order to further sanitise the film industry.

“Today, I am delighted to announce to you that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004 has approved the regulation.

“The minister has approved the Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits” Regulations 2024.”

“We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette,” he said.

Husseini said the sensitisation programme was to educate stakeholders on the danger inherent in consummation of smoking in Nigerian movies.

According to him, besides the health implications, glamourising smoking in films poses a negative influence on teens and young adults who constitute the largest segment of Nigeria movie viewers.

He said that the board was set to undertake detailed enlightenment programmes in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups and other institutions.

“As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector, and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry.

“The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and supports smoke-free Nollywood, and we therefore seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.

“After series of engagements, the NFVCB in collaboration with the CAPPA decided to do a ‘subsidiary regulations’ to cater for smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant Law.

“The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and began implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate,” he said

NAN reports that it is the duty of the Board to register all films and videos outlets across the country, and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Joseph Edeh

By Joshua Olomu

Leaders and representatives of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry have pledged their support for the campaign against smoking and consumption of harmful substances in Nollywood films.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the thespians made the commitment during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on Tuesday.

The event was organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

Representatives of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Directors, Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), were among those who attended the event.

Others included foremost Nollywood filmmakers Fred Amata, Teco Benson, Zeb Ejiro and representatives of the Nigerian Film Corporation(NFC), among other stakeholders.

In his opening address, Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of NFVCB, said the sensitisation programme was to educate stakeholders on the danger inherent in smoking in Nigerian movies.

According to him, besides the health implications, glamourisation of smoking in films poses negative influence on teens and young adults who constitute the largest segment of Nigeria movie viewers.

“As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry.

“The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and supports smoke-free Nollywood, and we, therefore, seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.

“In spite of the obvious fact that our culture and heritage are part of our existence, we tend to pay less than optimal attention to the movies that are produced.

“This continued until recently when CAPPA decided to reach out to the developers and regulators of the film industry to put an end to the menace of smoking in movies.

“The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and began implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate.

“The measure is particularly important at this crucial time when the National Assembly is insisting that there is ‘Need to Curb the rising spate of cultism, trafficking, consumption of Illicit drugs and other substances among youths in Nigeria,” he said.

At the end of proceedings in the sensitisation workshop, participants, including delegates of the various guilds present, unanimously pledged their support for a smoke-free Nollywood.

They assured members of the public that moving forward, they would ensure that smoking and other vices are not glamourised, especially in films meant for children and young adults.

Blessing Ebigieson, AMP National President said: “Filmmaking starts as an idea and story writing before you can assemble cast and crew, and that is our work as producers.

“So, our members shall ensure that stories, especially the ones for films for children, do not have smoking scenes.”

Mr Victor Okhai, National President of DGN said: “It is our children we are talking about here; we shall ensure that they are protected from smoking by ensuring they are not exposed to such films.”

However, Salisu Muazu, Secretary General of MOPPAN, emphasised the need for intensive education on the menace of smoking in films and offered to produce a Public Service Announcement (PSA).

Mr Patrick Lee, who represented the Cinemas Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), said members would ensure that PSAs against smoking in films are exhibited.

Earlier in his presentation, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, said there was need to reverse how movies and music videos presented smoking and tobacco use as a ‘cool way of life’.

“Tobacco is a killer and it currently kills over eight million people annually, with over 75 per cent of this from developing countries, where unfortunately Nigeria belongs.

“Today, smoking still remains very prevalent in our movies, in contravention of the NTC Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations 2019, which explicitly prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships in movies and entertainment.

“As we tell the Nigerian story, shape our future and build a society that is genuinely productive, we strongly believe that Nollywood has a role to play in stopping non-communicable diseases in Nigeria,” he said.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NFVCB, CAPPA   launch  campaign   against smoking, harmful substances in Nollywood films

By Joshua Olomu

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in collaboration with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA,) has launched campaign against smoking and consumption of other harmful substances in Nollywood films.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both organisations held a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood to sensitise filmmakers on Tuesday in Enugu.

Movie producers, directors and actors drawn from different parts of the country, as well as leader of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry were present at event.

In his speech , Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of NFVCB, said the sensitisation programme was to educate stakeholders on the danger inherent in consumption of smoking in Nigerian movies.

According to him, besides the health implications, glamourisation of smoking in films poses negative influence on teens and young adults who constitute the largest segment of Nigeria movie viewers.

“As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry.

“The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and supports smoke-free Nollywood, and we therefore seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.

“In spite the obvious fact that our culture and heritage are part of our existence, we tend to pay less than optimal attention to the movies that are produced.
“This continued until recently when this group, CAPPA decided to reach out to the developers and regulators of the film industry to put an end to the menace of smoking in movies.

“Therefore, after series of engagements, the NFVCB in collaboration with the CAPPA decided to do a ‘subsidiary regulations’ to cater for smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant Law.

“The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and began implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate.

“Most especially at this crucial time when the National Assembly is insisting that there is “Need to Curb the rising spate of cultism, trafficking, consumption of Illicit drugs and other substances among youths in Nigeria”, he said.

The NFVCB helmsman added that the board was set to undertake detailed enlightenment programmes in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups and other institutions.

Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA , said Nollywood has a role to play in ensuring that the growing concerns of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria is addressed.

According to him, there is need to reverse the role movies and music videos play in “the painting of smoking and tobacco use as a cool way of life.”

“Tobacco is a killer and it currently kills over eight million people annually, with over 75 percent of this from developing countries, where unfortunately Nigeria belongs.

“Today smoking still remains very prevalent in our movies, in contravention of the NTC Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations 2019, which explicitly prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships in movies and entertainment.

“As we tell the Nigerian story, shape our future and build a society that is genuinely productive, we strongly believe that Nollywood has a role to play in stopping non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

“With more than five million young Nigerians .aged 15 years addicted to smoking cigarettes, our jobs as movie practitioners and parents should include preparing our children for a smoke-free future.

“I want to specially thank the Executive Director of the NFVCB . for welcoming us with open arms in support and collaboration for this very important initiative,” he said

He explained that CAPPA) is a Pan-African organisation with robust interest in working with African communities to build partnerships towards the promotion and defense human rights through corporate and strategic policies and practices.

Earlier, Ali Nuhu, veteran actor and Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), commended NFVCB and CAPPA for the initiative.

Nuhu, who was represented by Mr Brian Etuk,Director Public Affairs of NFC, said the corporation was willing to engage stakeholders across the country on issues that will engender growth of the film industry.

“The NFC believes in partnerships that works, collaborations that pull efforts towards the same direction and in this dispensation, the joint efforts by the NFC and NFVCB shall be felt within the film industry.

“This workshop is apt and it takes its ample place in our collective quest of using film/movies to address societal moral issues, which has become prevalent, especially among our youthful population.”he said.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Aderogba George

An Abuja based sensational singer, Jessa Joan, has urged the female folks to use their talents to make positive impact on the society.

Joan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to her, the Nigerian entertainment industry has evolved over the years, rising to a level where it is currently estimated to worth nearly $15 million dollars.

“Women have what it takes to defy all odds and make themselves relevant in the industry, both in music, film, comedy or other aspects of entertainment.

“I am one of those who have made immense sacrifices to contribute their God-given talent to bring excitement in the minds of our people

“Through sleepless nights, hard work and commitment to translate my vision into reality, I challenged the status quo to book a spot of pride for women in the music industry especially in Abuja and environs.

“As a songwriter, singer and dancer as well, my sensational voice, laced with grace my talents have given me an opportunity to dine with kings and queens in entertainment industry. Any woman can do same’’, she said.

NAN reports that Joan has consistently been rated high on the account of her sterling performances at high profile events and social functions.

Her hit tracks are travelling like wildfire, blaring on the speakers of radio and TV stations, supermarkets, filling stations and public places.

She has been on media tour and being hosted by radio and TV stations to offer motivation to those who are feeling less of themselves.

She is also a philanthropist who through her Foundation, Jessa Joan Foundation carried out several impactful humanitarian programmes cutting across environment, education, water and sanitation, empowerment and health.

Joan will also be on stage at the upcoming African Iconic Women Awards (AIWRA) 2024 which will have several African First Ladies and wives of several Nigerian governors’ wives.

Also, the AY show coming up in Abuja would see her display her talent, add a sprinkle of glamour to the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Aderogba George

Popular Nollywood actress, Evanny Patrick, has made the list of Africa’s 2024 under 40 award recipients.

The Executive Chairman of Amity Global Network, Alex Nwankwo, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the event is organised by Mayorkings Agency Group.

According to Nwankwo, the Africa’s Under 40 CEOs Awards and Summit is a Top-notch Continental Award Event and Ranking.

“It identifies, showcases, honours and celebrates young Africans who are mostly influential, established and accomplished young business leaders, under the age of 40.

“Recipients were selected across various industries; people who have demonstrated commitment to business growth, development, professional excellence and community service as well as philanthropy.

“The event and rankings aim to encourage and promote young African champions globally as well as bridging a Room for networking, collaboration, unity of purpose amongst successful young African.

“The sole aim of this is for the Advancement of the African Continent.

“Mayorkings Agency Group together with its global Partners, highly committed Award Screening Committee and Jury are 100 per cent committed to honouring and celebrating only deserving young Africans at each editions,’’ Nwankwo said.

He explained that recipients of the awards would also be receive honorary doctorate degrees from Prowess University Delaware USA and Fellows of the Global Institute of Leadership and Governance, South Africa.

NAN reports the Delta-born actress was raised in Lagos where she attended to Kems College. She graduated from Houdegbe North American University, Benin with B.Sc. in Business Administration and Management.

She also bagged a Postgraduate Diploma in both Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

A beauty and fashion entrepreneur, she has followed her passion, acting, featuring along with high profile Nollywood stars in a number of blockbuster movies.

Some of the works where she featured are: `Perfect Ex’, `3 Sisters’, `Eniola Spice’, `Love Spices’, `Where I Found Love’, `Pablo’, `Mad Neighbours 2’, `One More Night’, `Love Wager’ and others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Taiye Olayemi
The Carnival Calabar Commission on Monday announced its partnership with Yanga Lotto and ASSITEJ Nigeria to improve on entertainment and educating activities for children.

Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Commission, made this known during a media briefing in Lagos.

Onah said the partnership was a deliberate move to take the Carnival back to the private sector to guarantee its sustainability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yanga Lotto is a digital gaming platform .

Also, ASSITEJ is an international body dedicated to the artistic, cultural, and educational rights of children and young people across the globe.

Onah noted that Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River desired to explore the 2024 edition of the carnival to improve creativity in children and ensure that citizens were enriched through the power of creativity, culture and tourism.

He said that the partnership with ASSITEJ Nigeria and Yanga Lotto necessitated those ideals.

“We are happy that we are taking Carnival Calabar back to the private sector and that is the way to encourage sustainability.

“The theme for the year’s carnival was unveiled on March 24 as ‘Our Shared Prosperity’,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Derrick Kentebbe, Executive Chairman, Yanga Lotto, expressed readiness to ensure that the gaming platform generated huge fund for the carnival through lottery and more.

Kentebbe said the the platform would engage the Genz in the course of the carnival.

“I can see the passion of the Carnival Calabar team here and I am sure the 2024 edition of the carnival will be the most successful ever. Expect a lot from Yanga games this year,” he said.

Dr Pamela Udoka, President of ASSITEJ Nigeria, noted that Nigerian culture and arts had been focused more on adults while the younger ones lose touch with African values.

Udoka said ASSITEJ Nigeria would be engaging the children and the young adults in conferences, workshops, theatre productions, panel discussions in the course of the carnival.

According to her, this was to spur children’s creativity, enlighten them on embracing culture and encourage talent discovery.

“We are trying to use Carnival Calabar to drive participation for children and young adults.

“So, we will be hosting ASSITEJ Nigeria Theatre Festival, exclusively for the young ones,” she said.

Unveiling the programme for the carnival, Mr Effiong Ekpenyong, Special Adviser, Events Management, Governor’s Office and Tourism Development, said the carnival would begin with lighting of Christmas trees in the Canaan City.

He said the carnival will start on Dec. 1 with HIV AIDs walk day to the festival village and the official opening of the carnival.

“Each day of the carnival will be an experience, we will feature comedy night, reggae night, boat regatta at the Marina Resort waterfront, barbecue night and more.

“We will feature a mega concert where A list Nigerian artistes will perform for free and we have a mini theme known as ‘Sweetness Continues’,” he said.

Mr Austine Cobham, Executive Secretary, Carnival Commission, said the carnival would be a 32-day event.

Cobham said ahead of the 32-day carnival, the first Dry Run heralding the carnival would hold Oct. 20, the second dry run would be on Nov. 2 while the third and final dry run would hold Dec. 8.

“The cultural carnival would hold on Dec 26, as well as the Kings and Queens performance; the children carnival, now called the junior carnival will take place on Dec. 27.

“The Carnival Calabar, known as Africa’s biggest street party, will be on Dec. 28, Bikers Parade will hold Dec 29 while the Street party will be on Dec. 30,” he said.

Mrs Mary Ephraim-Egbas, Managing Director of OKHMA Global, official marketing company for the carnival, said, “We are proud to be associated with Carnival Calabar, we appreciate the sponsors.

“This year, we are looking at taking the relationship further, we seek infrastructure partnership to be able to create cabins for the carnival.

“We also want partners in the area of drinks, we usually have attendance of over two million people, we stream the carnival in over 42 countries, it is a viable platform for sponsors to come on board,” she said.

Ikechi Uko, the Carnival Calabar Consultant commended the commission for standing tall for 20 years, making the carnival to run smoothly and welcoming innovations.

Uko described the carnival as the biggest tourism product Nigeria had sold to the world, adding that it also stood the test of time.

He said Carnival Calabar had encouraged institutional memory, ensured bye-in from the people and separating the spiritual from the carnival. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

By Joshua Olomu

Benneth Igweh, FCT Police Commissioner has expressed support for SLTV, an indigenous Nigerian pay television.

He said approval had been given for the installation of decoders and satellite dish of SLTV in all the police division under FCT Command, in patronage of the Nigerian brand.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CP made the approval when a delegation of the team and partners of Metrodigital Limited, operators of SLTV paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Igweh, who received the visitors in company of his management team, directed that all six Area Commands in the territory should also benefit from the gesture, including the command headquarters.

He commended SLTV for providing an indigenous alternative to exorbitant and monopolistic satellite pay TV service providers.”

According to him, procuring the decoders is not just a demonstration of support for the brand, but to ensure that officers and men across the FCT have access to timely news and information in the office.

“We must appreciate and support our own that has come to ensure that Nigerians enjoy good and affordable pay TV service, and we are providing this to all our Area Commands and Divisions.

“However, I want SLTV to work harder so that we can have Pay AS You Go in Nigeria as obtainable in other climes,” he said.

Earlier in her remark, Princess Nikky Onyeri, Chief Operating Officer of Camroll Quest Ltd, who lead the delegation to the Command headquarters, said the visit was to explain the operations of SLTV to the Police boss.

She said the meeting was also an opportunity to thank the CP for lending his support for indigenous brands by attending the Post SLTV Launch reception held over the weekend in Abuja.

Onyeri who presented decoders and dishes to the Police boss said SLTV offers over 50 HD channels, including 10 sports channels.

She added that it showed live football matches from the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Seria A, and UEFA, among others, with a monthly subscription ranging from N2,5000 and N5,000.

“The Police are critical stakeholders in all aspects of our national life, and SLTV wants to work with it as a worthy partner in our collective service to our nation,” she said.

NAN recalls that the Federal Government, in a bid to offer Nigerians alternatives and enhance competition in the satellite pay television sector, had in March unveiled SLTV, an indigenous satellite pay television.

The launch event, held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, saw the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stating that “SLTV would provide Nigerians with real value for their money.”

He commended Metrodigital Limited, the operators of SLTV, for their patriotic initiative and expressed the Federal Government’s full support for the venture.

Just two months after the launch, SLTV has already gained popularity and acceptance among teeming Nigerian subscribers to the pay TV service because of its relatively low packages.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

JOSH/EAL