By Jessica Dogo

Qausain Group of Companies, through its flagship broadcasting channel, Qausain TV, has appointed its board Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Directors, and a Director-General.

The Qausain Group President, Alh Nasir Idris, in a statement on in Abuja, announced that the appointments were ratified during a Board of Directors meeting.

Idris said that the former Military Governor of Kano State, Col. Sani Bello (retired) has been appointed Pro-tem Chairman of the board.

“The appointment of Bello as Chairman Pro-Tem is for an initial term of four years, in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

“His responsibilities include providing effective leadership, promoting open discussions, and facilitating sound decision-making within the Board,” he said.

Idris said that the former Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, was named as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

“Pantami, in his role as an Independent Non-Executive Director, will offer independent oversight and challenge the Board’s decisions with an objective, impartial perspective.

“His position is designed to ensure that deliberations are free from conflicts of interest,” he said

The President added that revealed renowned former BBC Hausa Service broadcaster, Ahmad Abdullahi, has also been appointed as Non-Executive Director, while popular Kannywood actor and singer, Adam Zango, is the Director-General of Qausain TV.

He said that the appointments were in line with the vision of the broadcast outfit.

“Abdullahi, a veteran journalist, who served the BBC for 28 years before retiring in July 2023, will focus on promoting high standards of corporate governance.

“He will be expected to entrench ethical conduct and regulatory compliance in his role as a Non-Executive Director.

“Zango’s appointment as Director-General is effective immediately.

“The board highlighted his extensive experience in the media industry, and agreed that his expertise aligns with the company’s pursuit of excellence and innovation.

“His responsibilities include shaping Qausain TV’s strategic direction, driving premium brand development, forging strategic partnerships, and enhancing sales strategies,” he said.

He urged the appointees to leverage their extensive experience to drive the company’s goals, objectives and mission forward.

“We are confident that the appointees’ background and profound insights will be instrumental in propelling the company to new heights of success,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Priscilla Osaje

No fewer than 3,120 film submissions have been received by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), in response to the upcoming 14th edition of the Zuma International Film Festivals (ZUFF) slated for Dec. 1 to Dec. 5.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the corporation, Dr Ali Nuhu, disclosed this at a news conference and official logo unveiling of the festival in Abuja on Tuesday.

The  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forthcoming festival with the theme, “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future”, will be a landmark celebration of film, culture and digital transformation

According to Nuhu, NFC, this year, has highlighted the transformative power of digital technology in filmmaking, with over 3,120 films submissions from countries including Nigeria, Iran, India, USA, Spain, and France.

Nuhu, who is also Chairman of the Central Joint Committee of ZUFF, described the annual festival as a platform that facilitates the promotion of  Nigeria’s cultural values and creative economy.

“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our journey toward enhancing Nigeria’s vibrant film industry (Nollywood) through the  flagship event of the  festival.

“We reaffirm our commitment to stakeholders, the government, as well as their global partners,” he said.

He  further appreciated Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, for her unwavering support toward the festival, as well as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for being a major co-hosting partner.

“Special thanks to the  Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, and  Minister of State  FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, for providing an enabling environment for the festival.”

According to Nuhu, Zuma International Film Festival is more than an event due to its movement in the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy.

“The festival creates jobs, empowers youth, and fosters collaboration across borders,” he added.

The NFC boss further announced Stephanie  Okereke-Linus, an award-winning actress, as the Head of Jury for ZUFF 2024, stressing that her creative engagement had inspired many within and beyond their shores.

“Along with other distinguished film experts as Jury members, their task of processing and selecting winning entries remains very vital.

“The festival highlights include: Zuma Film Festival Light up Night and Opening Ceremony; NFC Annual Film Lecture with the theme: “Digital Ecosystems: Redefining African Cinema”.

“Others are Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking session, featuring Malik Afegbua on AI’s role in storytelling; free film screenings across selected venues in Abuja as well as Film Trade & Finance Forum among others,” he said.

Nuhu commended the media for its continued support and vital role in amplifying the voice of the industry.

“Looking forward to seeing you at ZUFF, where we will celebrate the power of film to transform lives, shape cultures, and inspire future generations.”

Also speaking, Mrs Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism, said the relationship between tourism and creative economy could not be over-emphasised because of their vital contribution in generating income that would have an impact on the country’s GDP.

“My  prayer is that the films that are produced in Nigeria will be recognised globally and win Oscar awards as well.

“Nigeria has been producing movies in CDs, about 10 to 12 a day, until things changed, especially when Funke Akindele came out with ‘Jenifa’, she did an amazing job,” she said.

Mrs Halima Oyelade, the Festival  Director, in her welcome address, said  ZUFF had evolved into a global platform, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers to showcase the best of African and international cinema.

“Our theme this year, “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future,” captures the transformative power of the digital age, focusing on how young creatives can leverage technology to shape their futures.

“This theme celebrates the fusion of creativity and innovation, highlighting opportunities for job creation, wealth generation, and positioning filmmakers at the forefront of global trends,” Oyelade said.

She appreciated the NFC boss for his visionary leadership  which had transformed the festival into a global must-attend event.

“My boss’s  dedication to elevating the film industry is truly inspiring.

“To our partners, sponsors, and the creative community working tirelessly behind the scenes, we appreciate your invaluable contributions.

“To the media, thank you for being the bridge that amplifies the voices of African creatives. As we look ahead, I invite you all to embrace the energy of this “Digital Renaissance” and join us in celebrating the future of cinema.

“Together we will continue building a thriving film industry that elevates storytelling and creates opportunities for generations to come,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Priscilla Osaje

Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) in collaboration with Leadership Scorecard Magazine, is organising an awards to celebrate creative influence of Disc Jockeys (DJs) in Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the upcoming 2024 Nigerian Deejays Awards, aimed at recognising unsung heroes of Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry will hold on Dec. 6, in  Abuja.

Humphrey Onyima, Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Scorecard Magazine  and organiser of  the awards, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria’s music industry had witnessed explosive growth, based on its  significant contributions to the global music scene.

Onyima,  who is also the project consultant, said that the industry was thriving from the dominance of afrobeat to the infusion of traditional Nigerian rhythms in modern soundscapes.

”However, while artists, producers, and music video directors are often celebrated in numerous awards shows, the critical role of deejays(DJs)  remains largely underrepresented and uncelebrated.

”Notwithstanding, deejays are vital players in the music ecosystem. They shape trends, promote artists and serve as cultural ambassadors by introducing new sounds to local and global audiences.

“Yet their contributions often go unnoticed. So based on that, Nigerian Deejays Awards seeks to fill the gaps by acknowledging and celebrating the creative influence of DJs in Nigeria’s music and entertainment landscape,” he said.

The project consultant further said the awards ceremony aimed at recognising and celebrating  the achievements of Nigerian DJs, who had contributed significantly to the growth of the music industry.

”It is to elevate the status of DJs  by providing a platform that highlights their importance and influence within the entertainment ecosystem, as well as inspiring future generations of deejays, showcasing Disc jockey (DJ) as a legitimate and influential career path.

”It aims at  promoting professionalism within the DJ community by encouraging excellence, creativity and innovation, and also document the historical contributions of pioneering DJs  who have shaped Nigeria’s sound culture,” Onyima added.

According to him, the nomination process would allow DJAN members, as well as the public to nominate DJs through an online platform, when a jury of industry professionals would be selected to vet the final nomination.

He added that  there would be performance and recognition during the show, where DJs would be required to perform throughout the award ceremony.

”In aspects of collaboration and partnership, music streaming, nightclubs and event venues, DJ equipment manufacturers, telecommunication companies and government bodies will be involved in such celebrations.

”The significance of the award is to recognise  the crucial role that DJs play in promoting new artists, making and breaking hit songs by bringing global attention to Nigerian music.

”By creating an annual competition for excellence, which will motivate the DJs to continue raising the standard of their craft whether in mixing, live performance or music curation.

“It will also expose them by opening opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and career growth among others,” he said.

Also speaking, Prince Akim Edeh, National President of DJAN, said the awards ceremony, which happens to be the maiden edition, would be one of its kind in recent times.

According to him, effort has been made to create awareness and they have also reached out to their partners to make the event a remarkable one.

”DJAN is the king of entertainment, bearing in mind that every artist needs a DJ. The DJs have not been recognised in any category in many awards.

”We are not happy about it, so we have decided to take the bull by the horns by making it the mother of all award, where others will partner to sustain their own,” DJAN president said.

NAN also reports that the key awards categories include; Best Club DJ, Best Radio DJ, Best Afrobeat DJ, DJ of the Year( Overall Excellence), Best Female DJ, Best Event DJ.

Others were  Breakthrough DJ of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award(Pioneering Contribution) and Electronic Music DJ of the Year.

The targeted audience are the DJs(emerging and established), musicians and producers, entertainment executives, media professionals, music enthusiasts, government and cultural agencies and youths interested in the creative industry. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Oladele Eniola

A filmmaker, Seun Dania, says the use of Computer Generated Images (CGI) has helped in enhancing visual quality of Nigerian movies.

Dania told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos that CGI had helped Nollywood movies to compete globally with visually stunning films.

“Over the years, the use of CGI in Nollywood movies has gained traction which has led to significant improvements in the movies we produced.

“CGI has vastly improved in Nollywood and this has helped the latter to compete with other movies globally thereby expanding our culture on a global scale.

“It also helps in depicting epic fictional movies because CGI helps to create the environment and scenario for such genre of movie to thrive,” he said.

Dania, who is also a film producer, however, cautioned filmmakers not to rely much on CGI, noting that it can overshadow the emotional depth of storytelling.

He added that the use of CGI could also undermine the cultural authenticity of a movie.

“Over reliance on CGI can overshadow the emotional depth of storytelling and even CGI adoption can create disparity in the quality of Nollywood films.

“Improved visuals would attract international attention but low quality and overreliance on CGI for humanly achievable stunts and performance can undermine Nollywood’s unique cultural richness.

“CGI is a powerful tool but it must be used thoughtfully to prioritise storytelling and maintain cultural authenticity,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Folasade Adeniran

Nigerian actress, Ini Edo, has announced that she is engaged and set to have a fairytale wedding.

Edo made this known in a post via her Instagram handle, @iniedo, on Sunday.

She wrote: “That bright Sunday morning six months ago, while on vacation, we crossed paths, and our lives never remained the same.

“Exactly three months later you asked me to be with you forever. How did I get so lucky?

“They say, ‘your flaws are perfect for the heart that is meant to love you’ I now believe this wholeheartedly.

“1 of 3 done. My fairytale wedding is almost here.

“To anyone out there who has given up on their happily ever after, Love will find you, and when it does, ready or not, it’ll be the best thing that ever happened to you.”

The actress ended the post with hashtags- #Loveisinifinite24, #MyFairytaleWedding, #SaveTheDate 20.10.24, #myfairytaleweddingtheseries. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

By Priscilla Osaje

Mr Francis John, Executive Director, Kulikuli Entertainment Records Label, USA, has called for the promotion of Afrobeat music to set new global standards in the music industry.

John made this call at the news conference and  introduction of ‘NYcee’, KuliKuli Entertainment USA’s first afrobeat artist to the world in Abuja.

He said  afrobeat singers infused contemporary capacity that make songs to be  electrified and  such would take afrobeat  to  new heights.

John  said that introducing an exceptionally talented NYcee, the first artist to be officially signed under the music label, was an exciting moment.

According to him, NYcee was not only being celebrated because of her potential,  but also the endless possibilities that afrobeat holds on the global stage.

“At KuliKuli Entertainment, we believe in talent that transcends borders,  NYcee is the very definition of that.

“Her voice carries the heartbeat of afrobeat, infused with a contemporary flair that makes her music both electrifying and soothing.

“She is bold, creative and committed to making a lasting impact. This is why we have taken the leap to invest in her journey.

“We believe that with the right backing, she will not only shine in Nigeria but around the world,” he said.

He  further  said that  their openness was  not limited to just rising stars like NYcee, but they also  welcome collaborations with successful musicians, promoters, producers, and financiers across Nigeria, Africa and America.

”Whether you are an established artist looking  for collaboration, a promoter ready to showcase talent, or a financier interested in backing groundbreaking projects, we are  ready to work with you.

“Together, we can create something truly remarkable that elevates afrobeat and sets new global standards.

“I sincerely thank you all for being here, for your support and believing in the vision. Together, we will take afrobeat to new heights, and NYcee will become a name the world will know and love,” he added.

Also speaking, Dr Halima Mahaja, Chief Executive Officer, Global Diverse Consortium LLC Atlanta Georgia, said the introduction focused on believing in the possibilities of human potential.

She described NYcee as a young woman with incredible talent, but more importantly,  a symbol of resilience, dedication and the power of dreams.

Mahaja,  an associate partner of Kulikuli, said that NYcee represented the hope of countless young artists, who were waiting for their moment to shine and the  moment began for her from today.

“KuliKuli Entertainment, under the visionary leadership of  John, has seen what others may have overlooked.

“They have taken a risk, investing not only in an artist, but in the future of afrobeat and global music culture.

”In a world where the next big thing can emerge from any corner of the globe, NYcee’s journey reflected the dreams of many who wished to make their mark.

”We are not just here to celebrate one artist, rather to extend our hands to collaborators, promoters, producers, and financiers in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” she said.

”Together, we can create music that resonates across continents and touches lives in ways we cannot even imagine.With KuliKuli Entertainment at the helm, we are poised for extraordinary success.

“This is not just about financial return, this is about cultural impact, brand recognition, and being part of a movement that elevates  afrobeat to new heights,” she added.

She urged stakeholders  to continue  to work together, by  ensuring that the dreams  nurtured here  would take root and blossom into a future filled with music, collaboration and success.

Mr  Harrison Emmanuel, Danteslen from the UK, said the bold vision of  Kulikuli Entertainment, as well as the  exciting future of afrobeat would continue to captivate hearts around the world.

Emmanuel, who specialised in photography, cinematography, and filmmaking, said Afrobeat born from the soul of Africa, has emerged as a global movement that speaks to the hearts of millions across continents.

“Today, we add a new voice to that movement, a voice that is powerful, fresh, and poised to make waves on the international stage ‘NYcee’.

“NYcee is more than a musician. She is a symbol of perseverance, talent, and authenticity.

“Her journey from the streets of Nigeria to this global stage has been one marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in her talent.

“As we all know, the road to success is rarely smooth. There are challenges and setbacks, but the key is to rise stronger and more determined,” he said.

The convener, Nancy Bernard popularly known as NYcee, said she feels so excited and blessed, for people above someone to actually believe in a person  that was not up to their standard.

Bernard said that professionally, she had been in the music industry since 2012  through  other management.

According to her, being an afrobeat singer would help her to stay glued to her roots, as well as enabling her to influence her society.

”I have known Kulikuli  Entertainment for over 10 years now , it is the right network that can work with my personality and bring out the best in me.

”A lot of people do music for different reasons, but as a  human activist, I do not just do it for money but to pass messages  across to the society,” she added.

Bernard appealed to her fans and well-wishers to always support her in her music career,  in order to attain her goals in the industry.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Taiye Olayemi

The TAMI duo, with individual names, Damilola and Toyosi, have been evicted from the ongoing Big Brother Naija, “No Loose Guard” season.

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the host of the reality television show, announced their eviction at a live show on Sunday night.

The TAMI duo was evicted after it received the least percentage of votes among three other pairs.

Based on the voting polls, Tami got 2.21 per cent of the total votes. Streeze came in next with 4.58 per cent, Radicals with 4.81 per cent and Chekas with 5.12 per cent.

During their onstage interview, Toyosi said that,  although she was disappointed that she had to leave so early, she was not surprised as her partner, Damilola had issues with most of the housemates.

However, Damilola said that she tried to mend fences when she realised that she had offended many of her fellow housemates.

“I guess my apology didn’t go anywhere,” she said.

Meanwhile, the duo of Streeze, with individual names Toby Forge and Mayor Frosh, has been crowned the new custodians of the house as they secure immunity for the week. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Taiye Olayemi

Nigeria’s music legend, Onyeka Onwenu, popularly dubbed as the “Elegant Stallion”, has died at the age of 72.

Onwenu reportedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okolie, Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, on Tuesday in Lagos.

She was said to have been rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she reportedly passed away.

A source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals tonight.

“After performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onwenu was born in 1952.

She began her music career in the 1980s and released her debut album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.

She has since released numerous albums and singles, including the hit song, “One Love”.

Onwenu has also acted in several Nollywood films and won numerous awards for her contributions to music and film.

In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu has also been involved in politics.

She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.

She was awarded the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran