By Joshua  Olomu

The Federal Government has created Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies (NACUS), a specialised institution to train individuals for innovative studies and the development of Nigeria’s culture and history.

Otunba Biodun-Ajiboye, Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) made this known in a statement on Monday.

According to him, the specialised academy will serve as  the nation’s citadel of cultural training.

He said the institution, hitherto the training school of NICO, now has the approval of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He added that NACUS has received accreditation to run a programme leading to the award of National Diploma in Cultural Administration & Management (NDCAM), while its Postgraduate Diploma programme  is affiliated with the Nasarawa State University.

According to Ajiboye, the development is a pointer to the fact that Nigeria under the present administration has seen the need to embrace culture at its highest level.

“We appreciate the federal government for the rebranding and elevation of the institution, which was hitherto the training school of NICO, to a full-fledged higher institution for cultural education and training.

“This is a clear indication that the President Bola  Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda has come to fully recognise culture and the need for cultural renaissance to take  center stage in its policy making  processes.

“The nation has seen the need to incorporate adequate cultural content in our school curriculum both in the primary, secondary and tertiary education systems.

“What this means is that we are able to shed off the foreign cultural antecedents that we have inadvertently imbibed over the years.

“We will now begin to realise the importance of our innate cultural essentialities which will confer on us as a people, a great dose of originality, thereby paving way for adequate cultural identity,” he said.

Ajiboye noted that the accreditation and affiliation have  provided an opportunity for certification of individuals who have obtained the  Diploma to proceed for the Postgraduate Diploma programme and eventually enroll for their Master’s degree.

He said efforts were already in place to involve the Head of Service of the Federation to ensure that   certificates from the academy are accepted in the civil service and beyond.

He disclosed that “according to  Hannatu Musawa,the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy,  the institution shall have campuses  in four geographical  zones of North, South and East and in the FCT.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Joshua Olomu

Dr Ifeanyi Nwafor, Managing Director of Metrodigital Limited, owners of Silver Lake Television (SLTV), indigenous Nigerian satellite pay television, has been honoured with ‘Salute to Courage Award’ (SACA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he receive the award at the SLTV Post Launch Reception organised by Camroll Quest Limited and associates of SLTV on Saturday in Abuja.

Princess Nikky Onyeri, Chief Operating Officer of Camroll Quest Ltd, who presented the award to the SLTV boss, said the honour was in celebration of his doggedness towards ensuring that Nigeria has indigenous pay television.

According to her, Metrodigital Limited, under Nwafor’s watch, took bold and patriotic steps in conceiving SLTV for Nigerians to have alternative to monopolistic satellite pay TV service providers.

“When nobody gave Nigerians a chance, Ifeanyi Nwafor and Metrodigital remained focused and resilient for us to have our own satellite pay television, and so today, we are recognising tenacity, we are recognising resilience and doggedness.

“This celebration and award came from many years of being in the battlefield as the opposition party tried everything possible to put Metrodigital away.

“I believe this is also the only award that is recognised by the government of Nigeria in the sense that the National Copyright Council has certified this award.

“For 13 years they were taken to court in Nigeria and they still took them to European courts for three years, all as part of plots to stop this patriotic vision, but Metrodigital won at the end.

“The fact that we are in the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, has also given us another hope because this is happening under his government,” she said.

In his remark, Nwafor expressed appreciation for the honour accorded him and the SLTV team, adding that the team was poised to do more towards ensuring that the pay television network gives value to Nigerians.

He lamented that the growth of pay TV in Nigeria over the years had been hampered by policies and legal frameworks that encouraged monopoly.

“I am very happy and humbled by this honour,and we promise not to disappoint Nigerians as we urge them to patrionise their own.

“We are very considerate with our prices because we are Nigerians and we are not going to take Nigerians for granted,” he said.

He explained that SLTV has over 50 HD channels with 10 Sports channels that show live football matches from all major football league in Europe, with a monthly subscription ranging from N2,500 and N5,000.

Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the occasion, Abubakar Jijiwa, said SLTV was a veritable alternative that has emerged to respond to yearning of Nigerians by giving them value for their money.

According to Jijiwa, a former Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), the new satellite pay television will also create jobs for teeming Nigerian youths from its entire value chain.

“SLTV has come to stay, but we must support it as our own, because our own will drive direct foreign investment and create jobs.

“Let us spread the message that there is now a Nigerian company that is providing pay TV services at a cheaper price than others,” he said.

Top government functionaries, heads of both private and public organisations, seasoned entrepreneurs and consumers of pay TV services were among stakeholders present at the event.

Also there was goodwill messages from the Nigerian police and other stakeholders.

NAN reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had in March unveiled the indigenous Nigerian satellite television, SLTV, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

He said its establishment aligns with the hopes of Nigerians to “reap from the bountiful harvest awaiting investors in the Nigerian economy.”

Akume, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Prof. Babatunde Bernard, said the operators of SLTV, Metrodigital Limited, took a patriotic step in setting up the satellite television.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Taiye Olayemi

Nigerian film, “Breath of Life”, has won major categories in the 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).

The film, produced in 2023 by BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunnu secured wins for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound Design, Best Director, and the most coveted award of the night – Best Movie.

The AMVCA is an annual award presented by MultiChoice, recognising outstanding achievements in television and film.

The event started on Thursday with a night of icons and a vibrant Cultural Day celebration on Friday.

On Saturday, the 10th anniversary of the award continued at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, hosted by television personality, Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa.

Veteran Actress,  Idowu Philips, known as Iya Rainbow”, was honoured with the ‘Industry Merit Award’.

Richard Mofe-Damijo, a veteran Nollywood actor, was also announced as joint winner of the Industry Merit Award of the 10th edition of the AMVCA.

Reesponding, Philips said,  “I thank God that I am still alive. 1942 till now, I thank God. I dedicate the award to my creator, my late husband, Augustine Ayanfemi, my childen, my fans and my friends. Thank you all.”

Mofe-Damijo said: “AMVCA thank you. This is completely unexpected. Every actor, producer, writer and all need someone who can trust in them, I have been blessed by being supported by young people. I thank you.”

Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun clinched the ‘Best Indigenous Language West Africa’.

Receiving the award, Adebayo said:  “Thank you AMVCA and all the cast and crew of  Jagun Jagun. We are unstoppable, we are going harder.”

Below is a list of winners at the 10th AMVCA:

Best Writing Award: Volume

Best writing movie: Fumilayo Ransome Kuti – Tunde Babalola

Best Sound Design: Grey Jones Ossai x2 (Breathe of Life and Blood Vessel)

Best Editing: Antonio Ribeiro

Best Indigenous West Africa. Femi Adebayo Jagun Jagun

Best Digital Content: Layi Wasabi

Best Short Film: Broken Mask

Best Unscripted M-Net Original: Nwuyee Bekee (Foreign Wives)

Best Scripted: Slum King

Best Makeup: Mami Wata (Campbell Precious Arebamen)
Best Art Direction: Over the bridge

Best Costume Design: Jagun Jagun (Lola Awe)

Best Supporting Actress: Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life

Best Supporting Actor: Ademola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)

Best Cinematography: Over the bridge

Best Indigenous MNet Original: Irora Iya

Trailblazer Award: Chimezie Imo

Industry Merit Awards: Iya Rainbow aka Idowu Philips and Richard Mofe Damijo

Best Lead Actress: Kehinde Bankole (Adire)

Best Lead Actor: Wale Ojo (Breath of Life)

Best MultiChoice Talent Factory Movie: Our Dark Past

Best Series (Unscripted): Gh Queens (s2)

Best Series Scripted: Itura

Best Director: BB Sasore (Breath of Life)

Best Movie: Breath of Life

Speaking at the event, Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said that the AMVCA was created to honour exceptional achievements in television and film across the continent.

”We are excited to have been able to keep that fire burning through 10 editions.

“Year after year, we have received numerous entries and can attest to the growth in the quality of submissions with each edition.

“While this year’s edition is a milestone edition as it is the 10th, it is also a testament to the growth the film industry in Africa has experienced.

“We congratulate all the winners and nominees who have put in the incredible work. We’ll also like to say a big thank you to everyone in the African film industry. You have all made us proud,” she said.

Some of the visible works from the awards include ‘Breath of Life’ and ‘Jagun Jagun’, winning multiple awards.

Shaffy Bello and Seyi Sodimu mesmerised the audience with their 1999 produced music,  “Love Me Jeje”.

Victory Gbakara, 2023 winner of the Nigerian Idol did a performance while renowned artistes like KCee, Awilo, Chike and Adekunle Gold also thrilled the audience. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Joshua Olomu

‘Up NEPA’, a documentary that chronicles the lingering challenges of electricity supply in Nigeria has premiered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that filmmakers, industry stakeholders, representatives of relevant institutions and electricity consumers were present at the screening of the film on Thursday night in Abuja.

The documentary is produced by Griot Studios, a multimedia company acclaimed for producing and distributing content with socio-cultural effects towards a better society.

‘UP NEPA’ probes Nigeria’s unreliable power supply and its impact on individuals, Businesses and the economy.

The film brings to the fore broad challenges facing the sector, including poor electricity policy implementation, regulatory uncertainty, gas supply challenges, transmission system constraints and corruption, among others.

The film features special guest stars including veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw and ace rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI, among others.

Industry experts such as Patrick Okigbo, Bart Nnaji, Alex Okoh, and Rahila Thomas and other stakeholders were also interviewed in the documentary.

It also features interviews with everyday people, including cold store owners in Ibadan, plastics manufacturers in Aba and Kano and healthcare workers in Lagos.

Ishaya Bako, Director of film, said it was shot in various locations across Nigeria and was released in partnership with ‘The Electricity Hub.’

Bako, renowned for directing award-winning documentaries like “Fueling Poverty” and “Silent Tears,” said the “UP NEPA” project took over two years for its completion.

“I am grateful to be able to share this film with an audience which it has been many years in the making.

“The documentary provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges of providing adequate, and sustained electrical power to Nigeria’s growing population in spite being one of the world’s largest primary energy producers.

“It also examines the historical changes and government reforms within the power sector while anticipating future developments.

“I am particularly grateful to the MacArthur Foundation, for their support in producing the film, and our hardworking team at Griot Studios, who have persevered to ensure this project becomes a reality,” he said.

Earlier, Ummi Yakubu, Executive Producer of “UP NEPA” and Creative Director of Griot Studios, told NAN on the sideline that the project was conceived to stir discussions towards finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

“This is an issue that affects the quality of life, from every aspect of it, whether it is healthcare, business, the quality of life generally.

“It is important to note that economic development and growth cannot take place without consistent and reliable power supply.

“We are hoping that the average Nigerian will watch this and understand what is going on in the power sector and understand who the key players are.

“They will also understand how power actually gets generated, all the way to coming down to us being able to switch on our sockets and get power,” she said.

NAN reports that the premiere included an interactive session between industry stakeholders, special guests and electricity consumers.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

 Patron
By Joshua Olomu
Actors Guild of Nigeria (NAN), the umbrella body of Nollywood actors, has announced the appointment of business mogul, Kenneth Ifekudu, as its National Patron.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that National President of AGN, Emeka Rollas, made the announcement in a statement on Friday.

According him, Ifekudu’s appointment was in recognition of  his passionate  contributions to the growth and development of the creative economy and his philanthropic gestures.

Rollas stated that “the Board of Trustees and the entire AGN members  have  presented a letter of appointment as National Patron to a successful businessman and Managing Director/CEO of Diamond Leeds Ltd, High Chief Kenneth Ifekudu.

“The appointment is in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of  national economy, especially in areas of infrastructure, hospitality, support to humanity and  exceptional leadership qualities.

“It is our intention to confer few selected distinguished individuals from across the nation who have given invaluable support to humanity and  national economy over the years with national patron,” he said.

According to the AGN helmsman, Ifekudu has graciously accepted the responsibility and pledged his goodwill and best assurances to contribute to the growth and development of the guild.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Taiye Olayemi

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it has partnered the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Lagos State Government to implement standardisation in hotel services across the state.

Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso-Okeke, Director-General, SON, said this during a standardisation conference organised by the agency for tourism and related services industry, on Friday in Lagos.

The conference had the theme: “Implementing International Best Practices in Hospitality Businesses”.

Chukwunonso-Okeke said that standardisation was important to strengthening quality in tourism businesses in Nigeria.

He said that in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, it had become necessary to redefine the direction to ensure Nigerian tourism businesses are acceptable to all markets, locally and internationally.

“Today, SON is collaborating with private sector umbrella body, FTAN and Lagos state government authorities, to implement existing international and national standards.

“These are: NIS ISO 22483:2021- hotels service requirements and NIS 489:2020- hotels and serviced accommodation management system and rating, requirements and guidance for use.

“These are built into a certification scheme, to carry out certification of hospitality establishments within Nigeria.

“SON certification will ensure international best practices in the different tourism business operations.

“In hospitality establishments, it will steer up the zeal for hospitality businesses to adequately train their staff and ensure consistence in their service delivery,” he said.

Chukwunonso-Okeke noted that SON’s certification would add value to the hospitality establishments.

He said it would also assist them to compete globally, improve reputation, increase confidence of employers and employees as well as earning power.

He said tourism being one of the largest employer of labour in Nigeria and capable of gainfully engaging the youth, could also increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to him, most countries in Europe and Africa who survive on tourism businesses have come into Nigeria as investors to put in huge funds in building hospitality establishments.

He said most of these nations have gone as far as acquiring leading international brands in the hospitality sector to make their businesses preferred, to that of their competitors.

“It is important to mention that some investors come to Nigeria because they are aware that Nigerian tourism market is open and has less competition in the aspect of quality.

“Nigeria has what any country needs to boost its economy in tourism. We have unique tourist sites, rich culture and population.

“Nigerian tourism experts participate actively in national, regional and international tourism standardisation activities.

“Their contributions in the development of ISO Standards for accommodation, restaurants and adventure tourism, is still appreciated by the international standards community,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, underscored the importance of standardisation in the tourism industry.

Benson-Awoyinka, represented by Mrs Oloruntoyin Atekoja, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said standardisation plays a pivotal role in ensuring quality, consistency and competitiveness within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Benson-Awoyinka explained that standardisation remains the cornerstone upon which the tourism industry can thrive on a global stage.

“Embracing international best practices not only elevates our offerings but also strengthens our position as a premier destination for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences.

“While we acknowledge the challenges in meeting international standards, we also recognise the immense opportunities that standardisation brings for growth, innovation and sustainable development within our industry.

“Let me reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Lagos state government in supporting initiatives that promote standardisation and excellence in tourism and hospitality related services.

“It is in line with this standardisation that the ministry is currently digitising its hotel licensing processes and other regulatory activities.

“As we all know that true progress can only be achieved through collaborative efforts.

“I, therefore, encourage all stakeholders, government agencies, industry players, academia, and international bodies to work hand-in-hand toward implementing international best practices and setting new benchmarks of success,” she said.

Also, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, National President of FTAN, said standardisation in the tourism industry was long overdue as he advised tourism practitioners to embrace collaborations. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Joshua Olomu

‘Up NEPA’, a documentary film that explores the challenges of electricity supply in Nigeria is set for premiere in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) on May 9.

Ishaya Bako, ace Nollyood filmmaker and Director of the film, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, the documentary probes the persistent issues surrounding electricity in Nigeria, such as unreliable power supply and its impact on individuals, Businesses and the economy.

Bako said the acclaimed documentary is produced by Griot Studios, a multimedia company that specialises in producing and distributing content with socio-cultural relevance.

He said “Up NEPA” features special guest stars including veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw and ace rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI.

According to the Director, the film features interviews with everyday people, including cold store owners in Ibadan, plastics manufacturers in Aba and Kano, and healthcare workers in Lagos.

He added that industry experts such as Patrick Okigbo, Bart Nnaji, Alex Okoh, and Rahila Thomas and other stakeholders were also interviewed in the project.

“I am grateful to be able to share this film with an audience, it’s been many years in the making.

“The documentary provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges of providing adequate and sustained electrical power to Nigeria’s growing population despite being one of the world’s largest primary energy producers.

“It also examines the historical changes and government reforms within the power sector while anticipating future developments.

“The film is scheduled to premiere on the 9th of May 2024 in Abuja and will subsequently be available for free on the film’s website.

“I am particularly grateful to the MacArthur Foundation, for their support in producing the film, and our hardworking team at Griot Studios, who have persevered to ensure this project becomes a reality,” he said.

Bako, renowned for directing award-winning documentaries like “Fueling Poverty” and “Silent Tears,” said the documentary’s release is in partnership with ‘The Electricity Hub.’

He explained that the premiere will include an interactive session between industry stakeholders and special guests to chart a common front towards proffering possible solutions to the lingering electricity challenges in the country.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Aderogba George

Sapioworks, an initiative that links artisans and clients, has collaborated with Nigerian Music Producer, Michael Collins also known as Don Jazzy of Marvin Records to empower Artisans in Nigeria and other African countries.

The Founder, Dr. Sonnia Agu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja said the project would offer tangible benefits to artisans, offering them crucial financial support and empowerment.

“Sapioworks, an innovative platform, is driving transformation in Africa as it evolves into a vibrant entrepreneurial hub.

“This innovative initiative empowers artisans to become successful ‘Pyjamas CEOs,’ creating a positive impact on the continent’s economic development.

”At the core of Sapioworks is a belief in the exceptional potential of skilled artisans to bring their ideas to life,” he said.

According to him, Sapiowork is concerned in recognizing the challenges artisans encounter in securing consistent work and the frustration for clients in finding reliable and talented craftsmen.

“Our goal is to revolutionize the connection and collaboration between artisans and clients, creating an environment where artisans are empowered and clients have easy access to top-quality craftsmanship.

“Collaborating with renowned Afrobeats Music Producer, Michael Collins Ajereh A.K.A Don Jazzy, the initiative received hundreds of thousands of applicants across the country,” Aguata said.

According to her, the SapioWorks web APP is now accessible gaining traction among African entrepreneurs.

She, however, added that “the mobile app is swiftly under construction and would be available for download in the coming days.”

Agu further explained that she was thrilled to witness the remarkable impact the platform is having on the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa.

She stressed that the vision was to unlock the potential of African entrepreneurs and provide a pathway for artisans to pursue their crafts by offering them the resources, mentorship, and support needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures.

“The result is a growing community of trailblazers who are not only redefining their industries but also contributing to the economic and social development of their communities and beyond.

“By equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to develop their skills, build their networks, and access capital, we are paving the way for a new wave of leaders passionate about making a difference and bringing their bold ideas to life.

“Our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration has led to the emergence of an inspiring cohort of Pyjamas CEOs.

“Through Sapioworks’ transformative programs and initiatives, these Pyjamas CEOs are embracing their roles as change catalysts, leveraging their diverse backgrounds and creating opportunities that transcend borders and barriers.

“As we continue on this journey, we remain dedicated to empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs and amplifying their voices on the global stage,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Isaac Aregbesola