By Rukayat Moisemhe

Mr Senzo Tsabedze, Chief Executive Officer, Afrirent Holdings, an investment company, says the Nigerian and West African gaming industry comprising of lottery and betting is positioned to hold sizable value in the global entertainment ecosystem.

Tsabedze made the assertion on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the sizable value estimated at about one billion dollars which the West African region held on gaming positioned the region as a viable area for gaming, lottery and betting market expansion.

This, he said, preempted the firm to begin to invest in the region to expand its influence and footprint in Africa, thereby harnessing the exciting opportunities offered by the dynamic entertainment sector in the West African region.

Tsabedze said that by bringing the company’s unique blend of services and offerings to new audiences, Afrirent Holdings was poised to make a lasting impression in the region’s gaming, lottery, and betting industry.

According to him, the development will foster and enhance the firm’s contributions to the growth and prosperity of the entertainment sector in West Africa and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the region.

“Having built a diverse portfolio of successful subsidiaries in South Africa, including Afrirent Logistics, Afrirent Energy, and Indalo Investments, Afrirent Holdings has established itself as a strategic investor.

“The firm is known for its innovative solutions and commitment to driving economic growth and development.

“Now, the company is leveraging its expertise in gaming and entertainment to introduce new and exciting offerings to consumers in West Africa, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of the market.

“As Afrirent Holdings enters the West African market, it is focusing on responsible gaming practices and community engagement, demonstrating its commitment to making a positive impact in the region’s gaming and entertainment sector.

“With a reputation for excellence and a dedication to social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings aims to create value, foster economic development, and empower local communities in West Africa,” he said.

Tsabedze stated that the company’s vision and leadership was toward a future of success, innovation, and positive impact in the West African marketing landscape.

He added that via its focused innovation, customer experience, and social responsibility, Afrirent Holdings was well positioned to bring value and economic development to the region. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Joshua Olomu

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has solicited partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) for the promotion of its reforms in film classification operations.

Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/ CEO of the board made the request when he paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of NAN, Mallam Ali Muhammad Ali on Wednesday in Abuja.

Husseini, who was accompanied by his management team, said NFVCB under his watch was carrying out landmark reforms in its operations to effectively deliver on its mandate in line with global best practice.

He said NAN was a crucial stakeholder of NFVCB because of its wide reach, as well as its credible and authoritative reportage of the nation’s creative sector.

“We want to partner with the news agency of Nigeria to get some of the information that we want to pass to every nook and cranny of the country.

“There is no doubt, if you want to get your news to the nooks and cranny of this country NAN is the right partner, so I thought it was important that we come here first.

“I thought that first place to go should be the primary source of news, and as far as I am concerned, the News Agency of Nigeria is the place to be.

“This is not just about working together, but also we are partners in progress in our effort to drive home President Bola Tinubu renewed hope agenda.

“Also, considering the way NAN operates, there is not a media out there that do not get news from NAN, so that is why we are here.

“I would like to thank you for giving us this opportunity to be here, as I have just assumed office in less than 10 days,” he said.

According to Husseini, NFVCB as a critical stakeholder in the nation’s creative sector, particularly the film industry, is expected to discharge its statutory functions in tandem with global best practices.

Husseini said that the board under its current leadership is initiating major reforms to ensure that it delivers more effectively on its statutory mandate.

He said such reforms included complete digitisation of its operations, as well as efforts to rechristen the boards name for it to appropriately reflect its statutory functions.

“At the moment now, the board is moving from censorship to classification, because all over the world the idea is to actually allow some level of creativity to thrive.

“Censorship is actually a term used under the military regime, but we are going to try to move from there because globally it is known as classification board.

“However, we have a lot of media illiterates that we need to speed up their understanding for them to properly understand our classification symbols.

“This is why we need NAN to help us in our media literacy drive because Nigerians need to be conversant with our classification symbols and activities,” he said.

Responding, the managing director of NAN assured Husseini and his team of the agency’s readiness to work closely work with NFVCB in promoting its activities and the nations motion picture industry.

Ali, who congratulated Husseini, said his appointment by President Tinubu to head the NFVCB was a clear manifestation of the president’s determination reposition the board.

“When you have a very competent captain who has paid his dues as performing artiste, a journalist, an administrator, with years of experience, you know that whatever turbulence there is, the ship will safely dock.

“We are deeply honoured to have you here, and like you rightly pointed out, NAN is the right partner you can work with because we are everywhere.

“So, congratulations and welcome once again to NAN, as we look forward to a very purposeful working relationship,” he said.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Priscilla Osaje

Veteran Nollywood, actress Rita Edochie, has sought financial support for her ailing colleague, Amaechi Muonagor.

The renowned actress took to her Instagram page @ritaedochie alongside video clip of the ailing actor to solicit financial assistance for the actor, saying his health condition had taken a toll on him and as such needed urgent support to recover.

According to her, actor Muonagor is currently battling with partial stroke and kidney disease and, therefore, needed donations and fund raising to aid his treatment.

“Great lovers of Rita Edochie, I trust you are all doing well, so sad that one of us is not doing well at all.

“The person in the video is our esteemed colleague, Amaechi Muonagor a veteran actor. He is currently battling with partial stroke and kidney disease.

“His health condition has taken a toll and he urgently needs our support to recover. We appeal to your generosity and kindness to donate and raise funds to aid his treatment.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in saving his life and bringing him back to health.

“Let’s come together as a community and rally behind Amaechi during this challenging time. Your help and support are valued.

“We should not sympathise with death, let us rise to save a soul,” she said.

The actress also dropped the details and information to reach the ailing actor.

”Below is the account you are to donate through, 3036808437 Amaechi Muonagor Chidubem, First Bank PLC.

“You can as well get to him via these phone numbers: 08033888398, 0803332196.

“Thank you for your compassion and intent generosity. Remain blessed,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, the actor had earlier in a video circulating on social media called for financial assistance through another colleague Kingsley Orji, to carry out a kidney transplant in India.

Orji, who sat by his side to make the appeal, revealed that Muonagor left the teaching hospital some days ago due to financial constraints.

He stated that the illness had affected his speech and urged fans and well-wishers to contribute for a transplant surgery.

“It has not been easy. He has been in this condition for months now. He wants to go for a kidney transplant. What we want is for you to help us for him to travel to India.

“He just came back from the ICU in Nnewi Teaching Hospital a couple of days ago. He was responding to treatment but not very well.

“We decided to bring him home because there was no money, but it is not advisable. He barely talks well. Please, he needs your help”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that in November 2023, Muonagor had cried out for help, after revealing he was battling paralysis which has affected half of his first leg. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Buhari Bolaji

By Joshua Olomu

Mr Dominic Nwuzor, manager of Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, a.k.a ‘Mr Ibu’, says the late comedian used humour to promote peace and unity across Africa.

Nwuzor, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Don Singles International (DSI), stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

The DSI helmsman recounted how Mr Ibu used his craft and popularity to make people happy, build bridges, reconciling warring communities across the continent.

Nwuzor said the late veteran comedian was given several honours and recognitions by leaders and communities across Africa during his lifetime.

“I remember vividly, how two warring tribes in Ghana came together for the first time because of John’s performance and he ended up reconciling them.

“He was thereafter given a Chieftaincy title as the ‘Malangula I of Tamale Land’, meaning the peacemaker, and I was named the ‘Ngulala’, meaning the mouthpiece of the peacemaker.

“When we went to Botswana, he held the Nigerian flag when we landed to show how proud and patriotic he was because they were hearing a lot of negative things about Nigeria then.

“He was a man I would say made Africans laughed and was held in high esteem like a people’s leader across Africa,” he said.

According to him, DSI as a foremost showbiz company in Nigeria, managed the late superstar for over two decades and was part of his entertainment expedition across Africa and beyond.

He said Mr Ibu’s ability to evoke laughter with his natural wit, made him fans favourite all over Africa and acclaimed as one of the continent’s beloved comic actors of all time.

“Mr Ibu, as John was popularly known, was not just an actor, but Nollywood ambassador that used his talent and humour to promote peace, happiness and unity among Africans.

“I signed John in 2004, and then our relationship grew beyond that of business to become that of friendship as we have become so close till his death.

“The deal started with first two years, and I did not bother him with the aspects of Nigerian movies, so he could deal with anyone on Nigerian movies.

“But for anything concerning international showbiz, I have to discuss with the promoters on the basic access requirements and then we would move.

“There was no airport, especially in Africa, where crowd of fans would not gather to welcome John, and that was how I realised his popularity outside the shores of Nigeria.

“I can tell you that he was even more celebrated in countries like Ghana, South Africa ,Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Garbon, Botswana and he always held the Nigerian flag showing his love for his country,” he said.

According to him, the late thespian used his craft to project Nigeria in a positive light to the world, especially in countries that have heard negative stories about the country.

“Then, John was one of the positive things other countries wanted to hear about Nigeria and everybody looked forward to meet him, including presidents of nations.

“For example, even a two-year-old child in Ghana knows Mr Ibu, and one thing about him was his friendliness and originality, as everything he does is just himself and does not copy anyone.

“Foreigners fell in love with Nigeria through John and wanted to visit the country because of him, as we got calls from even the Caribbean,” he said.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late actor, and should be given a posthumous national honour for using talent and humour to promote Nigeria’s image during his lifetime.

NAN reports that John Okafor, born on October 17, 1961 in Nkanu West Local Government of Enugu State, acclaimed to have appeared in over 200 Nollywood films.

He was well known for the ‘Mr Ibu series’, which included Mr Ibu (2004), Mr Ibu 2 (2005), Mr Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr Ibu in London (2005).

Some of his iconic films include Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007). (NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Esther Mamudu

‘Colour Me Mad’, an advocacy play aimed at raising awareness against domestic violence has premiered in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) .

The premiere, organised by Pyros Academy in collaboration with Orange Poetry, held at the Dike Chukwumerije Centre on Friday in Abuja.

The three-part play titled “Colour Me Mad: The Ego and Femi story”, featured Tamara Dogubo and Falade Oluwaseun co-founders of Pyros Academy, among other stars, with fans drawn from different parts of the FCT.

The performance explored the challenges of toxic relationships, and also projected the importance of empathy, understanding, support for healthier relationships among mutually abusive couples.

Dogubo told NAN on the sidelines that the event was a platform to use poetry as a tool for advocacy and tackling issues surrounding domestic violence and other social vices in society.

“The focus of this live production is domestic violence and we are passionate about advocacy as we believe it is a task we have been given as poets.

“There is no doubt , with art, we can help build a better the society.

“Sometimes, domestic violence can be handled through counseling or therapy but if your partner is not willing to make it work, seek legal redress.

“Leave when you still have life, because you deserve to stay alive,” She said.

Also, Oluwaseun, popularly known as ‘’Pariolodo, said the play, staged to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day. was inspired by a true life story, and was presented to give succour to victims of domestic violence

“My older sister experienced domestic violence and it was something that broke my mother and myself, and to a great extent, I can relate with it.”

“Even men are abused , so with this production, we sought to create a balance, showing how both genders can be victims, not just the woman even though it is International Women’s Day.

“Because of society standard, it is difficult for men to come out to say thy have been abused.

“While we are telling women to walk away, if need be, we are also telling them, to do better in their relationships with men,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Joshua Olomu

Dr Shaibu Husseini, the new Director –General of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has urged staff to adhere to professional best practices and productivity in ensuring the board effectively fulfill its mandate.

Husseini gave the charge during his first meeting with staff of the board on assumption of office at NFVCB headquarters in Abuja.

According to the new helmsman, the board as a critical stakeholder in the nation’s creative sector, particularly the film industry, is expected to discharge its statutory functions in the best professional manner.

He urged officers of the board to be more productive to ensure that the motion picture industry contributed maximally to national economy in line with the ‘renewed hope’ mantra of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The DG pledged that NFVCB under his watch would work together as a family towards the best interest of stakeholders and the nation at large.

He, therefore, solicited the cooperation and support of the board’s management and staffs across its offices nationwide to enable him achieve his visions for the board.

According to him, “I have demanded for this meeting because it is good that when you come to a place, you will talk to people before you start the work.

“I have come to serve you, the board, Mr. President who gave me this assignment and to serve God, because ultimately everything we do should bring honour to him.

“So, I am here to serve but in serving, I want to solicit your support, cooperation and prayers.

“When leaders do not do well, it is because to some extent, their people do not pray for them and if you pray for me very well, I will not miss road.

“Also, I do not want you to start doing comparison between me and anybody that has run the board.

“I have come to build, so Let us build together; I am not rebuilding, there is nothing to rebuild, but let us add more to the pyramid, so that the pyramid will be better.

“I am happy to meet everyone in this meeting which I am also going to have with your colleagues in different centres and zone,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Ferdinand Abua, Director of Administration of NFVCB, appreciated the new DG on behalf of the staff of the board.

He, therefore, pledged the loyalty and support of officers of the board to the new DG to ensure a successful tenure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Husseini was among the 11 new Chief Executive Officers recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu for agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.

He is a journalist, film critic, performing artist, cultural administrator and film curator, with over a decade tenure as the Chair of the Selection Committee for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

Husseini has been parts of boards and juries of several local and international film-related committees, including those of the Mainframe Film Institute, the International Film Festival, and the Bank of Industry (BOI) Nollywood Fund.

He is the author of the acclaimed 2010 masterpiece “Moviedom”, a book that offers insights into Nollywood’s developmental stages.

NAN also reports that NFVCB is a Federal Government agency that regulates the film and video industry in Nigeria.

The Board is empowered by law to classify all films and videos whether imported or produced locally.

It is also the duty of the Board to register all films and videos outlet across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru