By Joshua Olomu

Stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry have appealed to the Federal Government not to wind down the National  Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) as it begins implementation of Oronsaye  Report.

The filmmakers, who made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said NFVCB should be retained as the regulatory agency for the motion picture industry.

According to them, any alteration on the current status of the board, in form of merger or subsuming, will be counterproductive and impede contributions the industry is making to national economy.

Veteran filmmaker, Paul Apel-Papel, said Nollywood was too large to be without a specific agency like the NFVCB to  regulate  its affairs.

According to the Colorado Film School-trained filmmaker,  acclaimed  for  directing the  2021 war action drama film  ‘Eagle Wings’, the board is playing critical role in ensuring that Nollywood  keeps its  sanity.

“We are not in support of subsuming or merger because we are even looking forward to a specific ministry that will focus on Nollywood properly as we grow from here.

“The Federal Government should think of how it can actually make a specific focus on Nollywood  the way it is doing for   agriculture, because  after agriculture, the industry is the  largest employer of labour .

“We are bringing revenue; we are creating jobs and we are positively promoting the image of the country globally.

“Nollywood is not getting any direct support; everybody is trying to develop their craft and then the only agency we have they want to take it back to the ministry and kill it,” he said.

Habib Mohammed, National President, Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), said is it was not possible for such a regulatory body in a critical sector to function effectively as a department.

“The move to subsume the board as part of the ministry will be a real setback to the development already achieved.

“Let us not forget that the board was in the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture as a department, and the creation of the board has developed the industry to where it is today.

“Let the policymakers have a rethink and we are also calling on the National Assembly to stand on its feet for the board to keep its statutory position,” he said.

Emeke Aduah, acting President, Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), said influx of illicit films in the Nigeria market was a menace to the industry that NFVCB was fighting headlong.

According to him, winding down the board will impede the momentum of the fight against illicit films and that will be very dangerous to the acclaimed second largest film industry in the world.

“I don’t think it is necessary for such scrapping because it is going to bring Nollywood backward, because will make the industry becomes like a child without parents or guardians.

“Then at the end of the day, the industry will become a dumping ground for all kinds of films and it will become a merry-go-round for piracy, while genuine investors lose their investments.

“I wonder the kind of industry we will have left at the end of the day if the NFVCB is wind down,” he said.

NAN reports that Mr George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), recently directed  Hannatu Musawa,  Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy,  to begin the immediate dissolution of NFVCB.

The directive aimed to subsume NFVCB as a department within the ministry but by-passed the legal process required to repeal the law establishing the Nollywood regulatory agency.

The development has however sparked reactions from stakeholders across the country.

The Nigerian Senate had also asked the Federal Government to halt the winding down of the board, citing a breach of the law.

It said the process of winding down an agency of government which came into force through an Act of Parliament should commence with the repeal of the act establishing it.

NAN also reports that   NFVCB is a regulatory body set up by Act No.85 of 1993(now the National Film and Video Censors Board Act Cap No.40 (2004 as amended).

The board is empowered by law to regulate the films and video industry in Nigeria and 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/cinemas across the country and to keep a register of such outlets/cinemas among other functions.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Nigerian folklore music legend, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, has taken social media by storm as his timeless Igbo highlife song, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, becomes the anthem of choice for content creators worldwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dance moves appear to have become a challenge, with many people creating versions of it.

Thanks to popular comedian and content creator, Brain Jotter, who kickstarted the challenge.

The decades-old song has experienced a remarkable resurgence on TikTok and other social media platforms.

The song’s deep meaning and rich representation of Igbo culture have resonated with today’s generation, propelling it to viral status.

A global competition has emerged, with users showcasing their creativity and talent using the song.

Social media users including celebrities have continued to jump on the dance move, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”.

NAN reports that this unexpected boost has brought Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s 41-year-old song back into the spotlight.

NAN also reports that well-meaning Nigerians are paying homage to Mike Ejeagha in his house, he has been receiving cash gifts.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that Brain Jotter gifted him cash and a car.

The skit has become Brain Jotter’s most viewed video on Instagram, amassing an impressive four million likes and 500,000 comments.

This phenomenon has not only introduced Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music to a new audience but also cemented his legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian folklore music. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Nigerian doctor and visual artist, Fola David, has made history by surpassing the existing Guinness World Records (GWR) for the world’s largest drawing by an individual.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that his massive artwork, spanning an impressive 850 square meters, has surpassed the previous record of 629.98 square meters held by Ravi Soni from India.

David’s ambition doesn’t stop here, as he aims to expand his artwork to a staggering 1,000 square meters, further solidifying his position in the record books.

The drawing, “Unity in Diversity”, showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Nigeria through their unique attire, languages, culture, and artistic expressions.

In an Instagram video, David, known for his exceptional skill and passion for art, said, “Hi guys, I am so happy to say that we have broken the current record and all we have to do now is set a new one.”

David’s remarkable achievement has garnered widespread acclaim from fans and well-wishers, who congratulated him on this outstanding feat.

“Huge congratulations to Dr Fola David on this incredible achievement! Your talent and dedication are truly inspiring,” says Jane Doe.

“This is amazing. Dr David, you’re a true Nigerian hero and a role model for young artists everywhere,” she said.

Kenny Abayomi said, “Congratulations, Dr David. Your artwork is not only massive but also mesmerising. You deserve every bit of this recognition.

“Dr David, you’re a shining example of what it means to chase your dreams and never give up. We’re all proud of you,” said Abayomi.

In the course of his attempt, celebrities and dignitaries have visited David at the Onikan Stadium venue to offer their support and witness his artistic feat firsthand.

Among them are the renowned Nigerian chef and GWR holder, Hilda Baci, who reportedly brought not only her well wishes but also food and supplies to fuel Dr David’s artistic marathon.

Adding to the encouragement, former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also paid a visit to the stadium, taking time to personally commend Dr David’s efforts.

David’s work has been widely recognised, and he continues to push boundaries, inspiring others with his creativity and perseverance. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Oladele Eniola

Nigerian megastar, Davido, on Friday released the official music video for “Ogechi” on his YouTube channel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the song originally by BoyPee, Hyce, and Brown Joel, gained popularity on TikTok and Nigerian airwaves before the remix featuring Davido was released.

Davido jumped on the track, ‘Ogechi’, days before his wedding and dedicated the song to his wife, Chioma, as a gift for ‘Chivido 2024’.

In his post celebrating the song’s success, Davido had called on Boy Pee, Brown Joel, and Hyce to open a joint account where the proceeds of their new music will be remitted.

The music video release is expected to propel the song to even greater heights.

Meanwhile, fans and celebrities have taken to social media to commend Davido for adding his touch to the remix of the song. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Joshua Olomu

Grammy Award winner, Burna Boy, has become the first African artiste to hit two billion streams mark in the United Kingdom.

The “Twice as Tall” crooner  was presented with a Brit Plaque at his sold-out show at Koko Camden in London on Monday night, in recognition of the feat.

This milestone came barely few weeks after he was presented with a Brit 1 billion streams plaque at his sold-out show at the London Stadium in June.

In a viral video where he was  receiving the Brit 2 billion streams plaque, Burna Boy said: ‘I fought for it.

“Thank you very much. I appreciate you. Ehen, now that’s it. You’ve to fight for your right.”

One of the presenters inferred: “You already have it. You don’t need to fight.”

Burna Boy rebuffed: “No. You know, we have to fight for our rights.”

The acclaimed ‘African Giant’ has continued to grab headlines on account of his scintillating performances across Europe and other parts of the globe.

In the first half of the year, he has performed in major concerts selling out venues in the United Kingdom, cementing his global appeal and acceptance as “Afrobeat Ambassador”. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi