By Joshua Olomu

‘Face To Face’, star-studded Nollywood’s thriller,  emerged Best Film while Kenneth Okolie won the Best Actor in the film at the grand finale of the 2023  edition of the Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ZUFF 2023 Jury made the announcement on Friday night at the closing ceremony and award night of the festival in Abuja.

Ace actor Kenneth Okolie won the Best Actor for his lead role in the film directed by Robert Peters, featuring Freddie George, Gbenro Ajibade, Tamara Eteimo, Jeff Innocent, Dustin Wilkes and Danelle Korsak, among other cast members.

Set in the city of Lagos, ‘Face To Face’ tells the  story of everyday challenges average Nigerians face  in their quest for survival.

According to the festival Jury, a total of 3,340 films were received from all over the world, from which 20 short films, 19 feature length films and eight student films were shortlisted .

Others shortlisted included six  documentary films, 10 animation and four indigenous language films.

A special recognition award tagged “Lifetime Achievements Award” was  given to  veteran industry players and other stakeholders including Peter Fatomilola, Sambo Sanusi and the  legendary singer Onyeka Onwenu.

Other recipients include veteran Kannywood actress  Saratu Gidado, a.k.a ‘Daso’,Clarence Peters  and Dauda  Kahuta, popularly known as ‘Rarara’ and the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, among others.

Earlier, Dr Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation and Chairman Organising Committee of ZUFF, congratulated the awardees  for their commitment  to excellence.

“For award winners and other recipients, including our lifetime achievers, Zuma Film Festival commends you for your contributions to the growth of the film industry.

“Let the recognition and subsequent award spur you further, just as ZUFF will continue to provide the platform to connect and live the African film experience as captured through the lenses of our national values and cultures.

“Kudos to the Jury for making tonight’s event possible, given the enormous and painstaking work of selecting winners from huge film entries received from around the world, including Nigeria.

“With tonight’s event signaling the end of ZUFF 2023, l urge all of us to internalise all the values and experiences garnered.

“Let the experiences of this year’s Zuma Film Festival shape our professional and creative instincts as a people with distinctive but unique national and African culture,” ” he said.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has described the annual Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) as a catalyst for economic growth in the Territory.

Wike, who was represented by the the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the festival was a veritable platform to drive tourism and stimulate huge economic opportunities for the FCT.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing strategic plans aimed at further elevating the festival’s stature and impact.

“The Zuma Film Festival has not only been a platform for showcasing artistic brilliance but has also played a pivotal role in boosting the local economy,” the minister said.

NAN reports that the 2023 ZUFF, which was held from December 1 to 8, with the theme “Cultural Convergence”, is organised by the Nigerian Film Corporation(NFC)  in collaboration with   the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

It featured the annual Zuma film lectures, master classes, panel discussions, investment sessions and film screenings. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Priscilla Osaje/Joshua Olomu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has described the annual Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) as a catalyst for economic growth in the Territory.

The minister stated this at the closing ceremony and award night of the 13th edition of the film fiesta, held on Friday night at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2023 ZUFF, held from December 1 to 8, with the theme “Cultural Convergence”, is organised by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

He said that the festival was a veritable platform to drive tourism   and stimulate huge economic opportunities for the FCT.

Wike, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the government was committed to implementing strategic plans aimed at further elevating the festival’s stature and impact.

“The Zuma Film Festival has not only been a platform for showcasing artistic brilliance but has also played a pivotal role in boosting the local economy.

“Through the influx of visitors, the patronage of local businesses and the promotion of tourism, this festival has significantly contributed to the economic growth of the FCT.

“Throughout the duration of the festival, you will agree with me that hotels, restaurants, transportation services and other sectors have experienced a surge in activity, creating employment opportunities and fostering economic development.

“We recognise the immense potential this event holds, not just as a cultural extravaganza but as a catalyst for economic prosperity,” he said.

The minister said his administration was willing to reposition the festival to become a global brand that would attract tourists and investors in the creative sectors.

He said the organisers would form stronger ties with global filmmakers, production companies and film festivals for enhance economic benefits.

“We also seek to amplify the reach and prestige of the Zuma Festival on the global stage to attract more attention, participants, and investments, thereby augmenting the festival’s economic benefits for the FCT.

“Secondly, we plan to expand the festival’s programme to encompass a wider array of cultural activities, workshops and educational initiatives,” he said.

Earlier,in his remarks, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation and Chairman Organising Committee of ZUFF, said the festival was  to  provide  a networking platform  for Nigerian filmmakers and their counterparts from other  countries.

He said it was to expand film co-production opportunities beneficial to Nigerian film makers, recognize and reward cinematic excellence, boost export potentials of Nigerian films and herald Nigeria as Africa’s tourism and film destination hub.

“At the 13th edition, our focus was on culture, and the aim is to use the festival to highlight the core area of our existence as a people from which most of the content of Nollywood is derived.

“That explains why the theme is “Cultural Convergence”, simply everything about our uniqueness and diversity.

“We are confident that the event has opened more    vistas to how as creatives we can harness our diversities in culture for a united   country.

“We are delighted that the current dispensation is emphasizing the creative industry with the creation of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

“It is our conviction that the festival has deepened the perspective of the renewed hope agenda of our dear President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, as it relates to Culture and creative industry,” he said.

NAN reports that the highpoint of the ZUFF 2023 closing ceremony was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Awards to the FCT minister of state and other Nigerians, including legendary singer Onyeka Onwenu.

Other recipients include veteran Kannywood actress Saratu Gidado, a.k.a ‘Daso’,Clarence Peters  and Dauda  Kahuta, popularly known as ‘Rarara’ among others (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Oladele Eniola
Stakeholders in the creative industry have advised the Federal Government to recognise the potential of the industry in mitigating the brain drain phenomenon.

They gave the advice during the screening of the documentary with the title, “Brain Drain”, by Collins Akpapunam, on Wednesday, in Lagos.

The documentary sheds light on the experiences of Nigerian Americans who migrated from Nigeria after completing their higher education.

Dr Lucy Newman, the CEO of Africa Private Sector Summit, advised that the government should prioritise investment in the private sector as a means to combat brain drain in the country.

Newman said that it was important to create a conducive environment for young people to come back to.

In order to curb the alarming brain drain phenomenon across all sectors, she said that the government needed to establish mechanisms aimed at tackling this issue.

According to him, investing significantly in the private sector is one of the ways through which the government can stimulate economic growth and redirect the country’s trajectory.

Newman also emphasised the necessity of building the necessary infrastructure and opportunities for the younger generation.

“Proper planning must be done for short and long term solutions and most importantly, the private sector must be given the right tools to drive the economy growth,” she said.

Dr Ngozi Omambala, Chairperson, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Creative and Entertainment Sector, urged the federal government to prioritise and elevate the creative industry.

She noted that the industry has the potential to become the driving force behind the economy.

She noted that proper investment in the creative and entertainment industry could help reduce the menace of brain drain in the country.

She said that investing in the creative and entertainment sector could contribute significantly to reducing the brain drain challenge in the country.

Despite the absence of government support, she said the creative and entertainment sector had shown resilience and progress.

According to her, with proper investment, the sector can thrive and become a valuable asset for the nation, much like the “new oil”.

“Many of the creatives don’t want to leave the country because they feel they can showcase their talents in the country and any part of the world since we are in global village.

“So, the government need to see the sector as the new oil and explore and exploit it,” she said.

Mr Oludare Shobajo, Group Head, Human Capital Management, Asset & Resource Management Holding Company (ARM) suggested the establishment of a database to monitor the movement of individuals entering and leaving the country.

“The advent of digital technology has helped to cushion the effects of brain drain as people can work from any part of the world without having to go out of their zone but more can be done on a larger scale.

“We are forced to build talent due to the brain drain in the country. So this issue must be curbed and one way of doing that is by setting up a database to keep tabs on this.

“Having a database of people that coming and leaving the country would help the government in identifying areas that needs to be addressed to curb this particular issue.

“Another extremely important factor is that the government ensures that there are proper mechanisms in place to ensure that when people come, they can have things to fall back onto,” he said.

Mr Jermain Sanwo-Olu, Senior Special Adviser on Diaspora and Foreign Relations to the Lagos State Governor, noted that the state was exploring diaspora opportunities and outsourcing the economy.

He noted that brain drain could be used as a potential opportunity to exploit for the gain of the economy.

“We are working to ensure that opportunities are created for people so that they wouldn’t leave the country and one of the many ways that we are doing that is by exploring diaspora opportunities.

“We are also looking at how we can be an outsourcing economy where foreigners would pay Nigerians to work them in foreign countries as we see the brain drain as a potential opportunity that can be exploited,” he said.

Mr Victor Lutenco, Head of International Organisation of Migration (IOM), Lagos Sub-Office, urged the public to have a plan and migrate through the legal channels.

He reiterated IOM’s commitment in enhancing the resilience and protection of migrants, internally displaced persons and the communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the screening of the documentary was a collaborative effort between IOM and Effizzi Communications Ltd. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi

By Joshua Olomu

Mrs Adanna Enwezor, the Executive Director of Photizo Life Foundation, organisers of the Abuja annual Afro Hair Culture Festival, has urged Nigerians to shun harmful hair products.

Enwezor made the call on Monday at a pre-event news conference for the 2023 edition of the festival scheduled to hold from December 1 to 2 in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

According to her, Nigerians, especially women, need to be aware of the dangers of synthetized hair products and embrace home-grown healthy hair products and promote the African hair heritage.

Enwezor said many Nigerians were suffering from different hair-related health challenges because they failed to understand that many of the foreign products they use were not tailored for their hair texture and environment.

She said the annual Afro-Hair Culture and Beauty Festival was a flagship initiative of the foundation to curb help hair-related health problems, promote the virtues, values and beauty of Africa.

According to her, the 2023 Afro Hair Culture Festival is being organised in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the health sector to drive the ‘healthy hair campaign.’

“I am sure there are a lot of people out there who have had interesting experiences with hair relaxers and have had to deal with severe hair damage and all that.

“I was also a victim of that, and there was a time I was advised to be careful of what I was putting in my hair and my skin as a pregnant woman.

“According to the medical advice, what I was using on my skin and hair could affect the baby in the womb, and it is not everywoman that knows that.

“The African hair is beautifully curled, with good texture and colour, which makes it one of the most beautiful things that God has created about us.

“So for me, the African hair is something that we as Africans need to begin to embrace more, but a lot of Africans are in denial, and are refusing to accept it.

“In our effort to further to showcase the elegance of the African hair, we are holding this year’s festival for Dec. 1 to 2 at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja,” she said.

She said the event would also be a forum to expose hair-related health risks and encourage the use of more home-grown healthy hair products and lifestyle for Africans.

The organizers added that the event would also feature discussions that would present economic opportunities in the hair industry sub-sector (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Priscilla Osaje

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and CMD Tourism and Trade Enterprises Limited have partnered to position Nigeria as a leading gastronomy tourism destination in Africa.

The Director- General, NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, said this on Saturday night at the 5th edition of the annual CMD Food Tour titled “Around the World in a Day” in Abuja.

Kangiwa, who was represented by Mr Taiwo Famogbiyele, the Director, Special Duties of the Institute, said the Institute had decided to jointly host the event with CMD tourism, to showcase Nigeria as a tourism destination.

He said such partnership would also create new opportunities, enhance our market presence, and expand our reach within the industry.

“Our partnership with CMD Tourism, as well as other stakeholders in the tourism sector, is aimed at improving the tourism sector.

” It is also aimed at the improvement of sector-specific knowledge and Nigeria’s capacity of hosting signature food festivals that depicts our traditions, cultures, and diversity of our hospitality offerings.

“We see the partnership with CMD Tourism and Trade Enterprises Ltd as a consolidation of NIHOTOUR’s efforts in positioning Nigeria as a leading gastronomy tourism destination in Africa.

“The CMD Food Tour participating today will be showcasing the different country’s tourist attractions, the culture Food, dance, traditional wear, movies, and Griots,” NIHOTOUR chief said.

According to him, good food and business will no doubt go together, so beyond food, this tourism event is also an opening for business opportunities as well.

” While participants are busy savouring the delicacies of the participating countries, they can use the opportunity to talk about diverse businesses.

” They can still talk about investment opportunities available in one another’s country, get to network with the diplomatic community and create new business relationships.

“I am made to understand that over 15 countries are participating, as well as embassies, high commissions, and tourism boards.

” These countries that will showcase their food, culture and countries’ tourist attractions today have a chance of going home with mouthwatering prizes,” he said.

NIHOTOUR boss commended CMD Tourism and Trade Enterprises Ltd. for   coming up with such a remarkable programme.

“I sincerely hope that at the end of the programme, the Tourism opportunities will have been unlocked and business relationships will have been deepened.”

Mrs Cecile Mambo, Managing Director of CMD tourism and Trade Enterprises Ltd. said CMD food tour was described as apt, adding that 15 countries were represented to showcase their indigenous delicacies.

According to her, these include Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon, Coto D’Ivoire, Uganda, Botswana, Tunisia among others.

“The love our partners and tourism stakeholders show despite the downpour reveals that they stand for sustainability in the sector, which the food tour is trying to prove.

“We want change in the cultural heritage as well as a responsible tourism sector.

“The reason why 15 countries participated was to give Nigerians an overview of other people’s culture, as well as exploiting and interacting with other people.”

The managing director said that the event was designed especially for various cultures to promote cultural exchange, experience a deeper sense of acceptance and inclusion to make the tourism product offerings better while preserving the heritage and authenticity of destinations.

According to him, it is a platform for networking with embassies. We are awarding the best stand, best culture house among others.

Also speaking, the Ambassador of Cote D’ivoire to Nigeria, Mr Kalilou Traore, commended CMD tourism for organising a programme aimed at promoting Africa gastronomy, particularly for Ivorianne gastronomy in Nigeria.

He said that participating in this programme made him excited, not for the food but for the love for each other, as well as for the growth of tourism.

“We are here to exchange discovery and feasibility in the tourism sector and promote the Africa Cup of Nations coming up in January. We want Nigerians to participate fully by coming to our country,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Joshua Olomu

Nwankwo Kanu, ex-Nigerian international and founder of Kanu Heart Foundation, Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger State and founder of Bago Foundation have been honoured with the 2023 Humanitarian Awards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were recognized alongside other charitable individuals and organisations at the 2023 Humanitarian Awards and Magazines (HAM) ceremony on Saturday night in Abuja.

Other Nigerians who were honoured with the awards include Dr Gideon Osi, founder, Gideon and Joy Foundation (GJF), Fatima Akilu and Hon. Munira Tanimu,

Other recipients include Umar Bindir, Hon. Sagir Koki, Fatima Mamman- Daura, Jude Eze, Tukur Lawal ,Peter Akpanke,Emmanuel Ikechukwu and Hajiya Noyinmot OBusari, Founder NOBU Foundation.

Mr Emmanuel Anabueze, Project Director of the HAM awards, said the initiative was to honour charitable individuals and organisations that were committed to humanitarian interventions and activities in support of underprivileged persons.

According to him, recipients of the humanitarian recognition include individuals, NGOs and corporate bodies who have use their resources to promote humanitarian initiatives and positive influence on communities, especially in challenging times.

“This event is a testament to the power of kindness, empathy and the unwavering dedication of our humanitarians who tirelessly work towards creating a better world for all.

“ Each person we recognize tonight represents a beacon of hope, spreading light in the darkest corners, and offering solace to those in need.

“The Humanitarian Award and Magazine serve as a platform to highlight and acknowledge the exemplary efforts of these extraordinary individuals, their stories, actions, and impact inspire us to strive for a more inclusive and caring society.

“Tonight’s gathering is a testament to our collective belief in the power of humanity, and together, we honor those who selflessly serve humanity, making this world a better place for everyone,” he said.

Some NGOs that received the humanitarian awards include Compassionate Advocacy for the Poor initiative, Secure the Future International Initiative, Sparkle Foundation and the Alkaita Legacy Foundation.

NAN reports that the highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the Humanitarian magazines by guests and awardees and sections of scintillating performances by different artistes.(NAN) (nannews.ng

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Joshua Olomu

Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, on Friday called for collaboration of the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) to provide government-generated data to drive Nigeria’s creative industry.

The minister made the call when the Statistician General, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, and top management staff of the NBS paid her a courtesy visit.

Musawa sought the expertise of NBS following the absence of data on the sub-sectors under the mandate of the Ministry.

She said: “Data is very essential as the ministry continues to build policies that will attract surplus to the GDP.

“I realised that prior to this administration, the creative industry was regrettably unaccounted for within the National statistics.

“The absence of systematic tracking of creative players and their contributions to our national GDP became glaring.

“We find ourselves at a juncture where collaboration with the National Bureau is integral to ensure the successful design and implementation of high-quality, government-owned data which aligns with ethical standards, and best practices.

“This data is not merely a necessity, but the bedrock upon which we will build the future of our creative ecosystem and establish a solid creative economy.

“Your expertise is invaluable, and together we can lay the foundation for a comprehensive, accurate, and government-owned dataset that will articulate our commitment to excellence.

“Collaboratively, we envision building a mechanism that will track and actively contribute to the development of the Nigerian creative space,” she said.

According to the minister, accurate data on the Ministry will propel policies and interventions to foster the growth of the creative sector and contribute substantially to the national economy and development.

Responding, Adeniran said that the NBS was ready to work with the ministry under Musawa’s watch.

He said NBS was willing to assess and generate a comprehensive data analysis on creative contributors to the Gross domestic product (GDP) of the nation.

Adeniran said that the mandate of the NBS was to generate socio-economic data on a daily basis, starting from policy and decision-making.

“NBS will look into the database to see what can be released to the ministry on activities of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy sector of the country.

“We will provide the ministry with the baseline, and where there are gaps in line with the Ministry’s key performance indicators, NBS will look at the gaps and discuss it with the Ministry’s representatives.

“Once the ministry has its baseline compiled and validated, then it is good to go, and subsequently as it programmes its activities, it will just be collecting this data to measure the progress any time,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry commended the Minister for the giant step taken in seeking data for the ministry.

“Data is absolutely important because no MDA can plan without data, and if you cannot plan you cannot perform.

“Mr President understands all these effects, and that is why he set mandates and key performance indicators (KPI) in the ministries.

A steering committee has been set up to commence the process of data collection and analysis on the art and culture sector.

The committee, comprising officials of the NBS, and the Ministry would be headed by the Minister and the Permanent Secretary.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Sadiya Hamza

By Joshua Olomu

Three Nigerian teenagers have been honoured with the Early Achievers Award at the 2023 National Children Leadership Conference for attaining exceptional feat in their respective pursuits.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the teenagers were recognised alongside other Nigerians at the closing ceremony of the conference on Monday night in Abuja.

Joshua Agboola, a 13-year-old award-winning programmer and a Cloud practitioner certified by Amazon mazon Web Services, received the ICT category of the early achievers awards.

The Lagos-State born young programmer is reputed to be the world’s youngest AWS Solutions Architech Certified and AWS Developer Associate Certified.

Stephanie Onusiriuka, a 13-year-old gymnast, who won her first international gold medal in South Africa when she was just eight years old, received the sport category of the awards.

Also, young poet Hauwa’u Al-Mustapha, 10, was honoured with the Arts category of the Early Achievers Award.

The conference, organised by the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative(CALDEV), holds from Nov. 17 to Nov. 21.

It has the theme: “Rebuilding Nigeria through investment in children’s education, welfare, and security”.

Mr Bamidele Salam, Founder and President of CALDEV, who congratulated the young achievers, said the award was conceived to celebrate teenagers who had recorded excellence in their fields and to inspire others to work hard.

“In the past four days, Nigerian children from different parts of the count have converged in Abuja for the purpose of leadership training, mentoring, knowledge sharing, capacity building, competitions, networking and collaboration.

“We did not only bring them here for mentorship; we want to celebrate those who have made remarkable impacts in terms of winning global laurels and making Nigeria proud.

“This include those who have made impact in the area of technology, innovation, sport and education,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Child-Right Advocacy Awards was given to those who champion children’s rights with Hajiya Fatima Abbas, Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas, leading the pack.

Others who received the Child Right Advocacy Awards included the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; the First Lady of Niger, Hajiya Fatima Bago and her Yobe counterpart, Gumsu Mai-Mala Buni.

Earlier in his goodwill message, Vice-President Kashim Shettima congratulated the children and the organisers of the conference and affirmed government’s commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerian children.

NAN reports that the 2023 Children Leadership Conference drew 300 children between the ages of 12 and 17, from 24 states.

It featured leadership training, children parliamentary session, children’s dialogue on values, national unity and patriotism, as well as children’s financial literacy session.

Other highpoints included panel discussions, quiz competition, children’s films and books exhibitions, art exhibitions, cultural dances and awards.(NAN) (nannews.ng)