News Agency of Nigeria
FG to unveil national culture, tourism policies, IP protection framework
Entertainment

FG to unveil national culture, tourism policies, IP protection framework

By Joshua Olomu

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, says the Federal Government is set to unveil reviewed National Tourism Policy, National Policy on Culture and a strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection framework.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Musawa made the disclosure while presenting the ministry’s scorecard at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing on Friday in Abuja.

The event held at the National Press Centre, was hosted by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

Musawa said the ministry was carrying out a review, formulation and implementation of relevant policies that guide Nigerian culture and creative sector for enhanced contribution to national economy.

She said other policies to be unveiled for the sector include the National Policy on Incentivising the Art, Culture and Creative Economy Policy on Monetary and Credit Solutions for the Creative Economy.

According to the minister, the policies regulating the sector are inadequate, outdated and failed to address the developmental changes in the arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy sectors.

She further said that work was at final stage in the review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture after 37 years of the last review, as well as the 2005 National Tourism Policy of Nigeria.

“Policy formulation is crucial for the development, growth and advancement of the 4 Sectors under the ministry.

“The ministry, in collaboration with the private sector lead by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), is poised to provide a clear policy framework for not only the creative economy but the arts, culture and tourism sectors of Nigeria.

“This is to reposition the sectors and provide an enabling environment for the sectors to thrive and attain its position as a major alternative to income generation for Nigeria.

“In recognition of the urgency of these reforms, the ministry initiated the comprehensive review process, ensuring that Nigeria’s cultural framework aligns with global best practices and reflects the evolving creative economy.

“This initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to cultural development under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

The minister noted that as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economic mainstay from oil, the Tinubu-led Federal Government understands that the creative economy is a veritable alternative and is working to make it thrive.

Musawa also reeled out other initiatives and feats geared towards providing enabling environment to harness the potentials abound in Nigeria’s creative economy.

According to her, the ministry, as part of its ‘Destination-30’ data initiative, is conducting a mapping that will offer a data-informed foundation for target setting, investment prioritisation, and programme design across Nigeria’s creative economy.

She said such an evidence-based approach was fundamental to strategic planning and decision-making processes for the sector.

“As an example, in the music sector, we have identified five segments in the value chain including production, marketing and sales.

“Based on our draft report, we project that we will create over 500,000 new jobs in the sector by 2030.

“Our mapping indicates that this sector will continue to thrive through self-employment and micro-enterprise pathways, with regional hubs like Edo, Delta, and Plateau playing key roles alongside Lagos.

“We are currently going through a validation process and should formally publish the mapping results in early June.

“These figures are not merely statistics; they represent real opportunities for Nigerian youth, women, and communities across our nation.

“They demonstrate the transformative potential of our creative industries when properly supported and strategically developed,” she said.

On the perennial funding challenges facing investors, filmmakers, music producers and other players in the creative sector, the minister said Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the creation of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF).

She further disclosed that FEC has also approved the implementation of the IP Monetisation Pilot to provide funding to creatives and develop a model for IP asset securitisation.

According to her, other initiatives included the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), a digital platform to support creative enterprises with funding, creative technology, and co-working spaces.

The minister also mentioned the development of Creative Industry Administrators on Intellectual Property Rights Management, 2025 in collaboration with World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Abuja Office.

“We are carrying out a comprehensive film industry reform programme, including retooling of government agencies and parastatals, encouraging a functional, self-regulated ecosystem to improve welfare and working conditions, and strengthening intellectual property rights protection.

“In line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.

“We are transforming what was once viewed as merely cultural expression into powerful engines of sustainable growth and job creation.

“In just eighteen months, we’ve secured $200 million in investment commitments, established innovative funding mechanisms, creating infrastructure that will generate over two million jobs.

“This is elevating Nigeria’s global cultural standing—all while encouraging rural communities, women, and youth to participate meaningfully in the creative economy.

“Our strategic partnerships spanning government agencies, international organisations, and private sector leaders have positioned Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors not just as alternatives to oil dependency.

“It has become a as vibrant, inclusive economic pillars capable of addressing our nation’s most pressing challenges,” she said.

The minister said in order to effectively tackle the age-long issue of infrastructural decay in the sector, FEC has approved the establishment of the Creative & Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTICo).

She said the corporation is created with a projected investment of $100 billion, and potential to create over two million jobs.

She further disclosed that the ministry has formed a partnership with Creative Park Limited to establish Abuja Creative City, a first-of-its-kind creative hub in Africa on 26 hectares of land in the IDU Industrial Area.

She added that the creative hub project would be replicated in major cities across Nigeria to offer platforms for budding talents and create jobs for teeming Nigerian youths. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Court remands Tiktok content creator over alleged cyberbullying of FRSC official
Entertainment

Court remands Tiktok content creator over alleged cyberbullying of FRSC official

By Muftau Ogunyemi
The Chief Magistrate in Akure has ordered the remand of Emmanuel Ajibade, a TikTok content creator, at Olokuta Correctional Centre over alleged cyberbullying of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olateju Odenusi-Fadeyi, who gave the order on Thursday, said that Ajibade should be remanded untill June 27, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Odenusi-Fadeyi explained that the order was based on her ruling on the application of an affidavit submitted by the prosecution counsel, and counter affidavit submitted by the defendant counsel.
“I have listened to the affidavit and counter affidavit of both the prosecution and the defence counsel.
“I, hereby, order the remand of the defendant in Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending the legal advice from the DPP.
“The case is, hereby, adjourned till June 27, 2025 for legal advice,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajibade was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court on April 24 for allegedly cyberbullying an official of FRSC.
Meanwhile, the police prosecutor, Insp Taiwo Oniyere, earlier told the court that Ajibade and others at large, committed the offence at the Higher Height Area, Orita Obele in Akure.

Oniyere said Ajibade conspired together with intent to commit felony to wit cyberstalking, cyberbullying and defamation.

According to him, the defendant spread falsehoods via checkers69 on TikTok to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insults, and criminal defamation.

“His actions also resulted in intimidation, enmity and hatred, ill will and needless anxiety for Ibitoye Samuel, an official of FRSC in the state,” the prosecutor said.

He said that the offence was punishable under Section 27(b) and Section 24(b) of the Cyber Crime (Provision and Prevention) Act, 2015, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Oniyere prayed the court to remand the defendant in the correctional centre in accordance to Section 269 Sub-section 2(b) of the laws of the federation.

However, the defendant’s counsels, Mr A. F. Awala and Mr O.I. Tiwo prayed to file a counter affidavit to the application. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi
NCC DG seeks stakeholders’ cooperation to protect Nigeria’s digital space
Entertainment

NCC DG seeks stakeholders’ cooperation to protect Nigeria’s digital space

By Priscilla Osaje
Dr John Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has called on industry stakeholders to unite and protect Nigeria’s digital space against copyright infringement, criminality and economic sabotage.
Asein made the call in Abuja, at a meeting of stakeholders aimed at developing strategies and tools to address online copyright piracy in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is part of the ‘Development Agenda Programme of the World Intellectual Property’ Organisation (WIPO).
The initiative links intellectual property with the broader goals of sustainable development in member states.
According to Asein, digital technologies have unlocked tremendous opportunities for the creative and innovation sector by the introduction of serious challenges of ‘online piracy’.
The NCC boss noted that sites continue to emerge rapidly with statistics indicating a 6.7 per cent in user visits.
“A significant percentage of these users are students aged between 18 and 24 with social media and messaging platforms becoming major gateways of accusing pirated contents.
“No industry is immune, the most affected sectors include television, 43. 6 per cent; publishing, 27.5 per cent; film, 12.9 per cent; music 7.0 per cent; and software, 6.2 per cent.
“Beyond mere statistics, the victims are no longer foreign right owners and many Nigerians in these sectors have also been bruised and creative enterprises ruined,” he said.
Asein further said that online piracy threatened the livelihoods of individual creator, businesses, and linked to other financial crimes, internet fraud, national security threats and other serious criminal activities.
He said the users might be enticed by the promise of free content, behind the scenes and organised criminal networks driving these operations.
“This is why it is imperative to develop and deploy the right strategies and tools for effective management, protection, control and enforcement of copyright in the digital environment.
“Although this project is scheduled to run for 36 months, NCC is using the opportunity to boost its ongoing campaign against online piracy and the broader national strategy to protect Nigeria’s digital market and creative economy.
“The commission will give attention to public education and awareness, capacity building for officials, including judges and persecutors, investment on modern tools such as we crawlers to detect illegal content.
“Others are strong inter-agency collaboration for rapid response to complaints,
industry-led initiative to develop appropriate business solutions and sustained enforcement through timely takedowns and effective site-blocking,” he added.
The NCC DG said Nigeria has a modern Copyright Act that enabled the takedown of infringing materials and blocking of offending websites.
According to him, the act provides for the use of technological protection measures and to support the application of digital rights management systems with safeguards to maintain their integrity.
“These provisions underscore the need for inter-agency cooperation, stakeholder vigilance and active citizen participation.
“Experiences from other regions have shown that collaboration, particularly through site and intellectual property blocking, could reduce online piracy by 70-90 per cent.
“In the long run, this approach is more cost-effective and sustainable, especially when it is well-coordinated, inclusive and consistent,” he noted.
Asein urged stakeholders, government agencies, ISPs, telecom operators and industry leaders to stand together as frontline enforcement partners to protect Nigeria’s creative industries and digital future.
He called on stakeholders to stand against criminality, economic sabotage, copyright theft and essential threat facing Nigeria’s creative economy and millions of livelihoods it sustained.
Also speaking, Dr Tobias Bednarz of WIPO said the three-year-long project had a few countries who wanted to participate in it but only four countries, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa were chosen.
According to him, they have a substantial budget of 500,000 francs for these three years, and the idea is to fulfill some of the developments and the recommendations.

“Africa has a very vibrant cultural industry but because of the levels of online piracy that we are seeing across the continent, it is difficult for copyright in the digital environment to fulfil the benefits that it holds.

 “So, to take full advantage of the digital economy, we really need to do something to stop online piracy.
“The objective of our project is to assist the country in addressing online copyright enforcement more effectively than they have done in the past and we hope to have specific outcomes.
“This year, we are able to enhance the legislative and infrastructural frameworks in those four countries to better address online copyright infringement,” he said.
Bednarz said that WIPO aimed to improve the skills and knowledge of people who will then run such tools as the IP offices, the telecommunication agencies, law enforcement, and other officials in relation to online copyright enforcement.
Mr Micheal Akpan, an IP expert, said that sometimes piracy would have some kind of cultural elements that depended on environmental influence.
Akpan, the Project National Consultant, who spoke on the ‘Online Copyright Piracy in Nigeria, Trend and Challenges of Control’, emphasised on the trends of online piracy in Nigeria.
He said that piracy was a global phenomenon with far-reaching consequences that posed significant threats to the creative sector and also undermined the national economy.
According to him, piracy in Nigeria predates the digital age because before now, piracy took traditional forms, such as copying, and distributing creative contents through paper-based works like books, CDs and DVDs.

“In the online environment, it has become more disruptive because of the architecture of the internet, which trans-border affords unique opportunities for people to distribute and access contents.

“Due to its anonymity of use, some elements can hide behind pseudonyms to perpetrate evil of piracy, so the internet environment has scaled up the destructive nature of piracy.

“The economic rights of creators are defined in a way that they are equally applicable in the online environment such as copy of work which includes digital copies.

“NCC has created new rights of making communication available to the public neither by wire or wireless means.

“NCC pays directly to block or disable access to any content, link, website hosted on a system or network, which it reasonably believes to infringe copyright under the act,” he said.

He added that NCC, without order from court, would be able to implement, without obtaining a preliminary order of the court, to block any online piracy, which is unique to the commission.

“Creators are unable to access funding for production because of the fear that any funds advanced or low-facility advanced to creators might be affected.

“This is the challenge Nigeria is having in recent times that also affects the capacity to collaterise creative works,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Mark Longyen
Movie producers, WIPO, NCC collaborate to curb online copyright piracy
Entertainment , General News

Movie producers, WIPO, NCC collaborate to curb online copyright piracy

 

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

 

Dr John Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), says it has become imperative to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the country.

 

Asein said this in his opening remarks at a meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)-supported project to develop strategies and tools to tackle online copyright piracy in the African digital market, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

He described the initiative as a strategic intervention that would reposition Nigeria’s copyright ecosystem in the digital age, Mr Desmond Utomwen, Publicity Secretary, FCT, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, said in a statement.

 

Asein noted that identifying technical and legal gaps and providing tools to disrupt online piracy would safeguard the future of the creatives.

 

Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s creative industry converged in Abuja for the official kick-off meeting of the WIPO-supported project.

 

“Nigeria is one of only four African countries selected for the flagship initiative, aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, building enforcement capacity, and raising public awareness around digital copyright infringement.

 

“The project, implemented in collaboration with the NCC, comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s thriving creative industries, particularly Nollywood, face mounting losses due to the proliferation of pirated content across digital platforms,” said the statement.

 

Speaking at the event, Dr Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, emphasised WIPO’s commitment to protecting intellectual property as a key driver of innovation and economic development.

 

He added that the project reflected WIPO’s deepening collaboration with African countries and shared determination to defend the rights of creators in the digital space.

 

Dr Queen Ebigieson, National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), praised the initiative as a turning point for Nollywood producers who had long borne the brunt of digital piracy.

 

“For years, our industry has suffered economic losses, reputational damage, and creative fatigue due to online piracy.

 

“This project will equip producers with the legal backing, technical tools, and enforcement partnerships needed to finally push back,” Ebigieson said.

 

She also highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy and industry collaboration.

 

“We must ensure that the awareness materials and capacity-building components of this project reach grassroots filmmakers and digital content creators, not just major studios.

 

“The strength of Nollywood lies in its diversity and reach,” she stated.

 

The project overview was presented by Dr Tobias Bednarz of WIPO, while the current state of online copyright infringement in Nigeria was examined by Michael Akpan, an IP expert and the project’s National Consultant.

 

Dr Ioannis Kikkis, a consultant, also led a session on enforcement mechanisms in the digital environment. (NAN)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

NGA reiterates commitment to foster artistic cultural heritage
Entertainment

NGA reiterates commitment to foster artistic cultural heritage

By Joy Obanya

Mr Ahmed Sodangi, the Director-General, National Gallery of Arts (NGA), has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to fostering the cultural patrimony of art in advancing national growth.

The Director-General made this known at the opening of the 3rd Abuja International Art Fair, with its theme ‘Intersection of Treasures’, in Abuja.

Sodangi said that the organisation is yearning for results that will impact on the national economy at large.

“The National Gallery of Art is relentless in working with stakeholders to move the art industry forward.

“For instance, our efforts towards getting an amendment of the Establishment Act, will transform NGA into a revenue generating agency.

“Being a generating agency, will ultimately propel the Nigerian visual arts sector, with attendant benefits to all stakeholders,” Sodangi said.

He also said that the agency is partnering with indigenous and foreign artists to ease collaboration of artists from across the globe.

“In this edition of the International Art Fair, the NGA is partnering with indigenous and foreign artists, hereby facilitating the collaboration of professionals from different continents of the world.

“This synergy can only produce an entrepreneurial package that will be the delight of art connoisseurs.

“The result is what we are all witnessing today,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Sulaiman, National President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), restated that efforts are in place to reenact the NGA Establishment Act.

“Efforts are currently being made to reveal and reenact the NGA Establishment Act, and my commitment as the President of the Nigerian Artist, I will ensure that these plans come to fruition.

“In order for NGA to take its pride of place amongst the leading revenue generating parastatals in the visual arts sector sub section.

“This is what is earning so much money for the United States, and other foreign countries. Therefore, revenue generating should be a priority for every one of us,” he said.

He also applauded the NGA for working towards achieving the mandate of the organisation.

“I applaud the NGA for working towards achieving the holistic area where it attaches Nigerian artists and the international artists to ensure that it is a continuous process.

“What this means is that Nigeria will be Africa’s art friendliest country, and that is where the Nigerian artist wants to take it to,” Sulaiman said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd Edition of the International Art Fair is scheduled to celebrate the Nigerian art and artists. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over jewelry heist
Entertainment

Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over jewelry heist

The last time Kim Kardashian faced the men that police say robbed her, she was bound with zip ties and held at gunpoint and feared she might die.

On Tuesday, nearly a decade later, she returns to Paris to testify against them.

One of the most recognisable figures on the planet is expected to take the stand against the 10 men accused of orchestrating the 2016 robbery.

The robbery that left her locked in a marble bathroom while masked assailants made off with more than six million dollars in jewels.

Kardashian is set to speak about the trauma that reshaped her life and redefined the risks of celebrity in the age of social media.

Her appearance is expected to be the most emotionally charged moment of a trial that began last month.

Court officials are bracing for a crowd, and security will be tight.

A second courtroom has been opened for journalists following via video feed.

Kardashian’s testimony is expected to revisit, in painful detail, how intruders zip-tied her hands, demanded her ring, and left her believing she might never see her children again.

Twelve suspects were originally charged. One has died. Another has been excused from proceedings due to serious illness.

Most are in their 60s and 70s dubbed les papys braqueurs, or “the grandpa robbers” by the French press but investigators insist they were no harmless retirees.

Authorities have described them as a seasoned and coordinated criminal group. (AP/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

AMVCA: Omoni Oboli makes witty plea for costumes in upcoming movie
Entertainment

AMVCA: Omoni Oboli makes witty plea for costumes in upcoming movie

By Joan Odafe

Nigerian actress and film producer, Omoni Oboli, has stirred reactions on social media with a witty request following the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

In a light-hearted post on her Instagram page, @omonioboli, she wrote: “Now that AMVCA is over, please I need a favour; those clothes people wore, can they borrow me?

“I need to shoot a big wedding scene in a movie and they will be nice as costume.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the post, which seemed amusing, has drawn reactions from fans and colleagues who praised her entrepreneurial flair and strategic insight.

Many followers flooded the comment section with laughing and heart eyes emojis, light-hearted banters and offers to help get as many as she wanted.

One follower, @mbasitijesse, asked if she could help tag the celebrities.

Another, @menathomaz, humorously suggested that all the celebrities dressed up and came as guests for the movie scene.

Meanwhile, @ify_o, offered to get to work procuring the costumes, if it was going to be used for ‘Odogwu and Achalugo’s wedding’.

NAN further reports that Oboli’s popularity skyrocketed recently with her Nollywood movie, ‘Love in Every Word’, on YouTube, in March, which has got over 24 million views in two months.

Odogwu and Achalugo were pet names used by the leading characters; Obiora and Chioma, in the romantic drama.

While it remains to be seen if any of the celebrities will offer their costumes for the movie, Oboli’s post subtly draws attention to the cost and quality of Red Carpet fashion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Don’t limit your dreams – Ex-Miss Nigeria advises women
Entertainment

Don’t limit your dreams – Ex-Miss Nigeria advises women

By Josephine Obute

Ex-Miss Nigeria, Chioma Obiadi, has advised women, particularly young girls not to limit their dreams in life to a particular age.
Obiadi, the 40th Miss Nigeria, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
According to her, the world often teaches young women to limit their dreams, to aspire only to what is “safe” and “realistic”.
Obiadi, who was crowned Miss Nigeria in 2016, replacing Lessi Peter, urged young girls to be ambitious for what they aspire to attain.
“Let this be a beacon of hope for you, that your dreams are valid, your ambitions are beautiful and like I always say, if you dream it, you can be it.
“I took my first major stride into the hall of pageants when I contested in 2015 and became the Face of Unizik.
“My victory in the campus pageant as a fresher was a glaring indicator that I was making a right turn into professional pageantry as I focused and became the 1st runner up in Miss Anambra pageant,” she said.
She noted that her life had become a true experience for a growing lady who aspires to succeed with her dreams.
“All through my journey, I have learned that our dreams are not mistakes.
“They are divine seeds planted within us and we owe it to ourselves, and to the world, to nurture them until they bloom.
“And so, to every young woman especially that small-town girl who dares to believe in something bigger, I offer my story as proof.
“You are not too late; you are not too much; you are not too small.
“If I, a girl from a modest background in Nigeria, can build a life of purpose, can step onto global stages, can start businesses, earn degrees, and still believe the best is yet to come; so you can,” she said.
She described her life as an unshakable dream, to live a life of meaning, adventure, and impact.
“I did not always have the roadmap. I did not always have the permission. But I had a dream and that was enough to begin.
“Looking back to the age of 21, when I had the honour of being crowned the 40th Miss Nigeria, a moment that changed my life forever.
“It opened doors to experiences across the world, exposing me to possibilities I had never dared to imagine as a little girl. But it was only the beginning.
“With a fierce spirit and a desire to build something lasting, I founded Tyra Homes and Designs in 2020, my own interior design and real estate business which I like to call my COVID baby.
“I took a bold step not just to work for success but to create it, to design beauty, and to build spaces that touched lives.
“But in my heart, I know that I am yet to scratch the surface, because true success is not a destination, it is a journey of constant beaconing,” she said.
She urged young girls not to see their dreams as a mistake but divine seeds that was planted and should be nurtured to achieve success.
“As Lois P. Frankel wisely said, good girls don’t get the corner office, and as Issa Rae reminds us, you have to be a little delusional to succeed.
“Real success demands bravery. It demands the willingness to defy expectations, to dream recklessly, to fight for visions no one else can see,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
‘Seven Doors’ sweeps 11th AMVCA’s top honours
Entertainment

‘Seven Doors’ sweeps 11th AMVCA’s top honours

 

 

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

“Seven Doors”, an historical drama series by Femi Adebayo, has triumphed at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), winning three major awards, solidifying its standout status in Nollywood.

 

Femi Adebayo won Best Lead Actor for his portrayal of Adedunjoye, the king in the series.

 

Chioma Chukwuka also claimed the Best Lead Actress award for her role as Amaka, Adedunjoye’s wife.

 

The series also won Best Music/Score.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11th AMVCA took place on Saturday at the Eko Hotels, Lagos.

 

This prestigious event celebrates excellence in African film and television, bringing together the continent’s brightest stars and industry professionals.

 

The awards ceremony also celebrated veterans Sani Mu’azu and Nkem Owoh with the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

 

Director Kayode Kasum took home the Trailblazer Award for his fresh, genre-defying impact on the industry.

 

Speaking at the event, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, at MultiChoice, emphasised the AMVCA long-term commitment to the Nollywood industry.

 

Tejumola noted that the event was a sustainable project that has been evolving over the years to promote the industry’s growth.

 

“We are committed to capacity building, evolving the industry, producing and distributing the best local content available on the continent.

 

“The AMVCA continues to evolve every single year, and this edition is special as it spotlights younger artistes who will take the industry forward in the next 10 years,” Tejumola said.

 

According to Tejumola, the key to keeping viewers engaged is to create content that is relatable and resonates with them.

 

“The AMVCA has also had a significant impact on the careers of young artistes, with over nine billion Naira invested in the awards over the past 11 years.

 

“Additionally, the MultiChoice Talent Factory provides young filmmakers with a one-year development programme to hone their skills,” she said.

 

Other winners are: *Best Supporting Actor*: Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life).

 

– *Best Supporting Actress*: Mercy Aigbe, for “Farmer’s Bride”.

 

– *Best Unscripted M-Net Original*: Nigerian Idol (Kassim SSulaimana and Anneke De Ridder).

 

– *Best Scripted M-Net Original*: My Fairytale Wedding (Chinenye Nworah & Taiwo Adebayo).

 

– *Best Digital Content Creator*: Iyo Prosper Adokiye, for “We Listen, We Don’t Judge – Bible Edition.

 

– *Best Documentary*: Dundun (Ifeoluwa Fatogun & Ebi Atawodi).

 

– *Best Short Film*: Jide Jblaze Oyegbile.

 

– *Best Cinematography*: Leo Purman, for “The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos”.

 

– *Best Editing*: Tongai Furusa, for “Inkabi”.

 

– *Best Sound Design*: Michael Botha, Olaosebikan Okonrende & Dil Chike Ajufo, for “Suspicion”.

 

– *Best Art Direction*: Soliu Badu Noutical & Ayanmo Yakub, for “Lisabi: The Uprising”.

 

– *Best Makeup*: Hakeem Onilogbo, for “Lisabi: The Uprising”.

 

– *Best Costume Design*: Adedamola Adeyemi, for “Christmas in Lagos”.

 

– *Best Writing in a TV Series*: Abel Mutua Musyoka.

 

– *Best Writing (Movie)*: Blessing Uzzi for “Freedom Way”.

 

– *Best Indigenous Language (West Africa)*: Adedimeji Lateef & Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji.

 

– *Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)*: Abel Mutua Musyoka.

 

– *Best Indigenous Language (Southern Africa)*: Cosmas Ng’andwe. (NAN)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Nigerian DJs take center stage with ‘DJAN Mix Master Championship’
Entertainment

Nigerian DJs take center stage with ‘DJAN Mix Master Championship’

 

 

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

Lagos, May 8, 2025 (NAN) The DeeJay’s Association of Nigeria (DJAN) has launched its groundbreaking mix master championship, a nationwide competition designed to discover, celebrate, and elevate the country’s most talented disc jockeys.

 

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos, DJAN President, Christian Edeh, popularly known as DJ perfect intl, emphasised the significance of the initiative.

 

According to Edeh, the competition is open to all DJs who are fully registered and compliant members of the association.

 

He stated: “This is not just a competition – it’s a legacy moment for Nigerian DJs.

 

“The competition, will run over a three to four month period, and will feature multiple tiers, including state-level showdowns and zonal/regional finals.

 

“Culminating in a grand national finale scheduled for September 2025 in Lagos.

 

“For years, we’ve celebrated artistes and performers, but the DJs who drive the sound have remained behind the scenes.

 

“The DJAN MIX MASTER CHAMPIONSHIP is about putting the spotlight where it belongs – on the deck,” he said.

 

He said the competition promises life-changing rewards, with the top DJ set to walk away with a ₦5 million cash prize, and a one-year brand contract with sponsors.

 

He added that there would be opportunities to play on global platforms.

 

“Runners-up will also receive endorsement deals, stage opportunities, and other major prizes,” he said.

 

Also, DJ Vickylee, Head of the Organising Committee, said the competition had been carefully designed to ensure fairness, credibility, and wide representation across all 36 states and the FCT.

 

“We’ve spent months carefully building a championship that not only excites but delivers on merit.

 

“DJAN sees the competition as a moment for society to acknowledge the evolving role of DJs in culture, events, and youth development,” he said

 

Similarly, DJ Teazer, National Public Relations Officer of DJAN, expressed this broader vision,stating, “The DJAN mix master championship isn’t just about who’s got the best mix – it’s about raising the bar for Nigeria’s entertainment scene.”

 

In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr John Asein, congratulated DJAN on this initiative, emphasising the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.

 

“DJs are cultural curators – reviving classics, showcasing new sounds, and bringing music to life in ways that connect deeply with audiences.

 

“Copyright protection is not a barrier – it is the foundation that sustains creativity, rewards originality, and ensures that both DJs and music creators can thrive in a fair and vibrant ecosystem,” he said.

 

Asein assured that the Nigerian Copyright Commission was ready to support creative professionals, including DJs, through education, enforcement, and the promotion of lawful use of copyrighted works.

 

He commended DJAN for this initiative and urged all participants to combine talent with responsibility, creativity with compliance, and entertainment with ethics. (NAN)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

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