Month: July 2024

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.

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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.

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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 est
ablishing 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.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja emphasised the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions.

The president spoke at the Presidential Villa when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr.

He said that protests were an integral part of democracy, but that no government would condone demonstrations that would lead to the destruction of lives and property.

‘Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.

‘We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values,’ said the president.

Tinubu recalled that during the military era, he and other democrats made their voices heard against dictatorship, and that he was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to
the destruction of property.

‘We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.

‘In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,’ he stated.

Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.

‘Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides.

See also Commission lauds Tinubu’s ratification on the Rights of Older Persons

‘We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow,’ Tinubu said.

Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy, and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the int
ernational arena.

‘Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.

‘I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,’ Mills said.

Expressing the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Earlier, Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Mr Aiyub Bin Omar, and the High Commissioner of Botswana, Ms Phild Nani Kereng.

He told the high commissioner of Malaysia that Nigeria would work towards improving the balance of trade between the two countries.

‘Diversification of the economy is uppermost on my Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria. We must look at how we can improve the balance of trade with Malaysia,’ the President said.

He acknowledged that many Niger
ian students found studying in Malaysia attractive.

He added that Nigeria looked forward to their contributions to the development of critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and ICT.

The Malaysian High Commissioner said ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2025, Malaysia was looking forward to strengthening relations with Nigeria.

See also Yiaga Africa tasks Tinubu on electoral reform

‘We are pleased with our cooperation in the areas of education. We are also keen on working with Nigerian partners in the financial services sector,’ the high commissioner said.

In his audience with the Botswana high commissioner, the president expressed Nigeria’s readiness to develop a robust cultural and economic cooperation with the Southern African country.

Acknowledging Botswana’s progress on livestock development, Tinubu said he had received briefing from a committee established to create a ministry of livestock development in Nigeria.

‘The committee is at work, a
nd their report will be ready in the next two weeks. Africa’s solution is in our hands. Nobody will help us if we do not help ourselves,’ he said.

Tinubu described President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as a good friend and extended his appreciation to the Botswana President for attending his inauguration.

Kereng said Botswana was committed to being a leader in the production of livestock vaccines and was prepared to partner Nigeria in this area.

She expressed admiration for Nigerian arts, entertainment, and culture, adding that young people from Botswana had a lot to learn from Nigeria’s youth-driven creative economy.

‘My coming to Nigeria fulfills my President’s vision of improved relations with Nigeria, and I will work very hard to achieve these objectives,’ the high commissioner said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), on Thursday, called for dialogue between the Federal Government and youths planning to embark on protest.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife and Co-Chairman of the Council, made the call while addressing State House correspondents, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

He said that the Federal Executive Council briefed the traditional rulers properly on the plans of government and governance, achievements so far, and challenges, which had never happened before.

‘As you know, we are closer to the people and know where they are having challenges.

‘So, there is a proper bridging and closing of governance gaps between the governed and the people that are in charge of government.

‘People that are out there to protest, it’s their civic right, but let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand,’ he said.

He said traditional rulers would not encourage people, especially the youth,
to engage in wanton looting and to cause a breakdown of law and order.

‘We are parents, we are traditional rulers, we are closer to them, we are going to go back home to continue to engage them.

‘It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy. We are all stakeholders of this country, we should be stronger as a nation together, than stronger individually.

‘The President has said it and he will continue to say it, any leader that you don’t like, wait and vote him out. He is open to dialogue,’ Adeyeye said.

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He said that the traditional rulers were aware of the challenges confronting Nigerians.

‘We know that, but are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we’re all after? We should talk to ourselves.

‘The government, ably led by the President, is willing to engage and dialogue and bring governance very close to the people,’ he said.

The Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Keagborekuzi, said the take home message,afte
r hearing from the President directly, was that the government understood youths were the future of the country.

He said the government officials demonstrated that they had the youth in mind, and that they were the power and strength of the country.

‘We feel your pain, I’m a young person myself. It’s been 24 years I’ve been back and it’s been 24 years that I’ve started seeing the nation going in a very unpalatable direction.

‘Let us not destroy our own country. I’ll ask you, think of Libya. Libya was a beautiful country, what has happened to Libya, we don’t want it to happen here.

‘Let’s go home, let’s continue to strive for the best that we can and continue to work with the government to see if we can proffer some solutions,’ he said.

Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Chairman South East Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, commended President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for grating audience to the traditional rulers.

He said the President was passion
ate about the youth and was doing everything possible to bring succour to them in the face of the current harsh economic reality.

See also Minster tasks Nigerians on commitment to duty

He stated that the President demonstrated clearly to the traditional rulers that the unity and peace of the country was uppermost in his heart, and was willing to engage the youth in dialogue.

He said the government had taken steps to address the concerns of the youth with a new minimum wage for workers, distribution of food items, autonomy to local governments to take governance closer to the people, amongst several other measures.

‘In particular, the signing into law the South-East Development Commission Bill will is a demonstration of the willingness of the President to bring development to the zone and other parts of the country.

‘We acknowledge that the passage of this bill is only the beginning. We pledge our continued support and collaboration in implementing the goals and aspirations enshrined in the South East Dev
elopment Council Bill,’ Asadu said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), on Thursday, called for dialogue between the Federal Government and youths planning to embark on protest.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife and Co-Chairman of the Council, made the call while addressing State House correspondents, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

He said that the Federal Executive Council briefed the traditional rulers properly on the plans of government and governance, achievements so far, and challenges, which had never happened before.

‘As you know, we are closer to the people and know where they are having challenges.

‘So, there is a proper bridging and closing of governance gaps between the governed and the people that are in charge of government.

‘People that are out there to protest, it’s their civic right, but let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand,’ he said.

He said traditional rulers would not encourage people, especially the youth,
to engage in wanton looting and to cause a breakdown of law and order.

‘We are parents, we are traditional rulers, we are closer to them, we are going to go back home to continue to engage them.

‘It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy. We are all stakeholders of this country, we should be stronger as a nation together, than stronger individually.

‘The President has said it and he will continue to say it, any leader that you don’t like, wait and vote him out. He is open to dialogue,’ Adeyeye said.

See also NIS warns COVID-19 safety protocol defaulting passengers

He said that the traditional rulers were aware of the challenges confronting Nigerians.

‘We know that, but are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we’re all after? We should talk to ourselves.

‘The government, ably led by the President, is willing to engage and dialogue and bring governance very close to the people,’ he said.

The Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Keagborekuzi, said the take home message,afte
r hearing from the President directly, was that the government understood youths were the future of the country.

He said the government officials demonstrated that they had the youth in mind, and that they were the power and strength of the country.

‘We feel your pain, I’m a young person myself. It’s been 24 years I’ve been back and it’s been 24 years that I’ve started seeing the nation going in a very unpalatable direction.

‘Let us not destroy our own country. I’ll ask you, think of Libya. Libya was a beautiful country, what has happened to Libya, we don’t want it to happen here.

‘Let’s go home, let’s continue to strive for the best that we can and continue to work with the government to see if we can proffer some solutions,’ he said.

Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Chairman South East Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, commended President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for grating audience to the traditional rulers.

He said the President was passion
ate about the youth and was doing everything possible to bring succour to them in the face of the current harsh economic reality.

See also Minster tasks Nigerians on commitment to duty

He stated that the President demonstrated clearly to the traditional rulers that the unity and peace of the country was uppermost in his heart, and was willing to engage the youth in dialogue.

He said the government had taken steps to address the concerns of the youth with a new minimum wage for workers, distribution of food items, autonomy to local governments to take governance closer to the people, amongst several other measures.

‘In particular, the signing into law the South-East Development Commission Bill will is a demonstration of the willingness of the President to bring development to the zone and other parts of the country.

‘We acknowledge that the passage of this bill is only the beginning. We pledge our continued support and collaboration in implementing the goals and aspirations enshrined in the South East Dev
elopment Council Bill,’ Asadu said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The European Union (EU) has inaugurated the second phase of its education programme – ‘Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS),’ to build the capacity of teachers in Nigeria.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, made this known at the inauguration of the Programme in Abuja.

Isopi, represented by EU’s Head of Human Development, Leila Mathieu, said that the second phase of the programme focused on teachers.

This, she said, complemented the first phase, Education and Youth Empowerment in North Western Nigeria, inaugurated in 2023.

‘The funding for both phases amounts to 45.4 million euros, under the Global Gateway Strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors.

‘It will also strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.’

According to Isopi, the EU under EISS will partner with six training colleges in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Plateau and Oyo. The beneficiary states are expected to in turn reach out t
o a wider pool of teachers.

‘Why focus on teachers? Because teachers are the bedrock of education, they are the ones who inspire, nurture, and guide our future generations

‘Investing in teachers is investing in our collective future. All over the world they play an essential role in shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation.

‘However, in many countries, and in Nigeria in particular, teachers face numerous challenges, ranging from insufficient resources to the pressures of adapting to rapidly changing educational environments.’

Isopi said that recognising these challenges, the European Union identified with the government the critical need to support Nigerian teachers in their professional development and personal resilience.

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She said that by empowering teachers, the quality of education would be enhanced as well as ensuring that students received the guidance and support needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.

‘Specifically, the
initiative will fund the development and review of education policies and career paths for the teaching profession in Nigeria.

‘It will also ensure that teachers’ capacity and resilience are enhanced through pre-service and in-service teachers’ education programmes as well as strengthen teacher-student collaboration and learning teams at school and community levels.

‘This programme’s implementation is entrusted to our partner, UNESCO,’she said.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, while commending Nigeria’s effort to meet up with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), expressed worry over the high number of inadequately trained teachers in schools.

‘A 2021 report by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, states that Sub-Saharan Africa faces the biggest challenge, with the lowest percentages of trained teachers in pre-primary 57 per cent.

‘In primary 67 per cent and secondary education 61 per cent among all regions.

‘The UNESCO Global report on Teachers 2023, notes that teacher attrition is a global c
oncern: between 2015 and 2022, attrition rates of primary education teachers doubled around the world from 4.6 to 9 per cent.

‘Regardless of the country’s income level, and even remuneration, teachers are leaving the profession within the first five years of practice. We must halt this worrisome trend.’

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, said that teachers represented a significant milestone in the collective efforts to transform the educational landscape in Nigeria.

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Tahir, represented by the Director, Basic Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, commended the funding support from the EU, the technical support of UNESCO as well as the commitment of all the state governments involved in the programme.

He said the project was aimed at improving student attainment and to contribute to Nigeria’s human development through an increase in the number of qualified and resilient teachers.

He added that the project would help
in addressing the challenges confronting teachers in the country.

‘We understand the challenges our teachers face, especially in fragile and demanding environments, such as ours. This project will provide them with the tools and support they need to excel.

‘By strengthening our teachers and the teachers’ education programmes and implementing robust teacher policies, we can ensure that our teachers are well prepared, they are adequately recruited, deployed and managed.’

He added that the six states benefiting from the programme would create models of excellence that would be replicated across the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria