Entertainment

NICO partners Censors Board on inclusion of cultural content in Nollywood

Published

2 months ago

March 22, 2024

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has indicated interest to partner with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on inclusion of at least 20 percent of cultural content in films produced in Nigeria.

This agreement was reached when Chief Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary of NICO received Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of NFVCB, in his office in Abuja, to explore areas of collaboration toward achieving the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.

Ajiboye, in a statement through his Media Aide, Caleb Nor, on Thursday, said the level at which Nigerian films had permeated the social fabrics of the world was a clear indication that films were the most potent instrument for behavioural modification.

He said unless Nigeria gets to the point of having a proper cultural identity and character, its search for a national identity would remain a mirage.

“Until a nation has proper cultural identity, it cannot have a national identity and when a nation does not have a national identity, it cannot have a national character.

“The Chinese saw culture as a very important and potent part of life and national development.

“When they were trying to come up with the Chinese revolution, culture was the most important thing they took with them and you and I can see where China is today in the equation of the world.

“We need to reach a consensus between us in the form of policy realignment. We want to ask humbly that if you can allow at least 20 percent of cultural content into all the films you want to approve as a matter of policy.

“We cannot afford as a people to ignore or neglect our cultural antecedents and therefore must return to our cultural values.

“If we are able to retrace our steps back to our cultural values, we are likely to have a saner society than what we have today. All these issues of banditry, kidnapping and corruption are as a result of the neglect of our cultural values.

“We stand before the world today to either rescue Nigeria or allow it to perish.

“We have a responsibility to key into the renewed hope agenda of Mr President such that in every situation we find ourselves, we should be able to contribute positively to the success of this administration,” he said.

In his remarks, Husseini said the board had the responsibility of regulating the content, exhibition and distribution of films and whatever the Nigerian society watches.

He noted that the visit was to seek ways of partnership with the institute in carrying out its orientation programmes where they could have a spot to talk to people about the need for media literacy.

“Media literacy has a lot to do with understanding and appreciating the different kinds of contents people watch.

“We are moving from a stage where we are no longer bothered about censorship because we don’t want people to claim that we are stopping them from expressing their creative abilities.

“We are also moving to a scheme where we want to be encouraging movies that speak to us as a country on how resilient we are as a people.

“We are also thinking about encouraging a lot of people to go into language films because we are fast losing our languages; and I know one thing; NICO has institutionalised and it is known for its indigenous language programmes.

“We want to partner with you in our effort to encourage a lot of language movies. We want a situation where we can produce more language movies where we can also help NICO in their instructional language programmes,” he said.

Related Topics:Censors Board NICO Nollywood

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Fashion takes centre stage on Glo-sponsored CNN African Voices

Published

2 days ago

May 31, 2024

NewsDirect

African Voices, the 30-minute programme of the Cable News Network (CNN), this week profiles two Nigerian fashion icons making waves across the globe. African Voices Changemakers is sponsored by telecommunications services provider, Globacom.

The guests are Andrea Iyamah, a Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer and Ruth Erikan James, whose brand name is known as Veekee James.

Born on March 18, 1993 and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Andrea Dumebi Iyamah is the founder and CEO of her fashion label, Andrea Iyamah. At 17, she launched her fashion brand which is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The fashion outfit which caters for top personalities including Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, Issa Rae and Nigerian Nollywood star, Genevieve Nnaji. is specialized in bridal, swimwear and ready-to-wear lines.

Andrea Iyamah has a flagship store in Lagos which was launched in 2017 and its bold swimwear blends African heritage with contemporary design.

Ruth Erikan James, on her part was trained by her fashion designer mum while growing up. She started her own fashion brand Veekee James in 2019. Veekee James later expanded to Veekee James Man, a fashion brand for men’s wear, and Shoprikan for women. Veekee James has grown over the years and is known for bespoke couture with her exquisite gowns known for their impeccable craftsmanship and red-carpet appeal.

The duo will engage viewers with their stories on Saturday at 8.30 a.m., while a repeat will be shown on Saturday at noon. On Sunday, there will be two repeats at 4.30 a.m., and at 7.00 p.m.

Entertainment

Kizz Daniel dedicates new song ‘Double’ to wife, MJay Anidugbe

Published

2 days ago

May 31, 2024

Praise Oguntan

Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel has dedicated his latest song, “Double,” to his wife, MJay Anidugbe.

The brand new single is accompanied by a music video featuring his wife, showcasing their onscreen chemistry and offering fans a glimpse into their beautiful bond.

Set to premiere on the same day as the audio release, the music video captures intimate and joyful moments between Kizz Daniel and his wife, highlighting their special connection.

In a statement, Kizz Daniel expressed that the song is a celebration of love, partnership, and the double joy that comes from sharing life’s journey with someone special.

“I wanted to create a song that not only celebrates my love for my wife but also speaks to the beauty of partnership and family,” he said.

“Having her grace the screen with me makes this project even more special. I hope that ‘Double’ resonates with everyone who listens and reminds them of the importance of love and togetherness.”

Entertainment

US investigators obtain video of Diddy “victimising” a male sex worker inside his home

Published

2 days ago

May 31, 2024

NewsDirect

US Federal investigators are preparing to have witnesses and victims of Sean “Diddy” Combs appear in front of a Grand Jury, which will be convened in New York City.

Among the victims will be the seven women who are suing Diddy for sexual assault.

The investigators have already interviewed each of these women at least once, and they have obtained helpful information from them.

Investigators are also talking to a male sex worker they saw being victimised on a video they obtained when they raided one of Diddy’s homes in March.

They are now “digging deeper,” and some of the accusers have been questioned numerous times, a source said.

Federal agents are in possession of video taken inside of Combs’ recently searched residences, a source said. It’s unclear whether the video was seized during the raids, or whether investigators obtained video from individuals they have been questioning.

“They are contacting people that they’ve found on the tapes,” a source said.

At least one male sex worker, who claims he has been victimised by Combs, has been questioned during the investigation, one source said, adding that this individual was seen in footage that is in possession of the federal investigators.

In some of the lawsuits against Combs, accusers have alleged that they were informed, after the fact, that they were recorded having sex without giving their consent to be filmed.

Combs has not responded to this specific accusation, but he dismissed all alleged wrongdoing in a blanket denial he posted in December 2023.

In addition to sex trafficking, the investigators are now looking at Diddy for money laundering and drug trafficking.

Combs has been named in eight civil lawsuits since November – seven directly accusing him of sexual assault.

One of the eight lawsuits, filed by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, has been settled.

Another lawsuit accused his son Christian Combs of sexual assault, and Sean Combs is accused of aiding and abetting.