Entertainment
FG’s Ban On Smoking, Ritual Scenes In Films Divide Nollywood Stakeholders Views
The Federal Government’s recent move to enforce a prohibition on smoking, money rituals, and ritual killings in Nigerian films has sparked a contentious debate within the Nollywood community.
The announcement, made by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), aims to curtail the glamorization of such acts in movies, musical videos, and skits, under a new regulation approved by the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
During a national stakeholders’ engagement on smoke-free Nollywood in Enugu, Dr. Husseini emphasized that the regulation seeks to discourage harmful content and promote positive values, particularly for teens and young adults who form a significant portion of the Nigerian movie audience.
The NFVCB plans to implement extensive educational programs across schools, communities, and faith-based groups to highlight the dangers of smoking and the negative influence of ritualistic scenes.
However, the policy has received mixed reactions from industry stakeholders. Veteran actor Bob Manuel Udokwu supports the government’s move, explaining that it is not an outright ban but a measure to prevent inadvertent promotion of smoking and ritual acts. He believes that filmmakers can still depict such scenes when necessary for storytelling, such as in documentaries or true-life stories.
Conversely, actress Jennifer Obodo criticises the government for focusing on Nollywood instead of addressing pressing national issues like high fuel prices, food shortages, and poor infrastructure.
She argues that movies are a form of storytelling and that banning these elements does not address the root of the problem, suggesting that the government should instead regulate cigarette production and sales.
Ngozi Eze Evuka, another actress, argues against the ban, stating that movies educate and entertain rather than corrupt viewers. She fears that banning smoking and ritual scenes could lead to further restrictions on other narrative elements in Nollywood, such as sexual acts and depictions of traditional practices.
Nollywood producer Nnaemeka Charles Eze (Nani Boi) also opposes the ban, suggesting it distracts from more critical national issues and could stifle creative expression. He proposes that an oversight body should ensure films meet ethical standards without compromising artistic freedom.
Despite the opposition, some, like Nelson Bright, view the ban positively, linking it to broader efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal organ harvesting. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that such restrictions could limit personal liberty and drive filmmakers away from the Nigerian cinema industry, potentially impacting its international recognition and profitability.
Don Sylvester Nweke, CEO of Don Sylvester Records, believes the ban is unnecessary and suggests that films should instead depict the negative consequences of smoking and rituals to educate viewers. He argues that censorship should focus on ensuring films convey moral lessons rather than outright banning content.
Maxi Okwu, former National Chairman of APGA, raises constitutional concerns, emphasizing the need to protect fundamental rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. He warns that the ban might infringe on these rights and suggests that any law limiting such freedoms would require constitutional amendments.
As Nollywood grapples with this contentious regulation, the debate underscores the delicate balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility in the film industry.
Nigerian music icon Davido, popularly known as ‘OBO,’ is being celebrated across the globe as he marks his 32nd birthday today, November 21.
Fans, supporters, and friends have flooded social media with goodwill messages, prayers, and tributes to honour the Unavailable crooner.
In a heartfelt post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Davido expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone. “Big 32 soon! Omo, God is good. Happy to be alive! My eyes don see shege! But steady my fans dey shout shekpe!” he wrote, reflecting on his journey and the unwavering support of his fan base, the ‘30BG.’
Fans were quick to shower the superstar with love and admiration:
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@prettymfon wrote: “OBO baddest!!! 30BG everywhere you go!!! Happy birthday to the real GOAT, 001. God bless you more and more. May you live long to reap the fruits of your labour. Enjoy!!!”
@AbiolaBlackdiva added: “Happy birthday baba ibeji.”
@Big_Rosie_ celebrated with: “We mount and still shouting Shekpe 001 happy big 32.”
In a generous act of celebration, Davido’s wife, Chioma Adeleke, announced a giveaway of ₦40 million to 200 people, encouraging participants to subscribe to a YouTube channel as part of the entry process. She posted on X: “To celebrate Davido’s birthday today, I’ll be sharing ₦40million to 200 people. All you have to do is subscribe to the YouTube channel below and drop a screenshot as proof! Good-luck!!!”
Adding to the festivities, Mr Jay Autos LLC, an auto dealership, gifted Davido a brand-new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. In an announcement, the company stated: “On your birthday our brand Mr Jay Autos LLC has decided to gift you this new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. We appreciate your patronage and love for the brand. Happy birthday oriade @davido cheers to many more years.”
Davido, who has consistently dominated the Nigerian and global music scene, continues to inspire millions with his talent, resilience, and generosity. As the celebrations unfold, fans worldwide remain united in wishing the 30BG leader more success and happiness in the years to come.
Nigerian beauty queen and Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina has revealed her decision to step away from beauty pageants.
Speaking candidly about her future plans, she shared, “I am putting pageant to bed. I’m going to focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma is. More into runways. So many things I would like to touch on and see where my potential can go to.”
READ MORE: Miss Universe 2024: Nigeria’s Adetshina Finishes Strong As First Runner-Up
Adetshina’s decision comes after a challenging experience during her participation in the Miss Universe competition.
Following this chapter of her life, she has chosen to shift her priorities toward her education, acting aspirations, and exploring her potential in other fields.
Having recently returned to Nigeria from South Africa, where she encountered personal hurdles, Adetshina expressed resilience and a positive outlook. “I hold no grudges,” she noted, emphasizing her focus on growth and new opportunities.
Her announcement has sparked widespread conversations, with many admirers and industry stakeholders praising her courage to redefine her journey.
As she steps into this new phase, Adetshina is determined to embrace fresh challenges and make her mark in diverse areas of interest.
Entertainment
’46 Minutes To Heaven’: Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel DMW Celebrates First US Trip
Israel DMW, the logistics manager to renowned Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido, has expressed profound gratitude following his recent visit to the United States.
In a heartfelt post shared via his Instagram page, Israel, who secured a five-year US visa just last month, described his experience in America as otherworldly, likening it to being just “46 minutes to Heaven.”
His excitement and appreciation were evident as he thanked God, his boss Davido, his Edo community, and Nigerians at large for their support.
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“It’s 46 minutes to Heaven when you get to America. 5yrs visa shit. Thank you, God Almighty. Thank you, baba twins. Thank you, sir. Thanks to my Edo people. Thanks to all Nigerians,” he wrote.
This milestone highlights yet another chapter in Israel’s journey alongside Davido, who has been instrumental in elevating the lives of those in his circle.
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