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.
Big Brother Naija star, Victoria Iye, better known as Vee, expressed her disbelief in the supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the controversial activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM).
In a recent video shared on her TikTok page, Vee suggested that these supporters might require a mental evaluation.
She said: “Personally, I’m judging anybody that supports that current Nigerian government. I’m also judging supporters of VDM.
“It’s high time we start holding certain people responsible. If you say something stupid or defend the wrong thing, I’m cutting you off.
READ MORE: ‘I Only Reacted To Bobrisky’s Call’ VeryDarkMan Denies Defaming Falz, Falana
“I don’t believe in freedom fighters. I don’t believe in an individual coming out to say they want to fight for the rights of Nigerians. It doesn’t make sense to me. I think it should be a joint effort. I think everybody should be involved. And I definitely don’t think it should be VDM doing it.
“I don’t have much to say about the Falz versus VDM issue, by the way. They say he [Falz] is going to court. Lovely. Aside from Falz, Bobrisky and VDM’s case, I feel like anybody defending VDM is not somebody I want to have a conversation with.
“This country makes no sense. People are suffering. People are hungry. Anybody defending this government needs mental evaluation. Anybody defending VDM… We don’t even know what his [VDM’s] achievements are. What’s he trying to achieve? I personally do not know and I will not defend him. When I come across a VDM video, I skip it. When they are talking about the guy, I will continue to skip.”
BIZTELLERS reports that human rights lawyer Femi Falana and rapper Falz issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan (VDM) to retract his statements, accusing them of facilitating a soft landing for controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, during his jail sentence.
However, VDM released a video denying any defamation of Chief Falana and Falz.
In response to his refusal to retract the publication, Folakemi Falana, an entertainment lawyer and Falz’s sister, has threatened legal action against VDM.
Watch Video Here
Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, known as Davido, recently shared how he copes with the pain of losing loved ones.
Having experienced profound grief throughout his life, including the loss of his mother, Mrs. Victoria Imade Adeleke, when he was just 11, and the tragic passing of his three-year-old son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, as well as friends and associates like Tagbo, DJ Olu, Obama DMW, and his personal photographer, Fortune, in quick succession, Davido has faced numerous challenges.
In a recent interview with Mystery Fashionist in New York, he expressed that his faith has been a crucial source of strength for him during these difficult times.
READ MORE: Davido Upbeat On Debut Performance At 79th UNGA
“I have lost a lot of people. I lost my mum at the age of eleven. I’m just being strong. I did a song called ‘Stand Strong.’
“I feel like strength and obviously, my faith has kept me going,” he said.
Davido also addressed some misconceptions about him.
“I think sometimes, people think I am not approachable. Another misconception is that people also think I am too accessible.
“I grew up in a big family, I’m used to having people around me. My talent and success is God-given,” he explained.
Evicted Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) ‘No Loose Guard’ housemate, Shaun Okojie has expressed his willingness to continue his relationship with fellow housemate Wanni after the reality show.
Shaun was eliminated from the competition last Sunday, while Wanni remains in the running for the N100 million grand prize.
In a post-eviction interview with TVC, Shaun addressed questions about his future with Wanni, stating, “I am waiting for her to come out, then we…” He emphasised that his feelings for Wanni were genuine, dismissing speculations that their relationship was merely a strategic game.
READ MORE: BBNaija S9: Shaun Declares Wanni Deserving Of N100m Grand Prize
When asked about the authenticity of his connection with Wanni, Shaun responded to the interviewer’s query regarding the speculation, saying, “Sounds like projection to me.” The interviewer playfully suggested the couple’s ship name, “Shanni,” to which Shaun replied, “Okay.”
As Wanni continues to compete in the BBNaija house, fans are eagerly anticipating the couple’s reunion and the next steps in their relationship. Shaun’s heartfelt comments have ignited interest in their dynamic, adding another layer of excitement to this season’s unfolding drama.
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