Entertainment
Nigeria Set To Host World-Class Film Festival In Abuja
Abuja is set to become the host city for a prestigious film festival this December, thanks to a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, and the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC).
The Chief Executive of NFC, Chidia Maduekwe, recently met with the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja to present a roadmap for achieving their goals in developing Nigeria’s film industry.
As part of their plans for the Zuma Film Festival, the Corporation has secured a 10-year hosting partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) back in 2021 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), designating Abuja as the official host city.
During the meeting, the Minister, joined by other high-ranking officials, received valuable insights into the NFC’s agenda.
Maduekwe emphasized that designating Abuja as the official host city for the film festival aligns with global best practices, citing renowned cities like Cannes, Toronto, Durban, and others as examples.
The NFC CEO also highlighted the challenges hampering the film industry’s development and growth, particularly outdated laws, including the untouched NFC Act of 1979, which has remained unamended for 44 years, and the legal frameworks governing the Motion Picture Practitioners Council (MOPICON).
He encouraged the Minister to reconsider pivotal film industry policies that hold the potential to bolster the sector, ensuring its continued contributions to content creation, efficient film distribution and exhibition, training and capacity building, and the establishment of the National Film Development Fund (NFDF).
He said “The NFC, filmmakers and stakeholders are enthusiastic and committed to ensuring that the Minister’s 2030 Destination Agenda was supported to succeed, because of its impactful focus and objectives.
“The legal framework is aimed to update and strengthen the existing legislation governing the NFC to create a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
“There’s a need for a practitioners council, which describes the establishment of a dedicated council for film professionals, aiming to foster collaboration, mentorship, and skill development and also international collaborations that the we plan to form more co-production agreements with international partners, to facilitate the exchange of talent, resources, and expertise.”
Discussing capacity development, the NFC CEO noted that the National Film Institute (NFI) has been consistently delivering training and capacity-building programs in film and television production.
This includes imparting entrepreneurial skills to youths across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones through its mobile audiovisual training platform, in addition to offering a Master’s Degree Programme in Film Culture & Archiving Studies.
Maduekwe also highlighted the significant strides made at the National Film Video and Sound Archive (NFVSA), which has been designated as the national repository for audio-visual heritage.
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
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The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
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The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
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Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
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The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.
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