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The NFC CEO also highlighted the challenges hampering the film industry’s development and growth, particularly outdated laws, including the untouched NFC Act of 1979, which has remained unamended for 44 years, and the legal frameworks governing the Motion Picture Practitioners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.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
READ MORE: WHO Expresses Regret Over US’ Withdrawal
Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Adeleke Congratulates New DG, PEBEC, Princess Audu
Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
READ MORE; I Love Men Who Use Sex Toys On Me, Says Ada La Pinky
Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
Watch Video here
Tinubu To Attend Africa Heads of State Energy Summit In Tanzania
Italy Collaborates With Edo To Combat Irregular Migration
Terrorism: Police Neutralises ESN Kingpins, Destroys Camps In Imo
JUST IN: Security Beefed Up As Obasa’s Supporters Occupy Speaker’s Lodge
9mobile Commends NCC For 50% Tariff Adjustment To Boost Telecom Sector
Kano Police Warn Residents Of Imminent Terror Attack Threats
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
