“NFVCB Urges Nollywood Stakeholders to Shun Depictions of Harmful Practices: Emphasizes Smoke-Free Films and Responsible Content”

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) recently convened stakeholders in the Nollywood industry to advocate for the avoidance of harmful depictions in films and other creative content. Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of NFVCB, delivered a compelling message during the National Stakeholders’ Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that films, music videos, and other media productions refrain from portraying and glamorizing detrimental elements such as smoking tobacco, criminal activities, ritual killings, and money rituals.

Acknowledging the significant role of the film industry within the entertainment and creative sector, Husseini stressed the necessity of prioritizing its advancement. He highlighted the current challenges faced by the industry, describing them as an “industry emergency,” which demands concerted efforts from all stakeholders including parents, guardians, and industry players.

Furthermore, Husseini encouraged collaboration between public and private sectors to develop strategic partnerships aimed at mobilizing resources and implementing innovative approaches to educate and sensitize the public, particularly mothers and youth, about the dangers associated with unapproved and unclassified content.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the imperative of promoting a smoke-free environment within the Nollywood landscape. Oluwafemi emphasized the need to counteract the portrayal of smoking and tobacco use as a fashionable lifestyle choice in movies and music videos, citing studies that have highlighted the prevalence of smoking in Nigerian films.

Moreover, Oluwafemi commended Dr. Husseini for initiating dialogues with industry stakeholders to work towards a Nigerian screen that refrains from unhealthy promotion of smoking tobacco. This collaborative effort between NFVCB and industry stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to promoting responsible content and fostering a healthier media environment for audiences across Nigeria.

In summary, the NFVCB’s call to action underscores the importance of social responsibility within the entertainment industry and serves as a catalyst for positive change in Nollywood’s portrayal of harmful behaviors. By championing smoke-free films and responsible content, stakeholders can contribute to a cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles and societal well-being.

Nollywood veteran actor Zack Orji recently took to his Instagram page, @realzackorji, to address and dispel rumors circulating on social media claiming that he hails from Gabon rather than Nigeria. The actor expressed his frustration with the falsehood, emphasizing that this was not the first time such rumors had surfaced about him.

Orji made it unequivocally clear that he is a proud Nigerian, born and bred in Enugu, often referred to as the coal city State. He asserted his Nigerian heritage, stating that both of his parents are Nigerians. He took a firm stance in defending his nationality, expressing pride in his Nigerian roots.

Expressing his dismay at the spread of false information, Orji called upon God to deal with those responsible for originating and spreading the rumors. He highlighted the gravity of the situation, drawing parallels to a previous false rumor of his death, which had also circulated on social media. Despite these challenges, Orji remained resolute in his identity and steadfast in his commitment to his Nigerian heritage.

In his statement, Orji issued a strong disclaimer, dissociating himself from the misinformation and reaffirming his allegiance to Nigeria. He expressed confidence that the truth would prevail and that those behind the false rumors would face appropriate consequences for their actions.

Overall, Zack Orji’s response exemplifies the importance of clarifying misinformation and standing up for one’s identity in the face of false rumors. His commitment to his Nigerian heritage and his determination to set the record straight serve as a reminder of the power of truth and resilience in the digital age.

Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about his early struggles with underpayment despite playing lead roles in movies. The star of “Jagun Jagun” shared his journey during a recent episode of the ‘Deep Dive’ podcast hosted by comedian Teju Babyface.

Adedimeji recounted receiving shockingly low compensation, as little as N4,000, for lead roles in films as far back as 2014. This revelation highlights the stark realities faced by many actors in the Nigerian film industry, where compensation may not always reflect the significance of the role or the effort put into the performance.

The actor explained that the situation began to improve around 2015 or 2016 when he started receiving payments ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 for roles. This increase in pay marked a significant milestone in his career and signaled a shift towards fairer compensation for his contributions to the industry.

Adedimeji’s disclosure sheds light on the challenges and financial struggles experienced by actors, particularly those starting out in the industry. Despite the low pay, he viewed this period as a learning process, indicating his dedication to honing his craft and pursuing his passion for acting despite the obstacles.

Overall, Adedimeji’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed in the entertainment industry, where actors often face financial instability and uncertainty, especially in the early stages of their careers. His willingness to share his experiences offers valuable insights into the realities of working in Nollywood and underscores the importance of fair compensation for actors’ contributions to the film industry.

In a recent interview with Kiss FM UK, Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage candidly shared her experiences of facing heavy criticism for her fashion choices and lyrical content during the early stages of her career. She recalled being subjected to scrutiny and negative feedback for what some deemed as her “sexy” fashion style and “risky” lyrics. These criticisms were likely part of the challenges she encountered while establishing herself as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Despite the backlash she received, Tiwa Savage expressed admiration and support for Ayra Starr, a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. She revealed her deep appreciation for Ayra’s authenticity and talent, emphasizing how Ayra’s confidence and genuine artistry resonate with her own journey.

Tiwa Savage’s remarks highlight the resilience required to navigate the pressures and expectations placed on artists, particularly women, within the entertainment industry. Her acknowledgment of the criticisms she faced underscores the importance of self-assurance and staying true to one’s artistic vision, even in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, Tiwa Savage’s praise for Ayra Starr not only celebrates the younger artist’s success but also serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of Nigerian music. It reflects a sense of solidarity among female artists and a recognition of the progress made in challenging traditional norms and stereotypes.

Overall, Tiwa Savage’s reflections offer insights into the complexities of navigating fame and creativity in the music industry while advocating for authenticity and empowerment among fellow artists. Her support for Ayra Starr exemplifies a spirit of camaraderie and encouragement within the Nigerian music community.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Victoria Iye, popularly known as Vee, has offered insights into her current relationship status and her reasons for remaining single. In a series of posts on her social media handles, she candidly expressed her apprehension about entering into a romantic relationship at the moment, citing a fear of heartbreak as the primary factor.

Vee’s sentiments were transparent as she shared her reluctance to engage in romantic entanglements that could potentially lead to emotional pain. Through her posts, she conveyed a strong stance on prioritizing her emotional well-being and avoiding situations that might jeopardize her peace of mind.

In one post, she unequivocally stated, “One thing I don’t have time for right now is heartbreak. I’m not in the mood for that at all. No bueno abeg.” This statement underscores her determination to guard herself against potential romantic disappointments.

Moreover, Vee articulated her approach to handling feelings of affection, indicating that while she acknowledges her emotions, she also exercises discernment and self-preservation. She stated, “I’m very good at loving someone from a distance. I won’t fight my feelings but I won’t fight my sense either,” reflecting a balance between embracing her emotions and making rational decisions.

The reality star also shared her experiences with love, referring to herself as “born to be a lover girl” but feeling compelled to navigate through encounters with individuals who may not have her best interests at heart. Her use of the term “love-bombers” suggests encounters with individuals who may initially show intense affection but later prove to be emotionally manipulative or insincere.

Recalling her past relationship with fellow Big Brother Naija contestant Neo Akpofure, Vee’s openness about her romantic journey adds depth to her reflections on love and heartbreak. Their relationship, which began during their time in the Big Brother house in 2020, encountered challenges post-show and ultimately ended. Vee’s willingness to share her experiences, including the difficulties she faced in her relationship with Neo, provides context for her current perspective on love and relationships.

In October of the previous year, Vee publicly stated her intention to give up on love after experiencing two more heartbreaks, further emphasizing the impact of past experiences on her current outlook.

Overall, Vee’s candid revelations offer a glimpse into her personal journey with love and relationships, highlighting her commitment to self-preservation and emotional well-being in the face of potential heartbreak. Her openness resonates with many who have faced similar struggles in navigating the complexities of romantic entanglements.

Controversial social media activist VeryDarkMan has made bold predictions regarding the upcoming 2027 presidential election in Nigeria. In his statements, he dismisses the likelihood of several prominent political figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, securing the presidency. VeryDarkMan asserts that the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain a dominant position in Nigerian politics, suggesting that opposition supporters are underestimating Tinubu’s influence and political acumen.

VeryDarkMan’s remarks were made in response to speculation about a potential merger between opposition parties, fueled by Peter Obi’s recent visit to Atiku. He expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of such a merger, arguing that even with combined forces, the opposition would struggle to unseat Tinubu.

He praises Tinubu as a shrewd and determined politician, suggesting that his leadership qualities and strategic prowess make him a formidable contender. VeryDarkMan predicts that Tinubu will remain in office until 2032, emphasizing the need for the opposition to recognize his political prowess and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Overall, VeryDarkMan’s comments reflect a mix of political analysis and opinion, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in Nigerian politics and offering a provocative perspective on the future of political leadership in the country.

Controversial rapper Speed Darlington, also known as Darlington Okoye, has stirred up a storm by retracting his previous stance on his preference for Igbo women as potential partners. In a recent video message shared on his social media platforms, Darlington made a dramatic reversal, advising eligible bachelors to steer clear of marrying Igbo women, citing them as unsuitable for marriage.

Darlington’s video message, delivered with his trademark directness, sparked immediate controversy. He launched into a series of criticisms against Igbo women, alleging them to be “proud and promiscuous.” He claimed that his extensive travel experiences, courtesy of his profession, afforded him the authority to issue such advice.

One of the key points of contention in Darlington’s message was his assertion that Igbo women are greedy and unappreciative, drawing parallels with black American women in his view of their perceived insatiability. He further emphasized his opinion by contrasting Igbo women with those from Yoruba and Hausa ethnicities, suggesting that they are less prideful and demanding.

Perhaps the most inflammatory remark was Darlington’s characterization of Igbo women as the “number one prostitutes in Nigeria,” a statement that garnered significant backlash. Many critics accused him of unfairly generalizing his personal experiences and projecting his frustrations onto an entire ethnic group. Furthermore, his comments about Igbo women being predominant among social media feminists added fuel to the controversy.

The backlash against Darlington’s statements was swift and intense, with many condemning his remarks as sexist, stereotypical, and divisive. Critics argued that his comments were not only offensive but also reinforced harmful stereotypes and perpetuated prejudice against Igbo women.

In summary, Speed Darlington’s abrupt reversal on his preference for Igbo women and his subsequent disparaging remarks have ignited a heated debate on social media, highlighting broader issues of gender, ethnicity, and cultural stereotypes in Nigerian society.

“Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has taken a surprising turn in his relationship with law enforcement. Despite recent trouble with the police stemming from a debt-related issue involving the purchase of a G-Wagon, Portable has now revealed that he has been appointed as an ambassador for the Nigeria Police.

Just days after his arrest for allegedly failing to settle a debt owed to a car dealer in Lagos State, Portable took to Instagram to share his new role and advocate for support for the police force. In his post, he emphasized the importance of viewing the police as allies, stating that they are ‘our friends.’

Reflecting on his recent ordeal, Portable expressed his belief that every setback is a blessing in disguise. He maintained his faith in God and his commitment to his music career, asserting that he does not beg for success but relies on divine grace.

His Instagram post, filled with colloquial expressions and references to his personal philosophy, conveyed a sense of resilience and gratitude in the face of challenges. Portable’s unexpected transformation from a figure at odds with the law to a police ambassador serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and the potential for redemption and reconciliation even in the most unlikely circumstances.”