Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Dr Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB declared a two day interactive session and capacity building event open for youths and undergraduates from five various higher institutions of learning in Lagos Nigeria.

The participating youths were drawn from University of Lagos, UNILAG; Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH; Lagos State University, LASU; Trinity University; and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH.

The participating students, which were over 300, gathered at the Afe Babalola Hall situated inside the University of Lagos for the training sessions that were specially created to empower and build capacity in various aspects that include directing, cinematography, acting, screenwriting, costume design and art creative design.

The opening ceremony had the keynote remarks delivered by Julie McKay, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Lagos.

In her remark, McKay stressed that people are paying more attention to African creatives – films and music – especially Nigeria.

Speaking directly to the university undergrads, she said, “Many people are paying more attention to African creatives – films and music – especially Nigeria. I believe the next OSCAR winner might come from this room here in Nigeria.”

“U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in September that “Accurate information is vital to the health of any democracy.  It helps citizens understand the issues and effects – and events that are affecting their lives.  It empowers them to engage meaningfully in their communities, their country, the world.  When state or non-state actors spread disinformation, material deliberately meant to deceive or divide our public, they attack the very foundations of our free and open society.”

“The United States and Nigeria share a common vision for a future where our citizens not only have access to reliable information but can also identify and stop the spread disinformation. The best tool we have in the fight against disinformation is media literacy.” –

Continuing, she said the U.S has a lot to learn from Nigerians, hence the decision to partner and exchange knowledge. She also reeled out some of the partnerships with Nigerian creatives including Kunle Afolayan Production Academy where the U.S brought in experts for masterclasses to train next sets of filmmakers.

McKay also announced some of the programmes that will benefit students and young Nigerians  from a long list of exchange programmes that are organised annually by the U.S. consulate. “We have programmes like American music mentorship programme for music producers to get mentorship and work in a part of America where all these happen, we also have Script to Screen for a one year course that is specifically for students, and we are also partnering with Entertainment Week Lagos where we will be having a crash course on scripting.”

In the same vein, the chairman of the occasion, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, in her speech noted that the event was aimed at equipping young people with skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to critically evaluate and create media content.

Mabogunje further stressed that the event also aims to promote media literacy as a critical component of education, civic engagement and social responsibility as well as providing a platform for young people to learn, share ideas, and showcase their talents.

“As young people participating in this capacity building programme, you have the opportunity to sharpen your skills and learn from veterans and experts in the industry. At this point in time, as young people, you have the opportunity to shape the stories that will inspire, entertain and educate generations to come,” she said.

Dr Husseini, on his part, urged the participating students to listen and endeavour to use the opportunity to learn and evolve their talents while meeting with industry experts.

“Being a lecturer, a journalist, dancer and creative, I have always wanted capacity building for students and I have always yearned for more of this fora for talented students to learn and build on their imbued talents. I am most grateful to the industry experts that decided to do this and walk on this journey with us as well as the participating students,” the NFVCB Executive Director said.

In the same vein, Dr Theresa Ifeoma Amobi of the Mass COmmunication Department of University of Lagos, kicked off the teaching with her session that dwells on Media Literacy. Dr Amobi spoke on the Information skills as a tool for combating information anomaly and disorder. She took her time to teach the students, who also participated with questions and show of understanding throughout the session.

The two day event had top film practitioners like Uzodinma Okpechi and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen taking the directing session, John Duloju taking the cinematography session, Keppy Ekpeyong and Bimbo Akintola taking the acting sessions, Toyin Ogundeji taking the Costume Design sessions, Leo Omoseebi taking the creative design session, Anthony Kehinde Joseph and Bunmi Ajakaiye taking the scriptwriting sessions.

The breakout sessions were held inside the Afe Babalola auditorium, Mass Communication Building 7, Mass Communication Building 5, Mass Communication Building 3, and Mass Communication Building 1 for the two days.

The event ended with some participating students winning prizes for their steadfastness and dedication to the training while all participating students were presented with the certificate for participation by the NFVCB ED and other directors in attendance.

Other Nollywood stakeholders spotted at the event include Ambassador Dr Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Bolaji Amusan aka Mr Latin, Owolabi Ajasa, Ella Utomi and others.