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NFVCB partners UNILAG, LASU, Trinity University for media literacy and capacity building

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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.

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Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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