Culture and Tourism

FTAN Pledges Support for Nigerian Tourism Development Authority

Published

2 years ago

June 19, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged its support for the new law establishing Nigerian Tourism Development Authority(NTDA).

The Association led by its President Mr. Nkereuwem Onung during a visit to theAgency at its headquarters in Abuja over the weekend asked for cooperation with the private sector in implementing the new law.

The President in his opening speech said FTAN had on signing of the law set up a committee which reviewed the law noting the conflicts, cooperation, collaboration and partnership therein. On conviction that the benefits of the new law in ensuring a uniform Tourism Policy in the country far outweighs conflicts that may arise therein sued for greater Public Private Partnership in implementation of the law.

Welcoming the Association, the Director General, Nigerian Tourism DevelopmentAuthority, Chief Folorunsho Coker said the Agency will be working with theprivate sector on the “best from the law until we get a better one”.

He also said that with the prevailing peace between government and private sector, the Association should focus on what suits it in the new law stressing that we canonly succeed in a “spirit of cooperation”.

Also the communique issued at the end of the meeting resolved to do the following: that ” FTAN and NTDA is to cooperate, collaborate and partner in forging the way forward for Tourism in Nigeria governed by the new law. Also more consultations and collaboration guaranteed going forward.

“The Need for greater Public Private Participation in the implementation of the Tourism Policies in Nigeria.

“Role of the Commissioners of Tourism in the States to be incorporatedthrough engagements with them.

“The Stakeholders meeting to be organized for the purpose of implementation ofthe new law.

“FTAN to ensure MDAs within the Tourism Sector stick to their mandates to grow Tourism.

“It is difficult for any state to run Tourism independent of the Federal government.

“Presently, revenue accruing to the country from Tourism via taxes are not yet accessible to the industry practitioners and this will be corrected by the new law.

“The need for FTAN to speak with one voice, also, FTAN to adopt technology in Tourism.

“As NTDA will be willing and ready to champion FTAN issues.”

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Creative Industry

Stephanie Linus, Juliet Ibrahim 8 others Appointed Jury Members For Zuma International Film Festival

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Ten-member 10 jury of reputable Nigerian and foreign filmmakers to adjudicate on all entries in the competitive category of the Zuma international film festival, 2024, scheduled to hold in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital from December 1st to 5th, which is jointly being organized by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has been announced.

Announcing the constitution of the ten-member jury through a statement issued in Abuja (on Monday, November, 11, 2024); Brian Etuk, NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, said “the jury is most critical to the selection of winning entries and composition of the jury reflects the premium and niche of ZUMA International Film Festival, as one of the continents fastest growing international film festivals and market events”.

He said, this explains why membership of the jury includes both Nigerian and foreign film stakeholders who have in the recent past promoted authentic Nigerian and African resonate stories, and continue to contribute immensely to the growth of inclusive global film production.

Stephanie Okereke Linus, an A-list Nigerian actress, filmmaker, activist with lead appearances in over 100 movies, including an Afro-Hollywood, USA Filmmakers Award for Excellence, Reel Awards for Best Actress, and recently, the AMVCA Award for Best Overall Movie in Africa as well as recipient of the AMAA Award for Best Nigerian Film for her impactful work DRY was named as the Chairperson of the Jury.

Other members are Kenneth Gyang- director of This Is Lagos, Mojisola as well as Oloture Netflix’s Original from Nigeria; Aisha Halilu Abdullahi – a docu-drama and documentary specialist; Ishaq Sidi Ishaq – an actor, writer and producer of “Kamilu”,‘‘Wasila’’; Charles Novia – an avant-garde Nollywood ﬁlmmaker, scriptwriter, producer, director and creative entrepreneur; Hakeem Kae Kazim – a supremely talented actor, producer, director of great cinematic portrayal of George Rutugunda in the Oscar-nominated Hotel Rwanda, as well as playing leading roles in The Librarian.

The Triangle, and knack for creating feisty and deeply thrilling characters; Sihle Hlophe – director with multiple awards and over 15 years of experience; Ronya Man – an acting coach and creative arts specialist with handles on Lahira, SIN.

The Johnsons, as well as Juliet Ibrahim – a bilingual (French and English) speaking multiple award-wining producer, director, entrepreneur with over 100 movie appearances. Zaiyanu Tanko Waziri, a veteran filmmaker and broadcaster with over two decades of professional experience was also named as member of the jury.

In the statement, Dr. Ali Nuhu, NFC’s Managing Director & Chairman, Festival Organising Committee, on behalf of its partner, the FCTA, congratulated Stephanie Okereke – Linus for emerging as Chairperson of the Jury. Dr. Nuhu said that the Jury Chairperson and her team’s roles are critical to the overall success of the Film Festival brand, which no effort has been spared in its organization in terms of content, attendance and participation. NFC; Nuhu averred, remains committed to achieving the objectives of sustaining the positive narratives that Nigeria with a huge creative economy, is indeed the hub of film production in Africa.

Zuma International Film Festival 2024, the 14th in the series and themed: Digital Renaissance: Embracing The Future takes place December 1st – 5th at Chida Event Centre, Abuja Nigeria. Meanwhile, Etuk added that the online registration portal of the film festival has opened, and intending participants can register through the link :- https://zumafilmfest.com/zuff-2024-registration.

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