Creative Industry

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

Published

11 months ago

November 13, 2024

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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Creative Industry

Minister Calls For Increased Investment In Nigeria Creative Economy

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called on stakeholders to increase investment in the country’s creative sector.

Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister Musawa emphasized the sector’s potential to drive inclusive growth, generate employment, and enhance global competitiveness.

She said that recent statistics show that the creative economy in Nigeria currently contributes approximately 2.3% to the national GDP and employs over 4.2 million people across various sectors. Musawa highlighted the sector’s growth potential, citing the success of Nollywood, the Nigerian fashion industry, and the Afrobeats music genre.

“We must create an environment that attracts both local and international investors to our creative industries. This requires not only financial incentives but also a strong regulatory framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business,” Minister Musawa said.

The Minister also identified challenges facing the sector, including limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory and policy challenges. She urged financial institutions to develop financial instruments tailored to the unique needs of the creative sector and called for increased investment in infrastructure and skills development.

“I urge those present who represent the formal financial sector, to start to make considerations for the unique nature of our sector and its products,” the Minister stated.

Musawa emphasized the need for a supportive and enabling regulatory environment that fosters innovation and creativity. She assured

stakeholders that the ministry would continue to drive changes in regulatory and policy frameworks to support the industry.

“Together, we can build a future where creativity and innovation drive sustainable economic growth and cultural prosperity for Nigeria. As Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and CEO of Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files, once said, ‘The creative economy is not just about entertainment; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that empowers our talents and showcases our rich cultural heritage to the world,'” Minister Musawa concluded.

The workshop, themed “Building Productive Sectors: Investing in the Creative Economy,” brought together key stakeholders, private sector investors, and creative entrepreneurs to discuss ways to harness the potential of the creative economy and build a robust and productive sector.

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