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Why Genevieve’s Lionheart Disqualified-NFVCB

Published

4 years ago

November 7, 2019

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Secretary of National Film and Video Censors Board NFVCB Alhaji Adedayo Thomas who was not happy with disqualification of a film “Lionheart” by the Nigerian Actress Genieveve Nnaji has identified lapse of Distributor known as NETFLIX who failed on its part to seek the support of the Federal government.

Lionheart is Nigerias first-ever submission to the Academy Awards. Nnaji stars alongside Peter Edochie and Nkem Owoh are the film, which she also co-wrote with her producing partner Chinny Onwugbenu.

The film, Lionheart was premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival and was acquired by Netflix for worldwide distribution.

He gave this explanation during a courtesy visit in his office by CATEWA on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, It’s very sad that lion heart has to be disqualified, but let leave sentiment apart life and development is about politics and lobbying.

“From my perspective, first thing I will say is that whatever reasons they must have to dropped lionheart could be justified by them because there have every right to disqualify any film not only lionheart.

“Lionheart was acquired by Netflix, have done a research to know how many films Netflux submitted? If you have 3 to 4 films and you are going on competition, if you can’t not avoid to give two or three film the necessary turning, then you are likely to fail.

“We should ask ourselves festival award of such level involves lobbying. Let us tell ourselves Positions in high places around the world are not about the quality or brilliance. its about lobbying.”

He added: “I think Netflix have not done justice to lionheart, there was not enough lobby, Netflix have over 70% films censored in Nigeria do the lionheart pass through necessary procedure before he went to Canada no, it was premiered in Canada without censorship without classification.

“You don’t insult your government or your country, the fault is from different angles but you can’t fault one or group.

“It’s very painful but we must learn the politics of lobbying it was not well prepared it was very painful that lion heart has to be drop.” He lamented.

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Featured

FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

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