Festivals
Youth Educational Film Festival in FCT Gains Strong Backing from Nollywood
Published
1 year agoon
By
LanreStakeholders in the creative industry and the education sector have pledged their support for the maiden edition of the Youth Educational Film Festival (YEFF) scheduled to hold in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).
The stakeholders drawn from both the public and private sectors expressed their willingness to support the initiative at the ‘YEFF Stakeholders Meeting’ held at the Abuja Film Village on Tuesday in Abuja.
The YEFF is a film fiesta to showcase educational films in driving value re-orientation and empowerment of young Nigerians.
The festival, scheduled to hold in September 2023, is organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in collaboration with the Abuja Film Village (AFV) and the group “I am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative”.
Emeka Rollas (MON) , President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), said in his opening speech that the meeting was to seek the inputs, ideas and suggestions of relevant stakeholders towards ensuring maximum participation of youths.
He added that the meeting was to also ensure that relevant agencies of the Federal Government and that of the FCT promote and rally support for the festival towards making it an annual youth event.
“The objective of the Youth Educational Film Festival is to provide a channel for educators and filmmakers in Nigeria to share ideas and methods towards promoting educational contents.
“ Therefore, the essence of having the youth educational film festival is to provide a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talents, foster creativity, promote education and stimulate critical thinking among youth.
“We strongly believe that Nollywood is a viable tool for transformation and will help reduce some vices which has been introduce into our society.
“We intend to showcase films that will educate and inform our teeming youths through screenings, workshops, discussions and cultural activities.
“Our target group for the festival are children, adolescents, youths, as well as teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and their families,” he said.
The stakeholders meeting had in attendance representatives of relevant MDAs, including the Federal Ministry of Education, National Film and Video Censors Board, Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Library.
Others include the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, FCT Universal Basic Education Board and the FCT Secondary Education Board, among others.
The stakeholders, who spoke with one voice, lauded the Actors Guild and its partners for conceiving the YEFF as a platform for moral re-orientation for young Nigerians.
They therefore expressed their willingness to be a part of the youth film fiesta, but urged the organisers to hold the event when students are back to school from holidays in September to ensure full participation of students.
In his goodwill remark, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board(NFVCB), regulators of the nation’s film industry, described the YEFF as “unprecedented”.
“ We will do everything within our reach to support this vision and I must commend the President of the AGN and his team,” he said.
Earlier, Mrs Noni Okocha, Chief Executive Officer of “I am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative” explained that films that would be produced from the project would focus on addressing disturbing national issues.
According to her, some issues the films will address include illegal migration, drug abuse, domestic violence, child and sexual abuse, among others.
Okocha explained that the group had earlier had an audition tagged “Born Talent Audition”, where budding talents where discovered, who will be showcased at the educational film festival.
She therefore called on government at all levels to support the initiative and ensure that their youths participate in it.
Also, Dr Francisca Ibezim, Managing Director/CEO of Abuja Film Village, said the YEFF was part of initiatives lined up to drive the Films in Education Campaign of the organisation, and therefore lauded the stakeholders for identifying with the YEFF project,
“The Youth Educational Film Festival is not merely an event, it is the celebration of the extraordinary story that emerged when the vibrant imagination of our youth collide with the power of cinematic story telling.
“The festival is intended to provide innovative platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talents , share their perspectives and inspire change through the act of film.
“ I also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed stakeholders , the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the “I am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative”, your support and engagement are vital tools in nurturing the talents of this young filmmakers.
“By our collaboration in this festival, you are endorsing their efforts and also contributing to the future of the industry and the society,”she said.
Other stakeholders present at the event include Nollywood stars and filmmakers.
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Festivals
Vanuatu trade commission pledges investment for AI training at IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024
Published
54 mins agoon
November 8, 2024By
LanreThe upcoming IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 in Lagos has secured a major investment from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, pledging to train five million Africans in Artificial Intelligence certification, boosting Africa’s knowledge economy.
The excitement surrounding the upcoming IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 continues to grow, with significant investments pouring in from corporations, groups, and individuals across the globe.
A recent highlight came from the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana, which announced its commitment to investing in training over five million Africans in Artificial Intelligence (AI) certification over the next year.
Also read: President Tinubu to host historic briefing on Ipada carnival 2024
This investment aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of African professionals in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.
In partnership with the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB), the Vanuatu Trade Commission is spearheading an ambitious AI initiative, which will begin with the training of 5,000 participants during the IPADA Carnival in November.
This training program, named *Business Unusual*, will kick off at the event and is designed to equip participants with critical AI skills that would otherwise cost $1,000 per individual.
Upon completion of the program, participants will be granted a parity value of $100 and will be registered on a learning management system for continuous professional development and career opportunities.
The AI training initiative is expected to have far-reaching economic impacts, opening doors for greater AI integration across Africa.
This is part of a broader vision to empower Africans with high-value, knowledge-based skills, and contribute significantly to the continent’s economic transformation.
The IPADA Initiative/Carnival 2024 is set to take place from November 29 to December 8 at the award-winning La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lagos.
It will feature cultural and business activities celebrating African heritage and the continent’s potential in tourism. The carnival will include music, dance, fashion, arts, beach polo, and traditional wrestling, offering a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and business networking.
One of the event’s key goals is to bolster African tourism by attracting millions of tourists annually. The carnival and the AI certification program will help showcase Africa’s unique offerings, from its rich cultural heritage to its burgeoning tech sector.
Projections suggest that by 2030, Africa could attract over 200 million tourists annually, boosting local economies and creating new business opportunities.
The IPADA Initiative enjoys the backing of the Nigerian government, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serving as the Grand Patron. Several state governments, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti, have also pledged support.
The event has garnered the backing of various corporate bodies, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), which represents private sector tourism operators.
As the IPADA Carnival prepares to unfold, it represents a critical moment for Africa to unlock its potential in tourism and technology, bringing together local communities, businesses, and international stakeholders to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.
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Festivals
President Tinubu directs FCT to elevate Arts and Culture for unity and economic growth
Published
20 hours agoon
November 7, 2024By
LanreIn a bid to enhance unity and economic growth in Abuja, President Tinubu has directed the FCT Administration to bolster the capital’s arts, culture, and tourism sectors. This aligns with his vision of celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage while creating jobs and skill opportunities.
President Bola Tinubu has tasked the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration with advancing the arts, culture, and tourism sectors in Abuja to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among its residents.
This announcement was made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by the Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Ibrahim Aminu, during the opening of the 2024 Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST).
Also read: Tinubu’s reforms: President scraps Niger Delta and sports ministries, merges tourism with culture
Minister Wike underscored that the FCTA is committed to fostering Nigeria’s cultural heritage in alignment with President Tinubu’s vision, noting that arts and culture can drive economic growth, especially by creating skill acquisition and job opportunities for youth and women.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has specifically tasked us with developing and nurturing the arts, culture, and tourism sectors in the FCT, and we are fully committed to fulfilling this mandate,” he stated.
Minister Wike announced that the FCT will host the 2024 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) within weeks, in collaboration with the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC).
This event will unite stakeholders in the sector and showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, reinforcing social cohesion.
Permanent Secretary Olubumi Olowookere highlighted that ASOFEST is more than a celebration—it offers residents a chance to experience diverse cultural expressions, fostering understanding and unity across the capital’s communities.
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21st Abuja international film festival celebrates cinematic excellence
Published
6 days agoon
November 2, 2024By
LanreThe 21st Abuja International Film Festival highlights exceptional talent with 1,524 submissions and prestigious awards for outstanding films.
The 21st Abuja International Film Festival recently concluded, showcasing an impressive array of talent and creativity from around the globe.
This year’s festival received a remarkable 1,524 film submissions, from which 70 films made it to the nomination list, demonstrating the growing interest in film production and storytelling.
Also read: Abuja International Film Festival Kicks Off With Global Theme
The standout feature of the festival was the acclaimed Russian film “Four Quarters,” which garnered significant attention by winning four awards, including the prestigious Golden Jury Award.
This accolade underscored the film’s artistic merit and resonance with audiences and critics alike.
Nigerian filmmakers also made a strong impression at the festival. Femi Adebayo and Stan Nze were jointly awarded Best Actor for their captivating performances in “Jagun Jagun” and “12 Hours,” respectively.
The Best Actress award went to Tana Adelana for her role in “Tender Edges,” while Lum Norah was recognised for her outstanding performance in “Kismet.”
The festival featured a total of 18 categories, including the coveted Audience Choice Award, which was claimed by the Nigerian film “Accroche.”
The film “Kaka” also shone brightly, winning accolades for both Best Indigenous Film and Best Music Score, highlighting the diverse storytelling within Nigerian cinema.
In addition to celebrating filmmakers, the festival honoured the Governors of Cross River and Lagos States, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with the Distinguished Merit Award.
This recognition highlighted their significant contributions to the entertainment industry and the promotion of film and culture in their respective states.
Overall, the event served as a testament to the vibrant creativity and dedication within the Nigerian film sector, setting a promising stage for future cinematic endeavours.
As filmmakers continue to explore new narratives and innovative techniques, the Abuja International Film Festival remains a crucial platform for showcasing their work and fostering cultural exchange.
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