By Joke Kujenya
TOWARDS RITUAL killings, smoking, and money rituals in Nigerian films, music videos, and skits, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has announced significant new regulations aimed at restricting the portrayal of such on the silver screen.
The announcement was made by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of the NFVCB, during a National Stakeholders’ Engagement in Enugu on May 21, 2024 as part of the “#Smoke-Free Nollywood” campaign, organized in partnership with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
Dr. Husseini highlighted that the federal government will no longer tolerate the depiction and glamorization of smoking, violence, criminal activities, immoral acts, ritual killings, and money rituals in Nollywood productions.
He described the situation as an “industry emergency” necessitating decisive action from all stakeholders, including parents and guardians.
Following extensive consultations, the NFVCB, with CAPPA’s collaboration, has introduced Subsidiary Regulations to address smoking in movies, which was not explicitly covered in existing laws.
Dr. Husseini revealed that the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has approved the “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Product, Nicotine Product Promotion, Glamorization, Display in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits” Regulations 2024.
The approved regulations have been sent to the Federal Ministry of Justice for gazetting.
The primary objective of these regulations is to eradicate smoking scenes in movies and skits, aiming for a completely smoke-free Nollywood.
Dr. Husseini expressed the NFVCB’s readiness to counteract the tobacco industry’s attempts to promote smoking through entertainment.
He stated, “The NFVCB is determined to lead the effort in curbing the rising incidence of cultism, drug trafficking, and substance abuse among Nigerian youth. We are implementing innovative strategies and undertaking detailed enlightenment programmes across schools, communities, and religious groups.”
Prominent figures in the Nigerian film industry, including Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Segun Arinze, Bolaji Amusan, and The Aneke Twins, participated in the event and committed to a smoke-free Nollywood by signing a pledge.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, underscored the importance of this initiative, citing studies that show a high prevalence of smoking in Nigerian movies despite existing laws.
Oluwafemi called on stakeholders to ensure that Nollywood contributes positively to public health by eliminating the glamorization of smoking.
Michael Olaniyan, In-Country Coordinator for Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), presented guidelines for avoiding violations of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act while producing films.
He emphasized the prohibition of unnecessary smoking scenes, tobacco use, brand markings, product placements, and sponsorships by tobacco companies.
Robert Egbe, CAPPA’s Media & Communications Officer, noted that the Nigerian Film Corporation’s Managing Director, Dr. Ali Nuhu, supports the initiative, emphasizing the need to protect youth from the health risks associated with smoking.
Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, highlighted Nollywood’s powerful influence on public behavior and urged filmmakers to use their platform to promote public health.
Olawale Makanjuola, Alliance Coordinator for the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, commended the NFVCB and emphasized the vital role of Nollywood in shaping cultural norms. He praised the collaborative effort to ensure smoke-free content, thereby enhancing public health infrastructure.
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