₦airaland Forum

ZUFF 2022: Accolades as week-long film Festival closes on a high


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZY5S59xMQw

The 12th Edition of the week-long Zuma Film Festival held in the capital City of Abuja has been rated high by both local and international participants. The festival which commenced on May 1st was marked with a variety of Action packed activities and came to a close on Saturday.

The closing event which was characterised by glitz and glamour is jointly organised by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Nigerian Film Corporation with Abuja designated as the official host city.

The international conference centre, Abuja which was the venue for the closing ceremony of the event tagged "show the money"drew the attendance of dignitaries from the Government, entertainment, foreign diplomats and business sectors.

Amongst the notable dignitaries were; Honourable Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Hon Minister for state, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu; Permanent Secretary FCT, Olusade Adesola; Managing Director/Chief Executive Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe ; Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa amongst others.

Guests were treated to arrays of spell bound activities ranging from comedy/cultural displays, live band , musical performances by the Nigerian Air force band, film trailer screening, Movie Awards and Refreshments at the lavishly decorated hall.

In his opening remarks, MD of NFC, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe said that 350 creative/film students were simultaneously trained during the film festival, with the key objective of strengthening the connection between veteran filmmakers and upcoming and digital creative minds. Disclosing additional successes recorded during the 12th edition of the film festival, Chidia said the week-long event provided a platform for film entrepreneurs to harvest returns on investment opportunities available in film production. He said this year's edition, like past ones, provided impetus to drive some particular and peculiar aspect of the film production chain.

He said; "There is no doubt that the creative economy of our nation can only grow further if programmes like the Zuma Film festival are robustly supported. With its designation as the official host city of Nigeria’s official and foremost film festival, in line with best global practices, we have once more demonstrated our collective will to sustain the needed efforts, and actions. "The search for and consumption of Nigerian movie content has increased tremendously. Its capacity to create jobs and wealth, promote peace, unity and progress for our nation is significantly visible. The availability of modern and ultimately less expensive digital platforms and windows have aided the growth of the film industry in Nigeria as well, and we are grateful to all who have made the Zuma Film Festival successful.

Chidia appreciated the resource persons, and members of the jury, who he said had adjudicated over 3045 Film entries from across countries of the world.

Rendering ovation over the success of the festival, Minister of Information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed lauded the steady progress of the last four editions of the Zuma Film Festival organised under the auspices of the Nigerian Film Corporation. Lai stated that the 2022 edition witnessed another watershed with Abuja is now designated the official host city of the Zuma Film Festival which he said is in line with other global major international film festivals.

The Minister further lauded the focus of the film festival, which according to him will avail practitioners in the film production industry opportunities to reap financial benefits of their works.

"I am delighted that practitioners are now focusing on how those who have contributed to the Nollywood brand will benefit from their creative works. The theme of this year’s festival, Show the Money, has hopefully shown filmmakers how they can exploit new platforms to not only see the money but to touch and keep it through the increased profitability and global reach of their films", Lai said.

Mohammed however lamented on the issue of privacy saying that it has remained an obstacle to the growth of the Nigerian Film sector. Offering solutions, the Minister said that online streaming in a digital environment enabled by the policies of the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy should be considered as an avenue to enhance revenue streams. He added that there is also the need to work closely with the Nigerian Copyright Commission and other law enforcement agencies to fight the scourge of intellectual property theft so that the industry can maximally exploit the potentials of the sector for national development.

The climax of Saturday's event was the bestowing of Life Achievement Awards to veterans as well as notable personalities in the Nigerian film industry they are ; Hilda Dokubo; Chief Adebayo Salami; Prof. Bankole Sodipo; Dr. Ifeoma Adaora; Chief Justice Esiri; Ashley Chijioke Nwosu; Prof. Kalu Uka ; Mal. Sule Umar; Hon. Segue Odebunmi; Mr. Adesola Olusade and Dr. Ramatu Tijjani.

Other categories awarded were Best Student Film which was won by FISH as directed by Kaige Zeng , while "Hell RIDE'' directed by Uche Odoh carted the Best Picture Film category. Best Foreign Film was awarded to " A Question" directed by Fariha Jannat and the Best Actor was given to Frankincense Echebem for the role he played in the movie "The pain your storm" as directed by Okechukwu Oku.

Other prominent activities that were held during the 7 days event were;Screening of Opening Films, film making virtual workshop (master class), Berlin-Lagos Archive Film Festival, film making with drone cinematography, emerging talents workshop, Zuma film festival Sallah Tour of Abuja city, NFC Annual Film Lecture/ workshop and a host of others.

The FCT Minister Of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu Tijjani who doubles as the Grand matron of peace in Nigeria was pleased with the exceptional performance by her Messenger Of Peace kids, the sensational mop kids thrilled the mammoth crowd with spoken peace quotes and few superlative dance steps from their many collections after weeks of training for world tour events slated for end of 2022. The excited Minister gifted the MOP kids the sum of #1m to support the resumption of their school.

https://www.abujapress.com/2022/05/zuff-2022-accolades-as-week-long-film.html?m=1

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*[i]Beautiful Actress, Juliet Njemanze Dazzles in Blockbuster Movie "Ben From Downstairs" As It Hits Cinema 13th May*[/i]


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yv_4Vr16k0

One of Nigeria's finest and most talented actresses, Juliet Njemanze has featured as a lead character in the blockbuster movie 'Ben From Downstairs'.

Produced and directed by Anita Anwunah, the movie also features Abayomi Alvin, George Chux, Emeka Okoye, Samira Fashina and a host of talented actors.

It has been scheduled to hit the cinemas May 13, 2022.

The Swiss Media Production is about two urban dwellers who happen to live in the same building.

Ben did everything he could to make Muna (Juliet) notice the gentleman in him and to fall in love with him.

Eventually the duo were entangled in deep love.

All entertainment lovers are urged to watch out for this thrilling, suspense-filled and engaging movie.

Juliet Njemanze started acting in 2015 in Obi Emelonye's " Calabash". She has gone ahead to feature in several movies.

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Rock Music Festival Unveiled In Abuja As Stakeholders Task Govt On Tapping Economic Potentials In Entertainment Industry


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqn5xn2zI_w

Thursday, 28th April, 2022, may have come and gone but, the electrifying sound of Rock Music from the musical maestro of rock bands performing at the media unveiling of Rock Music Festival by the Rock Music Federation of Nigeria will linger with the audience.

The event, which held at the Sandralia Hotel, Abuja featured a press conference, goodwill messages and performances by rock bands led by rock musician, King Faj, to the delight of the audience comprising of major entertainment practitioners, creatives, and rock music enthusiasts.

Speaking during the press conference, project director and founder, Rock Music Federation of Nigeria, Amb. Phil Roberts, said that the goal of the festival is to draw Nigeria’s attention to the possibilities in the creative industry and the need to diversify the economy.

According to him, “The recent fall in global crude oil prices has once again demonstrated the urgent need for Nigeria to diversify her exports of other products.

"Oil prices have fallen over 60% from peaks of June 2014 till date and this is likely to linger for a long time. This is causing unprecedented economic challenges in Nigeria including a fall in foreign reserves, devaluation pressure on the Naira, increased unemployment, falling investments, amongst others.

"Nigeria must accelerate growth of its non-oil exports and look within to develop other sectors like the entertainment sector which is home to this A - Class High end, globally celebrated genre of music called Rock Music in response to new global economic realities.”

He explained that the entertainment industry plays a key role in the growth of SMEs in Nigeria as, “over 95% of businesses in Nigeria are SMEs and all these businesses have ties with the entertainment industry for promoting their brands, as such this category must be mobilized to achieve the national non-oil sector goals considering the benefit of our sector to our GDP.” Announcing the theme of the festival, Together We Can, he stated that the festival will remind Nigeria and Nigerians of the beauty in our unity and the potency of our diversity.

The mood at the event was accentuated in speeches by the special guests who pledged their support for the festival commending the festival team for the enormous work and commitment to the project.

In his remark, the Nigerian representative at the African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), Dr. Tunji John Asaolu, thanked the festival team for the novel idea especially for its ability to curtail restiveness and other vices typical of young people.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the FCT Minister on Hospital Management and Equipment Dr. Ejike Oji, highlighted the socioeconomic impact of the festival, and the relevance of art to national cohesion. He also called for support across board to help actualize the festival.

The General Manager, Admin, Sandralia Hotel, Mr. Austin Asigba assured of the hospitality giant’s support for the project. Other speakers at the event include Mr. Gamish, representative of TVC Bikes and Luminous Inverters from India, and representatives of the French Embassy, VIO, FRSC, RAPNEC, DJ Association, PMAN, Goodwill Ambassadors Agency, Actors Guild of Nigeria (A.G.N), Directors Guild of Nigeria (D.G.N, Association of Beauty Pageant Organizers, Abuja Event Organizers, Association of Entertainment Practitioners and other major entertainment bodies in Abuja with special appearance by Nigeria's foremost Rock Music producer, MacRoc.


Rock music was at the heart of recovery efforts during the first decade of post-war Nigeria. It has remained a major unifier blurring ethnic, religious and social lines. The Rock Music Festival, the latest entrant in the entertainment scene of Abuja, is scheduled to hold on the 18th of June, 2022, at Sandralia Hotel.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHrbkgLKQ_8

https://www.abujapress.com/2022/05/rock-music-festival-unveiled-in-abuja.html?m=1

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Sister Of Renowned Philanthropist, Prince Onyeka Eze (Prince Osisioma Foundation) 40 Laid To Rest In Anambra Amidst Tears


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3oR4alPqJo

It was a festival of tears and anguish as the 40-year-old Princess Chioma Nwafor was laid at her husband's home in Agbata village, Ndiowu Town Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.

Friends, family and associates could not hold their tears as the mother of four commenced her final journey back to her Creator.

Her brother and a renowned Philanthropist, founder of Prince Osisioma Foundation, Prince Onyeka Eze who could not hold his emotion said God cannot be questioned, saying her sister's death remains a mystery to him.

He said the family has submitted to God's will regarding the passage of their daughter, wife and mother, noting that though her stay on earth was short, she lived an impactful life.

Also speaking, her other brother, Prince Olisa Eze expressed sadness that his sister departed at her prime, stating that it is a pain the family finds it difficult to bear.

Testimonies have it that she lived a sacrificial and peaceful life and greatly loved by many.

She is survived by her husband, Kingsley Nwafor and children.

https://www.anambraupdate.com/2022/04/sister-of-renowned-philanthropist.html?m=1

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*2023: Tein Jack Rich Visits Fellow Presidential Aspirant, Sen. Rochas Okorocha*

Oil mogul, Tein Jack Rich on Friday paid a partisan visit to the Senator representing Imo West and former Governor of Imo state, Sen Rochas Okorocha, himself also a presidential aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress ( APC) at his Abuja home.

Both leaders are aspiring to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari as the country's President and commander in chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces in 2023.

It is however not clear the reason for the visit but our correspondent categorically gathered that it is not unconnected with the politics of 2023 and how to consolidate on the gains made by President Muhammadu Buhari to make the country better.

Both leaders have been strong advocates of good governance and improved living standards for the people.

Tein Jack Rich, the chairman of Belema Oil Ltd who is a ringer of firsts in the Nigerian oil and gas sectors had recently joined politics with an avowed declaration to seek election into the number one office in the country.

Since this decision, the Nigerian media space has been agog with declaration of support from various interest groups and political blocs across geographical zones of the country.

A philanthropist and humanitarian, the Presidential front runner is known for massive empowerment of the people through educational scholarships, employment opportunities, construction of social amenities and other infrastructures.

This visit is also believed to inculcate the spirit of political friendship and the need to avoid politics of bitterness, acrimony and rancour amongst politicians in Nigeria.

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Ex Beauty & Fashion Entrepreneur Queen Tope Adeniji Celebrates Birthday Today With Classy Photos

Miss Ambassador For Peace South West 2013, Queen Tope Adeniji has marked her birthday with amazing and beautiful photos that have got the internet abuzz.

Adeniji who emerged one of the Bank Of Industry Ambassadors at Miss Nigeria Pageant is also the CEO of Oliveblonde Hair line and wigs.

The self-acclaimed extraordinary woman is also an ICT forex coach who teaches people how to make money online.

She also hosted the popular Niger Delta Youth Peace Summit 2014, and had since unveiled a non-governmental organisation to care for the needy.

The foundation, Olive Foundation is named after her mother whom she said is the woman who taught her all she has become today and also who inspires her in many ways.

The charity Foundation seeks to bring succor to the poor and assist children on the street go back to school to acquire quality education.

It also supports young people with skills as well as offering free medical care to those in need.

https://www.abujapress.com/2022/04/lovely-ex-beauty-fashion-entrepreneur.html?m=1

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CEO Vichiano Event and Party Services, Victoria Peters Ngozi Celebrates Self With Brand New Car On Birthday



Victoria Peters Ngozi the Chief Executive Officer of one of the leading event planning companies in Nigeria, CEO Vichiano Event And Party Services at the weekend marked her birthday, gifting herself a brand new car.

The event which took place at her expansive Abuja residence had in attendance friends, associates and top socialites.

The celebrant who could not withhold her joy expressed gratitude to God for her journey of life so far.

She said though it has been a very challenging journey, her gratitude goes to God, her clients and friends who have associated with her brand over the years.

Her brand, Vichiano Event Services prides itself as the number one in party shop, rentals, anything that has to do with event including decorations, planning, artist management, concert organising and more.

Also, Vichiano Event and party Services has presence in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano with more still coming up.

The non-governmental arm of the company, Vichiano Services had recently organised 'Miss Plus-size African Beauty Pageant' which seeks to raise awareness for fibroids and fertility among women with the aim of providing free surgery services to women with fibroid.


https://www.abujapress.com/2022/04/ceo-vichiano-event-services-ngozi.html?m=1

Tein T.S Jack Rich Visits Ex-President Jonathan, Commiserates With Him Over Aides' Death*



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8L95QZUEKE

APC Presidential Aspirant and Oil mogul, Tien Jack Rich on Friday paid a visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan. This was to commiserate with him following a ghastly accident in Abuja that claimed the lives of two of his security aides- Inspectors Ibrahim Abazi and Yakubu Toma.

At the visit, Mr Jack-Rich expressed sadness over the development, urging the former President to take heart over this unfortunate incident and for a quick recovery of the injured.

The zestful Presidential hopeful and Chairman Belema Oil Prodicing Ltd, Tein Jack-Rich also thanked God for sparing the life of the former president noting that it is a demonstration of God's grace and mercy.

Although it wasn’t clear what caused the accident, former President Jonathan was said to have left Yenagoa, Bayelsa, his home state, for Abuja in the afternoon of Tuesday before the sad event. The accident which claimed the lives of the two officers, also saw a number of the cars in the convoy terribly mangled

Only last week, Tien Jack Rich, a renowned philanthropist visited Kaduna State to commiserate with the government and people following the train attack that left about ten persons dead, and others either injured or abducted.

At the visit, he along with his delegation were received by the Deputy governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe where he presented a donation of N15m to support families of the victims of the attack.

https://www.statepress.ng/2022/04/tein-ts-jack-rich-visits-ex-president.html?m=1

BREAKING!!! FG gives License for the first Sports University in Nigeria & Africa, founded by Prince Ned Nwoko


23 Years ago, Prince Ned Nwoko conceived the idea of having the a Sports University in Nigeria to be located in Idumuje Ugboko Delta State. As a parliamentarian, he sponsored a Bill for its establishment. The Bill however was not passed but Prince Ned never gave up on that vision. He believed so much in Sports and Education and that a University of such would bridge the gap between sports and Education, offering both conventional and specialized courses where students will graduate with double honors. Prince Ned believed that if founded, the Sports Univerisity will be a veritable ground for selection of sports men and women that will represent Nigeria at local, continental and Intercontinental competitions.

Few years after his service to the Nation as a Member of House of Representatives, Prince Ned founded the first Sports University in Nigeria and in the whole of Africa located at his Hometown Idumuje Ugboko Delta State. He started the construction of University with his personal funds and without a single loan from the bank or investors, putting up a world class structure and sports facilities that can stand the test of time. Prince Ned by this singular act, put Idumuje Ugboko, Delta North and the whole of Delta State in a global map.

Today, a dream that started many years has come to reality and fruition. The Federal Executive Council of Nigeria just yesterday approved the issuance of provisional license to 12 Universities amongst which is SPORTS UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA. This news came in time just as the world marked the international day of sports for development and peace. This adds to the numerous landmark achievements that Prince Ned Nwoko has realized for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The focal point of the University is Sports Excellence. 80% sports and 20% academics. This is home for persons who want to do sports and also be educated enough to express themselves. The first of its kind in Africa.

Recall that Prince Ned Nwoko became the first black African to travel to the freezing South Pole in Antarctica in 2020 while on an expedition to create awareness on the scourge of Malaria in Africa. A disease that has ravaged the continent for decades. Through his malaria Project, Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation hopes to achieve a zero malaria status for Nigeria and Africa.

*Every Country Needs a Ned*

https://www.statepress.ng/2022/04/breaking-fg-gives-license-for-first.html?m=1

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Impressive Turnout As Organisers Screen Contestants For Queen Of Peace Nigeria

It was a massive turn out as Queen Of Peace Nigeria recently concluded its final screening for 2022 contestants.

The event which took place at swimming pool section of the Abuja National Stadium was in preparation for the crowning of the overall winner on July 28, 2022.

The happy contestants who were all in high spirit gladly submitted to the rigours of the screening in their jean trousers, white top and heels as instructed by the organisers.

Also at the National Stadium venue, Messengers of Peace Foundation kids observed their training in preparation for their local and international performances this year.

Queen of Peace camp opens between 14th - 28th July 2022.

This event is in partnership with office of FCT Minister of State and Grand Matron of Peace in Nigeria, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu.

Final event takes place on July 28, 2022 where the Queens of Peace are expected to be crowned.

Crowns to be won include, Queen Of Peace Nigeria, Queen Of Peace International, Queen Of Peace North Central, Queen Of Peace South East, Queen Of Peace South West, Queen Of Peace South South, Queen Of Peace North East, Queen Of Peace North West and Face Of Messengers of Peace.

Enquiries and sponsorship questions can be directed to Sonia,

https://www.statepress.ng/2022/04/impressive-turnout-as-organisers-screen.html?m=1

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Pageant Industry Gets New Leadership As King Fajag Emerges National President

The National elective congress of the Association of Beauty Pageant and Fashion Exhibition Organisers of Nigeria, ABPFEON has come and gone but not without the election of Olufunsho Alexander Ajagbonna, popularly known as King Fajag as its new national president.

King Fajag emerged the president after trouncing his opponent with 175 to consolatory 5 votes.

The election which was monitored by a delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC also accommodated virtual voting which was computed in transparent manner.

This change of guard brings to an end the seven years of Hon. Ejiro Okpihwo's leadership as National President of the body.

The industry of beauty pageant is said to be the one of the biggest and most influential platforms to reform the young people and engage in meaningful means of livelihood.

ABPFEON is said to have over the years produced very influential personalities who climbed through its ladder to showcase their talent to the world.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected president of ABPFEON, Olufunsho Alexander Ajagbonna, expressed gratitude to the members of the association for their confidence in electing him to pioneer its affairs.

He promised to be a president for all members and ensure that he showcases to Association to the global community as a pillar of tourism in Nigeria and Africa in general.

He said, "Thank you all for the election. I promise you, as president I will do my very best to listen and ensure transparency.

"I want to thank the BOT for ensuring a democratic process of transferring leadership to a new executive, and also the Electoral college for delivering a free, fair and transparent conduct of the elections.

"For a long time, ABPFEON has experienced some difficulties and challenges in leadership. It has been an issue of who is? What is? and where is? But from this moment we now have a clearer answer to our questions of who, where, and how. I promise it will only get clearer day by day as we will not regret our decisions made today.

"I believe in team work, so I call on the new executives and the entire pageant CEOs to let us come together and find a lasting solution to the giant situations facing our businesses as pageant Organizers" he said.

ABPFEON was among other things established to promote, project and propagate the values of the industry so that practitioners can have a better life in their chosen profession.

The full list of winners in the elective convention for executive positions are:

1. Mr Olufunsh Ajagbona (King Fajag)- President

2. Hilda Pam- Vice president

3. Amb. Raymond Jefferson- National Secretary

4. Roland Owualah - Nat'l Treasurer

5. Alex Eguakhide - Deputy National treasurer

6. Okafor Uche- National
Financial Secretary

7. Amb. Duke Bassey- National provost

8. Usman Moses omoaka- PRO

9. NWOSU CLINTON
Organising Secretary

10. FOGA TIMOTHY LURER
-National Deputy Provost.

11. Jane Odoh-
National Deputy Financial Secretary

https://www.abujapress.com/2022/04/pageant-industry-gets-new-leadership-as.html?m=1

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Hon. ThankGod Kenechukwu Ibeh Obtains Nomination Form To Represent Orumba Fed Constituency

An APGA governorship aspirant in the November 6, 2021 election election in Anambra, ThankGod Kenechukwu Ibe, popularly known as Ijele Orumba on Wednesday picked his nomination and expression interest forms to represent the people of Orumba North and South Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections.

Ibe was accompanied by loyalists and supporters to the national secretariat of the party in Abuja amidst cheers and jubilation.

The social scientist and former acting state chairman of APGA, Lagos State a loyal party man is believed to wield enormous capacity in terms of followership, leadership acumen as well as closeness with people at the grass-root.

Also a former deputy state chairman of APGA in Lagos State, he has endeared himself to the people with numerous humanitarian outreaches which he has embarked upon in the past.

https://www.abujapress.com/2022/04/thankgod-kenechukwu-ibe-obtains.html?m=1

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