NFVCB Seeks Filmmakers, Exhibitors And Stakeholders On Best Practices

By Perekeme Odon

The National Film and Video Censors Board Stakeholder Consultative Engagement with Guild / Association heads and representatives in the Nigerian motion picture industry on conversations focused on a new policy direction to further advance the sector was an accomplished welcome development.

It was the first meeting of its kind where the content creators, practitioners, and distributors were called for dialogue to process and absorbed on the conditions for successful collaboration.

The meeting chaired by the NFVCB Executive Director / CEO, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas held at the Ikoyi office of the Board on Monday, February 10, 2020, called for discussions on the revival of fundamental prevailing regulations and policies in order to advance the sector and enhance its robustness with the outcome of effective findings and implementation of the Board’s proposal to ensure coordinated response operation by practitioners.

Speaking on the essence of the meeting, the Censors Board, Executive Director, Adedayo Thomas welcomed and appreciated everyone presents for coming within short notice and emphasized stakeholders knowing certain rules in the constitution that we have refused to obey.

“I didn’t want to put it as an emergency meeting but it calls for that. There are some rules in the constitution that we have decided to shun or be soft on them because we have to build confidence and create an enabling environment for the industry.” He informed practitioners to be very aware of the placement of the Nigerian movie industry in the world and the needful needs to be done.

ED / CEO NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas

The CEO appreciates the inputs of what the cinema has done by bringing global recognition to see Nigeria as a market place in the film industry by expanding the market in terms of rating and publicity. “ I will keep saying it that the cinemas are the only set of platforms that are providing us with correct figures, exposing us further than what we think we can be, if not by now we would still be relying on the hope of  ‘Living In Bondage.”

Alhaji Thomas said the DVD / VCD market is still number one and one of the major contributors to the economy, but they do not have the statistics because of their markets overshoot that of cinemas and keeps wondering why people criticize cinema when there are other available channels.

The CEO stated that practitioners exerting their rights to freedom of association will not be pressured into joining a particular body or guild, and would have the privilege to decide on which registered guild or association to belong to. “We urgently need to address the proliferation of the industry by those that have no business with the industry that are springing up, hence the need to identify strictly those who are in the industry. NFVCB is the only regulatory body of the film industry in Nigeria. There is going to come to a time that we need to recognize the guilds and associations because we have over 200 guilds.“

Chairman, Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Lee (M)

He signaled an advance warning that by the second quarter, a yearly Verification and Documentation fee shall be requested from all Guilds/Associations that are willing to be recognized by the Board. “All recognized guild and association, no matter how minimum is going to pay a token fee to the Board. We also need to be supplied those who distribute under them.”

He said a lot of producers give content to unregistered distributors that abound everywhere. That is why everyone must belong to a guild or association before their works can be distributed, and the only recognized association is the Cinema Exhibition Association of Nigeria (CEAN). He advised executive producers to be part of CEAN if not their works would not be approved for distribution.

He went on to say independent executive producers must have a distributor before coming to censor their films because you cannot stand as an individual to distribute your content, even if the constitution does not compel anyone to associate with any guild. “It is the same constitution that gave birth to us for professional reason. You can be an independent executive producer, but when you censor your film, we can only approve it with the clause of ‘Not to be distributed.”

A Cross Section Of Audience

One of the successes of the NFVCB CEO is the ideas and principles of always conferring with the stakeholders of the Nigerian movie industry by having them involved in decision-making processes, which he perceived as giving back the industry to the rightful owners, majorly the guilds/associations’ heads.

Alhaji Thomas apologized to any shortcomings experienced by stakeholders and practitioners by the Censor Board in terms of censorship and delivery and advised producers to always ask for a certificate of censorship on any of their films, rather than forging one for distributorship.

“You must not collect any letter from the NFVCB but a certificate of censorship and distribution. There are a few distribution outlets I visited that are sabotaging this country by airing uncensored contents, and we are going to go after them. The broadcast house needs to confirm from the NFVCB before airing any new content and most suppliers of contents to unregistered distributors are not even members of your guilds and associations.”

A Group Photograph With The NFVCB Executive Director

The climax of the meeting reached the following conclusions drawn in line with the National Film and Video Censors Board Enabling Law Act, 1993 CAP N40 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 and Regulations 2008.’

He divulged that inasmuch as we want the industry to grow, the little laws should be obeyed. The NVFCB cannot be everywhere at the same time. Trailers should be submitted to the Board earlier before the premiere or release date. “No foreign film is allowed in this country, except providing us with all the details for us to classify them. What goes on YouTube and WhatsApp is difficult to control. Trailers of films classified 18 or higher shall not be broadcast on a television station or any other station before 10 pm unless approved by the Board. Posters advertising films classified 18 or higher shall not be placed near schools and other places which carter for persons below the age of 18.”

Kemi Adekomi

He decisively resolved that the Board would hold Guilds and Associations heads responsible for all breaches, violations, and infringements of the laws and regulations governing the industry. All Guilds and Associations should channel their protests or complaints authoritatively to the Board in writing with acknowledged evidence as may be relevant. Guilds/Associations should also assist the Board in pinpointing and reporting both internal and external trespassers and their despicable accomplishments through available channels with the Office of the Executive Director.

The Chairman, Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) Mr. Patrick Lee commended the efforts of Adedayo Thomas-led Censors Board for recognizing CEAN and pledged to submit trailers and posters as quickly as possible for proper classifications to be done. He furthermore promised to always provide content that is properly authorized. He beseeched with the Board to look into the additional pressure and burdens on the finances of every guild/association to be paid to the Board, and hope it should be something affordable.

(l-r) Tari West, Leo Omoseebi & Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi

Some of the Stakeholders that were at the meeting include President, Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Mr. Ralph Nwadike, Group Executive Director, FilmOne, Moses Babatope (CEAN), President ANCOP, Mrs. Daisy Madu-Chikwendu, National Theatre PRO, Ogundele Steve, NANTAP President, Israel Eboh, Chairman, NANTAP Lagos State, Makinde Adeniran, CDGN Lagos State Chairman, Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi, President Screenwriters Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), Yinka Ogun, Chairman, AGN Lagos State, Moji Oyetayo, Bukola Thomas (AGN Lagos), ANTP President, Adewale, Adeoye Elesho, Babatunde Thomason (ANTP), and National Treasurer AMP, Amb. Queen Blessing Ebigieson.

Others include Bukola Thomas, Happiness Erike (NFVCB Lagos), Clement Ogbo (NFVCB Lagos), Opeyemi Ajayi (Genesis/CEAN), Yemi Amadu (TAMPAN), National PRO CDGN, Leo Omoseebi, National PRO DGN, Perekeme Odon, President Akwa / Cross, Umoh Umoh, Secretary-General, SWGN, Tari West, Kemi Adekomi (AGN), Thessy Whyte (Akwa/Cross), PRO FVPMN Lagos State, Pascal Ezenwa, Emeka S. Aluah (FVPMN), Dayo Pelumi (NFVCB Lagos), Mary Edem Ephraim (Homeland films), Jide Ologel (EMCOAN), Adekunle Ojo (Genesis), and scores of others.

(l-r) Yinka Ogun, Moji Oyetayo, Bukola, Adedayo Thomas, Kemi, Leo & Mrs. Joy Akinyemi

(l-r) Queen Blessing, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas & Perekeme Odon

A Group Photograph With The Executive Director

(l-r) Makinde Adeniran, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas & Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi

Alhaji Adedayo Thomas

President, SWGN Mr. Yinka Ogun & Alhaji Adedayo Thomas

(l-r) Moji Oyetayo, Bukola Thomas, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas & Kemo Adekomi

ANTP President, Adewale Adeoye Elesho

Mr. Clement Ogbo (NFVCB, Lagos)

Lagos State AGN Chairman, Moji Oyetayo

Chairman, NANTAP State, Mr. Makinde Adeniran

Chairman, AGN Lagos State,  Moji Oyetayo & Alhaji Adedayo Thomas

PFN Rev. Omobude Extols Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi On The Spirit Of Lagos Conference

By Perekeme Odon

It was physically relaxing, fun strengthening, extraordinarily spiritually energizing and refreshing to see Christians commit themselves to assemble together at a Christian conference in light of the priority to stay strong in Christ and the example of the Scriptures and church history. As leaders, our perspective shapes our priorities and our influence is formed through thousands of daily choices.

For two days, Christians nationwide congregated communally to share the experience of respite and reunion, connection to something greater than us, and to foster change for our families, society and the Church.

The APOSTOLIC ROUND TABLE Conference as we know it today, began with a God-inspired vision a few years ago and has arguably become the largest proactive Christian conference in Nigeria in an annual two-day experience of energy, excitement, and passion, entrenched in the cause of Christ hosted by The Voice Of His Word Ministries led by Apostle Dr. Bolaji. O. Akinyemi, in conjunction with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), The Gracious Church, Pastored by Pastor Kayode Adeshoga, The Trinity House, Pastored by, Pastor Ituah Ighodalor and in collaboration with PVCNaija was held on January 13 and 14, 2020. 

The event designed for Christian’s ecumenism over the last few years of its existence is a life-transforming experience to consolidate the efforts of the Nigerian Christians in leadership, politics, governance, etc. 

Arrival Of The PFN President, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude

The most comprehensive leadership-equipping conference of the year convened by noted Christian leader, Apostle Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi with an incredible line-up of Christ-centered leaders, speakers and leading voices in faith, ministry, and theology with the depth of wisdom selected from across the country was set out to deliver information on the most relevant topics who provided insight and clarity on several contemporary topics plaguing the Church today, training leaders to operate in Bible-based principles and cooperating with one another to further the gospel and Christian fellowship.

Renowned for being one of the most preemptive and innovative conference of its kind, this year’s event with the theme, “THE SPIRIT OF LAGOS: A NEW GENERATION” was held at the Living Rock Gospel Church, No 1, Tinuade Adepegba Street, Off Agbe Road, Abule-Egba, Lagos state brought together a wide audience of artists, National Church leaders, members of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), scholars, students, worship leaders and other interested worshipers from various denominations around the country for a time of fellowship, worship, and learning together, seeking to develop their gifts, encourage each other and renew their commitment to the full ministry of the church.

Lagos State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Alex Bamgbola

The Northern Nigeria community of Christians were not left out, the keynote of the Conference, titled: LAGOS; An Ideology beyond regions and religions was ceded to Professor Adamu Baikie, the first professor of education from northern Nigeria and President Congress of Northern Nigeria Christians, Baba at 88years old sent an able emissary in his Vice, Ambassador Steven Bangoji, who incidentally is also a board member of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union. He unequivocally stated the desire of CNNC to work with ART to enthroned LAGOS; Leaders After God's Own Spirit at all levels of leadership in the country.

The Lagos State PFN Secretary, Rev. Toyin Kehinde, and Bishop Moses A. Idris chaired the activities of the morning and evening sessions respectively that motivated the kick-off with an opening intercession by Prophet Sam Osinloye and administered over to Evangelist Amara Music Director, Agbado Oke-Odo Province who took the Praise and Worship.

Ambassador Steven Baba Banjoki

Other distinguished speakers that impressively inspired the sessions were Dr. Joe Ighalo who spoke on ‘12 Tribe, One Nation’ and counseled religious leaders never to chase after politicians seeking relevance. Rev. Isaac Imasuen instructed Christians on the intercession of unity on how they should be one, while Rev. Olatunde A. Soyemi rounded off the half of the morning session by thanking participants for coming.

The morning session was opened when Dr. Henry Obidi revolved the barrel to orate ‘Entertainment and Public Narrative’, and everyone went enthusiastic when he sermonized on the emotional state of being and entertainment controlling the emotions of people. He accentuated upfront to remind men of God present that all the use of posture and bodily movements for effect while preaching the gospel on stage are all entertainment; and recommended for the Church to come together and grow an entertainment network bigger than any other corporation or political party they can assume. 

Lagos Stae PFN Chairman, Bishop Olushola Ore

Then came the moment with Apostle Gabriel Amedu of Benue state who expounded on the ‘Raising Kingdom Seeds With Purposeful Spirit for Leadership’ by letting participants know that, “The Church is a formal social religious state like a nation and country and an informal social-political state set up and managed a social-political governance of the affairs of men.” He frowned at the silence of our fathers and the Church in the South West and not raising their voices whenever disaster strikes.

Other notable speakers at the Conference are, Pastor Kayode Adeshoga, Pastor Danjuma Tafawa Balewa, Rev. Fola Olusanya, Pastor Ituah Ighodalor who was proficiently represented by Pastor Yemi Edward on the topic-‘There Is A Captain; Head Hunting And Training For LAGOS’, instructed Christians and the Church to play a significant role in the affairs of politics in Nigeria and not to sit down and condemn their leaders. 

Apostle Bolaji O. Akinyemi

The second day of the conference witnessed the entry of the President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, Lagos State Chairmen of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Olushola Ore, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Alex Bamgbola and other renowned Christian leaders like Pastor Biodun who represented Professor Vincent Anigbogu, the Director-General of Institute of National Transformation, he educated Christians on the need to cultivate emotional capacity.

The Lagos State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Alex Bamgbola acknowledged and appreciated the presence of everyone. “I appreciate our father who is seated here humbly, and the man whom the Lord has given this vision, Apostle Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi. May the Lord continue to bless you, increase you and multiply you for in the right time this nation will be transformed.” He affirmed. 

The Lagos State PFN Chairman, Bishop Olushola Ore furthermore recognized the good works of Apostle. Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi and advised the Church leadership to always live in love. He supported his proclamation with 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, John 13: 34 and Galatians 5: 22 where he said that “The leaders we are looking for today must be possessed with the spirit of love because God is love”. He went on to say, “If you don’t have love you cannot lead the people, as we are the light of the world and salt of the earth but the fruit of the spirit is love”. He informed.

    Dr. Henry Obidi

If previous years’ concerts are anything to go by, the climax of the 2020 conference was the introduction of the General overseer, New Covenant Gospel Church and President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude who thanked the convener, Apostle Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi and his wife, Prophetess Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi for the gathering; and everyone present. “I want to thank you for bringing all of us together because you are passionate about our nation. He that has begun this good work in you will complete it. May His oil never run dry in you in Jesus Name”.  He announced. 

The President of PFN went on to assert that Christians must not stoop low to the enemy and declared. “As PFN President, I happen to know some of the challenges affecting Christians in Nigeria. No matter what, we covenant together to stand for what we believe and not betray the cross of Christ. My Father, by the authority of your words, we stand by your charge to say never again should they give themselves in compromise to the enemy, nor the wrath of the wicked fall on our lot.”

 Rev. Tosin Kehinde, Lagos State PFN Secretary

According to the Convener, General Overseer, The Voice Of His Word Ministries, Apostle Bolaji Akinyemi in his remark thanked the PFN President for finding out time to attend the conference and boldly told participants how joyous he was to have taken over Lagos State. “There is nowhere in the world where power is given, but always taken. So by prophetic understanding I am so happy Lagos is taken, Kaduna and the entire North is here. Middle Belt is here. South-South is taken”, he asserted.

Distinguished Church leaders present at the event are Dr. Patrick Anidi, Secretary, PFN Ikeja Province, Pastor Tunji Dada (MC), Rev. Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi, Elder T. Adewoye, Apostle Femi Gideon, Dr. Jude Orhorha, Bishop Adekunle Oluwaseun, Bishop Femi Soneye, Pastor Samuel Afilaka, Chairman of the hosting Province of the event, Rev Olatunde Soyemi and his Vice, Pastor Okpanachi Simon, Bishop Dr. Praise Oliver, Apostle Tonye Oliver, Bishop Moses Idris, and Rev. Fola Olusanya.

Others include Rev. Dr. Isaac Agbelayi, Dr. David Orien, Bishop Dr. Praise Oliver, Pastor Tosin Oladipupo, Pastor Samuel Afilaka, Rev. Fola Olusanya, Apostle James Iyanda, Rev. Dotun Joshua Olaoye, Steve Osinlaye, Ebele Okonkwo, Sarah Ovayoiza Bankole, Pastor Sam Osimloye, Apostle Ifeanyi Amaechi, Rev. Collins Imozemhe, Rev. Hon. Kehinde Ayobamidele Robert, Bishop Oladiti, Abayomi Agbede-Daniels, Pastor Mandy Nwachukwu, Apostle David Olajide, and the press.

    Apostle Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi Adressing Participants

(L-R) Amb. Steve Baba Banjoki, Pst. Gabroel Amedu, Rev. Mrs. Joy Akinyemi & Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi

   Rev. Olatunde Soyemi, PFN Provincial Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos

Rev. Dr. Olu Johnson, Nation President, URGAN

(L-R) Adekunle Oluwaseun, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi & Dr. David Orien

 Lagos Stae PFN Chairman & PFN President, Nigeria In An Embrace

A Cross Section Of Participants

     Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), President, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude

 Lagos State PFN Chairman, Bishop Olushola Ore

  Bishop Idris Moses

Apostle Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi In Worship Mode

 Bishop Moses Idris & Rev. Dr. Mojosola Idris

Rev. Dotun Joshua Olaoye

Pastor Biodun, Representing Prof. Vincent Anigbogu

Rev. Ben Eragbai

A Cross Section Of The Venue

Bishop Oladiti & Apostle James Iyanda

Apostle Bolaji O. Akinyemi, Convener, Apostolic Round Table Conference

Lagos State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Alex Bamgbola

 Bishop Moses Idris

Dr. Joe Ighalo

Rev. Isaac Imasuen & Lagos State PFN, Secretary, Rev. Tosin Kehinde

Apostle Gabriel Amedu

Praise & Worship Session

Dr. Henry Obidi & Nollywood Actor, Dr. Jude Orhorha

Rev. Isaac Imasuen, Convener Apostolic Fire Conference, Benin City

Rev. Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi & Apostle Bolaji O. Akinyemi

Pastor Mandy Nwachukwu

Rev. Dr. Isaac Agbelayi

Dr. David Orien

Amb. Steve Baba Banjoki In An Handshake With Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude

A Section Of Participants

Apostle Bolaji O. Akinyemi

(L-R) Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude & Bishop Olushola Ore

Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude Anointing Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Bolaji Akinyemi

Dr. David Orien & Rev. Fola Olusanya

Bishop Dr. Praise Oliver

Dr. Patrick Anidi, Secretary, PFN Ikeja Province

Pastor Okapnachi Simon (R) & Participants

Pastor Samuel Afilaka & A Brother

A Cross Section Of Participants

Steve Osinlaye & Ebele Okonkwo

(L-R) Pastor Femi Gideon, David Olajide & Elder T. Adewoye

(L-R) Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Henry Obodi, Pst. Tunji Dada, & Pst Tosin Oladipupo

(L-R) Pastor Sam Osimloye, Steve Osinlaye & Ebele Okonkwo

Pastor Kayode Adeshoga (R) & A Brother

 

(L-R) Pastor Tunji Dada, Pst. Mandy Nwachukwu & Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi

Rev. Dotun Joshua Olaoye (R) & A Brother

Bishop Dr. Oliver Praise (R)

Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude & Bishop Olushola Ore

Bishop Moses Idris & Pastor Sam Osimlaye

Rev. Isaac Imasuen & Dr. David Orien

Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), President, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude

(L-R) Pastor Sam Osimloye, Steve Osinlaye & Ebele Okonkwo & A Sister

Pastor Samuel Afilaka In Prayer Mode

(L-R) Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, Bishop Olushola Ore & Rev. Isaac Imasuen

A Cross Of The Congregation

A Cross Section Of Attendees

PFN President Laying Hands On Bishop Moses Idris & Rev. Dr. Mojisola Idris

Rev. Isaac Imasuen Thrilling Participants With Words

MC Pastor Tunji Dada

Apostle Ifeanyi Amaechi

Apostle Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi

Bishop John Seton Oyedeji Benhotons

Rev. Isaac Imasuen, Convener Apostolic Fire Conference, Benin City

(l-r) Amb. Steve Baba Banjoki, Apostle Gabriel Amedu & Rev. Mrs. Joy Akinyemi

Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), President, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude

(L-R) Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude & Bishop Olushola Ore

(L-R) Amb. Steve Baba Banjoki, Pst. Gabriel Amedu, Rev. Mrs. Joy Akinyemi & Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi

Rev. Isaac Imasuen, Convener Apostolic Fire Conference, Benin City

Religious Book Stand

Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), President, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude

(l-r) Bishop Olushola Ore, Rev. Isaac Imasuen & Rev. Tosin Kehinde

Lagos State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Alex Bamgbola Addressing Participants