Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Nollywood: NGO, NFVCB Launch Campaign Against Smoking in Movies Watched by Children

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Smoke-Free Nollywood and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) have launched a digital media campaign to discourage smoking scenes in home movies watched by children.
The Creative Director, Smoke Free Nollywood, Ms.
Esther Aghotor, announced this said in a statement on Tuesday, in Abuja.According to her, a visual Public Service Announcement (PSA) on the harmful effects smoking in movies has on children, was jointly released on social media platforms by the two organisations on Feb.
1.Aghotor explained that the PSA advocacy video titled “Children are watching” was endorsed by the Federal Ministries of Health, Information and Culture as well as other stakeholders.
“Today, the #SmokeFreeNollywood campaing and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) launched a public service announcement(PSA) on smoking in films watched by children.
“The PSA announcement video titled “Children are watching” showcased the harmful effects of smoking in movies significantly as they influence underage members of their audience.
“According to research, more than one-third of current adult smokers started smoking due to the influence of film.
“The partnership with the National Film and Video Censors Board shows the agency’s commitment to promoting public health and safety of movie watchers, particularly children who are the most impressionable members of society.
“Recall that the Nigeria National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act of 2015 and the NTC Regulations 2019 prohibit the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products in entertainment,” she said.
The PSA video, among other cast, features veteran actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who called on her industry colleagues to avoid promoting tobacco products in movies in the interest of public health.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 370,000 Nigerians smoke cigarettes and tobacco is the leading cause of cancers globally.
The #SmokeFreeNollywood had in 2021 released an entertainment industry PSA in support of the campaign from influential Nollywood stars, including Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Dakore Egbuson-Akande.
Other included Osas Ighodaro, Anto Lecky, Meg Otanwa, Michelle Dede, Kayode Kasum, Daniel Effiong, Linda Ejiofor, Kiki Omeili, and Imoh Emmanuel Chimezie. (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Nollywood series “The Party” for premiere on Netflix May 30

Star-studded Nollywood series “The Party” is set to premiere on Netflix May 30, its producer has said.
The producer of the acclaimed series, Judith Audu, disclosed this in a post on her Instagram page.
The Party is a three-part murder mystery series that tells the story of how everyone became a suspect when a young, successful, newly married man died unexpectedly and dramatically.
The series, directed by Yemi Morafa, features a lineup of A-list Nollywood actors, including Shaffy Bello, Uzor Arukwe, Mide Martins, Kunle Remi, and James Gardiner.
The series showcases brilliant performances by Tope Olowoniyan, Ben Touitou, Ray Adeka, and introduces Eva Ibiam in a standout debut.
The Party, a fully independent production of Ope Ajayi and Captain of Sea Productions, was originally conceived as a feature-length movie.
However, after being acquired by Netflix, it was restructured into a three-part series.
Earlier, Ajayi, in a post on his social media page, said that the Netflix series was one that would keep the audience guessing about the culprit.
In his words; “You’ll never be able to guess who did it.”
He further added: “The performances are perhaps one of my favourite things about the series.
“Everyone brought their A-game!”(NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Gay relationship: Nigerian Skit Maker Threatens Colleagues Over Requests

A Nigerian content creator, Chukwueze Odinaka, aka ‘Mama Uka’, has called on colleagues seeking for gay relationship with him to desist from such act.
Odinaka, who specializes in skit making, in a video clip message shared via his Instagram page, threatened to expose some of his colleagues and other men if they did not desist from such demand.
According to him, he is tried to be polite with his gay admirers, telling them that he is straight, but they have continued to make advances at him.
He added that since they were adamant to his refusal, he promised to expose anyone who approach him for a gay relationship regardless of their positions.
“This message is for my colleagues and others who do not want to respect themselves.
” If anyone comes to my DM again as my fellow man to ask me out, I will screenshot it and post.I won’t mind your status.
” And you know Nigerian blogs like that kind of news, they will post you. This is the last warning.
“I have tried to be mature about this by telling you privately that I am straight.
“I am a father, also I come from a very sacred place, Enugu Ezike. We do not misbehave
“If any of you comes to my DM again to ask me out, I will post it,”he wrote.
Odinaka professionally known as Mama Uka is a Nigerian comedian and content creator, who shoots comedy using the guise of an elderly woman. (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
‘Sikandar’ top Netflix Nigeria Chart

‘Sikandar’, an action movie about a grieving king who finds new purpose by waging war against powerful enemies, has topped the Netflix film chart in Nigeria.
‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’, a slasher movie about a bloodthirsty killer stalking candidates for prom queen, came in second, while ‘Knock at the Cabin’ is ranked third on the chart.
‘Breaking’, a drama movie, ‘Lucy’ and ‘Exterritorial’ are forth, fifth and six respectively on the chart.
‘Inside Man: Most Wanted’, ‘Havoc’ and ‘Last Bullet’ are seventh, eighth and ninth on the chart while ‘A Lagos Love Story’ a romantic movie, rounds up the top 10. (NAN)