There are conflicting opinions surrounding the Federal Government’s proposal to crack down on money rituals, Ritual killings, smoking, and glorification of these acts in Nigerian movies. During a recent national stakeholders’ engagement on smoke-free Nollywood in Enugu, the government’s position was made clear by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). Various filmmakers, directors, and actors from different regions across the country gathered together for a collaborative event hosted by the NFVCB and CAPPA, emphasizing accountability and public participation in the film industry.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has officially sanctioned the Regulation in accordance with section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004. The new regulations against money rituals, Tobacco promotion, and glamorizing crime in media have been given the green light by the minister. The finalized approval has been sent to the Federal Ministry of Justice for formal publication in the official gazette. He pointed out that showcasing smoking in movies not only has health risks, but also sets a harmful example for teenagers and young adults, who make up the majority of Nigerian film audiences.
NFVCB is in favour of movies and Nollywood without smoking.
Importantly, the film industry is undeniably a key player in the world of entertainment and creativity. It is crucial that they prioritize the advancement of this industry and recognize its central role in the society. He declared that the NFVCB is in favour of movies and Nollywood without smoking, and is asking for cooperation in creating content that discourages smoking and highlights healthy messages. There is currently a split among industry stakeholders regarding the policy. Bob Manuel Udokwu, a seasoned Nollywood actor, added to the conversation by pointing out that many Nigerians were misinterpreting the government’s actions.
He had an extensive and productive discussion over the phone with Dr. Hussein Shaibu, the chairman of the Censors Board, regarding the issue. His focus is to enhance the quality and respectability of movies, music videos, skits, and similar content for different audiences through classification. Dr. Shaibu’s experience in the entertainment field ensures there’s no need for concern, he assured. Nollywood star Jennifer Obodo believes that the government should prioritize more pressing matters in Nigeria rather than focusing on banning smoking and ritual acts in the film industry.
Is Nollywood really Nigeria’s biggest issue at the moment?
Movies are a creative outlet that allows for unique interpretations of stories, going beyond the basic narrative. A potential solution for the government’s concerns about smoking could involve prohibiting the sale and manufacture of cigarettes. The high cost of fuel and food, poor road conditions, widespread kidnappings, and leaders focusing on banning smoking and rituals in Nollywood raise the question of whether Nollywood is really Nigeria’s biggest issue at the moment. Actress Ngozi Ezeh Evuka believes that the government should prioritize the Education sector to ensure that children are aware that movies are fictional representations and not real life.
Don Sylvester Nweke, the Chief Executive Officer of Don Sylvester Records and a patron of the Association of Movie Producers in Lagos, expressed his opinion that the ban was unnecessary. He expressed that in Nigeria, smoking is prohibited in public areas. He also acknowledged that rituals are not allowed, however, he believes there is no need to enforce a ban in the Nollywood industry as every aspect of life has its positives and negatives. It is important to show negative consequences for smoking or ritual acts in movies to deter young people from engaging in these behaviours.
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Simply banning these behaviours from films would be ineffective and would inhibit creativity in the film industry. Censoring the reality of the society from films would strip away the authenticity that makes the industry captivating. It is important to depict these aspects, as they reflect the truth of their world. The ending of the movie should depict the capture and punishment of smokers and ritualists to deter others from engaging in similar acts. These illegal activities are occurring on the streets, with young people witnessing and discussing them among themselves.