Entertainment
How Buhari’s Administration Promotes Growth Of Entertainment Industry – Osinbajo
In recognition of the strategic importance of the entertainment and creative sector in growing the Nigerian economy, the Buhari administration has in the past few years introduced several initiatives to harness the abundant potential in the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).
Professor Osinbajo stated this over the weekend in a message delivered at the opening of the Ogidi Studios, a Lagos based world class creative complex hosting recording film production, animation and writing studios owned by the Temple Company.
The Vice President stated that last year the federal government awarded the control of the National Theatre to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bankers Committee. The Bankers committee has committed an investment of N25 billion as initial funding for the development of the Nigerian creative centre at the National theatre Lagos. The centre will receive support from CBN’s creative industry funds initiative that gives financial support to the technical and creative sector at single digit interest rate.
The Bank of Industry in collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Culture also has a N300 million loan package for the creative sector, the package provides the funds to the sector at single digit interest rate with tenure of four to five years.
Speaking about the gains of consistent and deliberate effort by the Buhari Administration over the years, the vice president noted that the sector and the country are now better positioned to benefit from the entire value chain.
He said: “But perhaps more importantly with the Ogidi Studios, Nigeria now operates on the same level of sound and video technology with the major global players now the stars, not just the Nigerian stars, but from all over the world have a place in Lagos that is as good as any studio they have ever recorded in.
World class script writing, music recording, video making and editing can take place under one roof at the Ogidi Studios. The entire value chain in music and entertainment can now be local, so we are at the cusp of a revolution in entertainment, production, creative talent and services and a major economic opening for business in Nigeria.
Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo explained that the world knows that the smart money is already going after the trail. Last year, Netflix opened its first African office here in Lagos and is investing millions of dollars to buy and generate authentic African content in its platform.
“A couple of years earlier, the universal music group established itself firmly and there are many others waiting to make their bid for a bit of the action.” Assuring that with the quality of investments, the future is promising for the sector. He said with the private sector putting its best foot forward in the entertainment industry, the future is certainly looking very bright for the industry and we are all looking forward to the greater investments.
While commending the owners of the Ogidi Studios, for raising the stakes in entertainment industry, Osinbajo said local creative talents can now fulfil their dreams as world class script writing, music recording, video making and editing can take place under one roof at the Ogidi Studios.
Referencing the stories of Burna Boy and Wizkid, who took the entertainment industry by storm and winning the Grammy awards, Prof Osinbajo noted that the environment had been prepared for Nigeria to produce more creative talent across the value chain in the industry.
He said on the 14th of March 2021, the duo of Burna Boy and Wizkid established themselves as amongst the best musicians in the world, following their victory in the Grammys held in Los Angeles, USA.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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