Entertainment
Why Nigerians Living Abroad Watch Nollywood
The Nollywood industry which came to life in the early 1990 is often seen as a natural heir to the Nigerian TV series, which had already produced roughly 14,000 video films in the previous decade. These video films of the early years have now become full feature film and an integral part of popular life in Nigeria. Local audiences appreciate these home grown productions relating to daily life in the country.
The over 1000 films produced yearly offer a mix of urban scenes and village encounters, they appeal to both young people and to families reaching out to local audience on several Nigerian languages. The films are mainly produced in the big cities on the south of the country such as Lagos, Onitsha, Enugu, Aba, Ibadan, Calabar and Asaba. Though they are usually set in Lagos or Abuja, they involve crews and actors from various ethnic backgrounds, while Yoruba and Hausa film makers have opted for productions foregrounding their respective languages.
Statistics show that most of the films emanating from Igbo land are in Nigerian English, a choice which has allowed them to reach out to wider audience in other parts of the country and abroad. This has made them an instant hit and projected Nollywood on the international scene.
The number of films produced in other Nigerian languages such as Ubobo, Ijo, Hausa and Ogba has equally gained momentum. In less than three decades, Nollywood has gained an international reputation and inspired new film industries across Africa. The industry is widely considered as a showcase of the country. Interestingly, although a growing number of these films are now set in locations abroad, most remain firmly grounded in Nigerian cultures.
Over the years, the African public has come to discover and appreciate Nollywood, nevertheless, outside Nigeria, its public remains the Nigerian diaspora. Research carried out in London and Paris nine years ago sought out the opinions of Nigerians living abroad about the films. The result showed that respondents spend significant portion of their leisure time together with other Nigerians or other Africans viewing Nigerian video films. They overwhelmingly preferred them to foreign films. These observations have since been enriched by follow up interviews, confirming that these results remain relevant.
By and large, protagonists in Nollywood films adhere to ancestral beliefs and carry on with most rural traditions. The ancestral village that nurtured these beliefs never disappeared entirely. It is nearly always the scene of at least a few family encounters. The acknowledgement that follows the film gives precious details about the place used, such as community centres, hospitals or churches. The village is usually signalled by narrow paths,mud houses, grassy compounds and farmlands, people in wrappers, bare-chested men or chiefs in traditional attire and oja music among others.
The set is far less important than the content, it is just there to provide a background to the protagonists actions and reinforce message that the individuals behaviour is partly determined by their family background.
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.
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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