Entertainment
‘Why We Must Salvage Film Industry In Rivers’
Though the entertainment industry is growing so fast and many people are not only becoming smart, but have started waking up to the business side of the industry particularly the motion picture sector popularly known as Nollywood, which is the third largest movie producing industry in the world after Hollywood of America and Bollywood of India.
However, it has been observed that film production in Rivers State, the Treasure Base of Nigeria lags behind that of other states like Lagos, Enugu and now Delta where not less than 10 films are produced daily, making huge revenue for these states and providing employment opportunities for their youths.
This slow pace of development of the industry has remained a source of embarrassment to some concerned indigenous practitioners, because Rivers State has comparative advantage over them. Apart from the fact that the state has good locations to shoot films, world class hotels and other entertainment outlets, abundant potentials and intelligence to compete favourably with their counterparts in the industry, most top movie makers, actors and actresses as well as some of the notable practitioners in the country, passed through the state on their way to stardom.
Speaking on the state of movie making in Rivers State, a seasoned entertainer, managing director of African Movie Producers Limited Port Harcourt, Mrs Vickky Eeen attributed it to lack of recognition of the importance of movie making and the role of practitioners in the overall development of the state hence the lack of investment, in the sector as a result, the state loses the opportunity to make money from the industry and generate employment opportunities for the youths.
The actress and singer who disclosed this while speaking with The Tide entertainment recently, said the snail speed development of the industry is unfortunate as even countries like America, India, South Africa Kenya, Ghana etc. invest hugely in film making and entertainment generally and the revenue they get in return as well as other benefits are enormous.
The state executive of Association of Movie Production (AMP) in Rivers State said the poor state of the industry necessitated the recent concerted efforts being made by AMP to seek assistance from the state government, organised private sector and stakeholders to invest in the industry in order to boost its activities and make it more viable.
Vickky, as she is popularly known by her close friends and associates, said she decided to improve on the situation through her personal efforts by establishing the African film production training centre at N0 4 Olodu Street Off Olu Obasanjo Road Port Harcourt where she trains students in various aspects of entertainment, including film production and directing, acting, chorography, script writing, music recording, modeling etc not only to move the entertainment industry forward but to empower the restive youths of Niger Delta, refocus their mind set, make them self sufficient and disciplined members of the society.
The Ikwerre, Rivers State born director, producer, script writer and dancer said since inception, the school has graduated over 100 students and has the capacity to train over 10,000 youths in their chosen careers in the industry. She maintained that some of the grandaunds have gainful employment in various entertainment outfits including Siver bird. Others have featured in movies, TV Reality shows, Soap Operas, and as students have produced a movie titled “Seal of Salvation which she directed; while some of her models have competed in various modeling shows both in the national and international levels.
The ex-student of University of Port Harcourt where she obtained a Diploma and graduate of Mass Communication, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) said the school insists on standards, discipline and character development and boasts of reputable resource persons drawn from within the country, America, UK, South Africa, Ghana etc, adding that those who excelled in character development are sent abroad for further training and employment.
On her exploits in the entertainment industry, the beautiful and amiable lady of many parts, revealed that she started acting from secondary school, at Port Harcourt Township School, Borokiri, later worked briefly at the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture and Rivers State Television (RSTV), where she met people like Comish Ekiye, Hilda Dokubo and others. She has also written over 2000 scripts some of which are being used by producers today.
Vickky has also featured in many movies including “Mixed Multitude,” (2001), co-produced ‘Indecent proposal’ (2003) and is currently working on a new movie. The athlete also has a debut album stressing that she was inspired by Onyeka Onwenu, Ivon Chaka Chaka and ‘Mama Africa’ Marian Makebe.
The movie maker and trainer maintained that despite the challenges facing the entertainment industry in Rivers State, she has decided to remain in the state to salvage the industry instead of looking for greener pastures in other states as some of her colleagues from the state have done.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs