Entertainment
FG To Discourage Films, Music Production Abroad …As Paul Okoye, Others React
In a bid to develop the Nigerian entertainment industry, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has announced plans by the Federal Government to discourage production of Nigerian music and films outside the country.
The minister revealed this when he paid a visit to the headquarters of the Copy right Society of Nigeria (COSON) in Lagos, recently. He said, “this government has agreed that henceforth whatever we consume in Nigeria in terms of music and films must be made in Nigeria. We cannot continue to go to South Africa or any other country to produce our films and then send them back to be consumed in Nigeria”.
He said the broadcasting code and the advertising code are very clear on this, for you to classify a product as a Nigerian product, it must have a certain percentage of Nigerian content for it to be allowed and patronized in Nigeria. The Minister also added that Nigerian artistes were often flown outside the country to make their recordings and as a result, they help in developing the economies of whatever countries they work in.
“When they get there, they will patronize the economy of that country and then bring the products back to Nigeria for us to consume. It is like somebody going to China or Japan to make a product that looks like palm wine and bring it back home to label it Nigerian Palm Wine”, he stressed.
“As long as we are not able to implement our own code to ensure total production of Nigerian music and movies, our young talents will not get jobs. It is Nigerians that pay for the consumption of these products and therefore they must be allowed and encouraged to participate in their production. I am going to meet with the relevant authorities over this to ensure that whatever amendment that is needed to be made to our broadcasting code in this regard is done urgently”, the minister said.
To encourage local production of films and music, the minister added that Nigeria investment promotion commission had put forward a proposal to classify the creative industry and grant it a pioneer status.
He said that with the pioneer status, the creative industry would be entitled to certain incentives and tax holiday. The minister also said that there would also be waivers for shipment of imported music and films production equipment.
Meanwhile, in reaction to the proposed plan, Peter Okoye, one half of the music due, (P-Square wrote in his instagramme page that sometimes he is ashamed to call himself a Nigerian. He further went on to say that it’s entertainers who help the government cover up their shame. He ended by saying that government has been failing Nigerians since 1960.
In his own reaction, Nigerian ace comedian, I Go to Dye condemned the Federal Government’s plan to stop the production of movies and music videos abroad and proposed ways the federal government could achieve their plan without any complaint and also asked relevant questions on his post; here is what he wrote:-
“Undoubtedly, Entertainment, music, comedy sports and film productions are the highest ranking human resources export from Nigeria government should protect their intellectual property and invest into its capacity building.
I have observed with keen interest the recent reports credited to the honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed-proposing to ban the production of our indigenous films abroad, instead of such pronouncements, I expect a mutual partnership with government and all
stakeholders in the entertainment industry”.
“What level of support has government provided to the growth of entertainment in terms of protecting their works, piracy is still on the high, most of the actors, actresses and producers do not earn what is obtainable in other parts of the world in terms of technical, social support and general contribution to their well being.
“I recommend that instead of putting laws to check the issue of films produced outside Nigeria, Government should invest in the sector to develop it, introduce partners hip that will bring about government earning funds from the services provided through technical equipment, logistics sites and establishment of a standard Nollywood village, more soft loans should be provided to film producers while the ministry of information and culture should engage the film writers and producers to build contents that can significantly profile our image as a country”.
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
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