Entertainment
NFVCB Impounds Pirated Nollywood Films
A container load of pirated Nollywood movies imported from China has been seized at Alaba Market by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) task force after last Monday’s raid of the notorious Alaba Market where three suspected pirates were arrested.
The taskforce set up by the board against unauthorised distribution/uncensored and unclassified movies, on Wednesday increased its arrest to four while on Thursday it also confiscated a container load consisting of 103 sacs of DVDs of different titles believed to have been imported from China.
The 8-man task force made up of largely members of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria ((FVPMAN) alongside the Nigeria Police on Monday last week arrested three men, Ndu Celestine, Okechukwu Ikeagwu and Austine Ugokwe and confiscated several film titles and machines said to be worth N50 million. The suspects were immediately taken to Abuja from the Area E Police Command, Festac Town.
The fourth suspect, popularly called Mayor, is said to be the assistant financial secretary of the fancy and furniture section of Alaba international market where CD and DVD business holds sway. Some of the film titles include Ayamma, Wedding Party, Three Wise Men, 30 Days in Atlanta, A Trip To Jamaica Lekki Wives, Wives On Strike, Jennifer’s Diary and Fifty.
The raid was spearheaded by the Executive Director of NFVCB, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, notable film maker, Gabriel Okoye aka Igwe Gabosky, Chairman of FVPMAN, Emeka Aduah and film marketer and lawyer, Nobert Ajaegbu.
Speaking to newsmen at the Area E Police Command, Adedayo described the unlawful distribution of uncensored intellectual property and piracy as a serious economic crime.
“We are saying no to unwholesome, unclassified and uncensored content vis-à-vis piracy. Piracy is a serious economic crime. What they are doing to intellectual property is worse than what you can imagine”.
“We had warned them to stop the unlawful act, unfortunately they did not stop and we promised the stake holders and those concerned within the film and creative industry that we are going to start action, so this is one of the actions that we have promised them and it is going to be continuous because now, we have the full support of the police, it makes our job easier, the lawyers are ready to prosecute”.
According to Okoye, “majority of the stakeholders have been rendered prostrate by the activities of the pirates and no more operating, some of them have gone broke”.
“If you go to Alaba where our business used to thrive, the situation is not the same, as cosmetics and phone accessory sellers have taken over because the pirates have driven us away and feeding fat on our sweat. They have started investing in hospitals and other business, while the creative industry is getting broke”, he lamented.
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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