Entertainment
Brain Drain Rocks Rivers AGN
The survival of the Rivers State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), one of the leading chapters in Nollywood is being threatened by the brain drain syndrome as most members have left the state to seek for greener pastures in other states.
The out going chairman of the guild in the state, Mr Bartholomew Gerald Aguogo who stated this in an interview with The Tide Entertainment on Tuesday lamented the negative effect of the trend, adding that it might lead to the extinction of the chapter and by extension the film industry in Rivers State.
He disclosed that one of the founding fathers of the chapter and one of the best actors in Nollywood, Dr Sam Dede is currently the highest paid actor in Asaba Delta State while the former chairperson of the guild in the state and later president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Ibinabo Fibresima is also based outside the state.
According to the Rivers State AGN boss, actor and director. The state also parades other veterans in the Nollywood industry namely Columbus Irosoanga, Walter Anger, Alaso Wariboko, Gentle Jack, Tonto Dike, Monalisa Chinda, Hilda Dokubo, Amb. Millisent Jack, Mauren Ihua and a host of others most of whom operate outside the state where they hold sway, while Nollywood in the state is left in the limbo.
He also identified tribalism as another virus killing Nollywood in the state. He reiterated that entertainment is a universal language which preaches unity through entertainment which is the motto of the association.
Mr Aguogo highlighted other factors militating against the growth of the guild in the state such as lack of enabling environment, poor funding and absence of government and other stakeholder’s participation in the industry. He said despite the big names the chapter has produced over the years, it is not yet Uhuru for Nollywood in Rivers State.
The outgoing chairman however, noted that despite the daunting challenges the chapter is still moving ahead with some laudable milestones recorded under his tenure. According to him, his executive has succeeded in repositioning the guild as the chapter under his watch has severally been named the best chapter since 2015 when he assumed office as the chairman of the actors body in the state.
Enumerating his achievements as the chairman of the guild since 2015, Aguogo said during his tenure, the chapter became the first to embark on capacity building of its members with the university of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) which later certified some of the members as trained actors.
The chapter also procured an 18 seater bus for the guild’s task force to assist the police and the Copy Right Commission in the state in their efforts to eliminate quacks in the industry and to curb the menace of piracy in the state.
The guild also created a platform called ‘Agents Night in 2016/2017 to address the issue of tribalism and disunity among members and to reintegrate them under one umbrella.
Other landmark achievements according to him include recognition of past leaders and members who contributed to the establishment of the industry in the state by dividing the guild into four tents namely: King Jaja tent, Ken Saro-Wiwa tenth Obi Wali tent and King Amakiri tent.
Resource persons were also invited to educate members on the essence of unity, professionalism and the importance of training and retraining of members. The chapter also entered into partnership with media houses in the state.
The Port Harcourt born actor, director and former President of Rivers State Students drama union said the chapter has come to a stage where government and other stakeholders could come in and partner with the guild to move it to the next level of development as he appealed for a state secretariat and a bus for the guild.
Aguogo commended Governor Nyesom Wike for appointing Yibo Koko as the Director General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTADA) and described his appointment as well deserved as Yibo is one of the best actors in the state who has contributed to the growth of entertainment in the state.
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