Entertainment
Commissioner Tasks Movie Producers On Good Scripts
In a bid to boost movie
production in Rivers State, the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, has assured members of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) Rivers State chapter of the ministry’s willingness to partner the Association and take the industry to the next level.
The commissioner gave the assurance during an interactive session with members of the association in her office on Wednesday, The commissioner who stated that she is a lover of the movie industry, said she is jealous of Lagos, Enugu and Asaba where the movie industry thrives, and that she keeps praying and hoping that one day the movie industry in the state will get to that stage or even beyond.
She noted that the ministry would also help by calling on hotel owners and other hospitality operators to give a rebate to the movie producers to help cut down on their cost of production, provided they have a good script and marketable storyline.
On the issue of film village, the commissioner disclosed that the state government is interested in establishing a film village to boost the movie industry in the state. She however urged them to always come with good ideas to the ministry for them to look at as to know the areas to assist. She commended the Association on their efforts toward the growth of the industry despite the daunting challenges they face in the process. She called on members of the association to encourage their colleagues in Lagos, Enugu and Asaba to come back home as there is adequate security and enabling environment for film making in the state.
Also speaking, the permanent secretary, Mr. Micheal Ejihuo disclosed that he has a passion for the movie industry and that the ministry is ready to partner with the association. He noted that all over the world the movie industry is in vogue because it is a money spinner. He however noted one of the areas the ministry is ready to come in, is through regulation in order to protect the intellectual rights of the producers against pirates.
The permanent secretary noted that Rivers State is a heterogeneous state with several ethnic nationalities. Therefore the association should try to bring all together so as to achieve a greater height. According to him, the Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba promote their culture through their film, Rivers State should also do so if we must be a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
The permanent secretary also urged the movie producers to write good scripts with interesting storylines which they could take to the banks, if the script is good, the banks will invest in the production of the film because both the producers and the bank would be sure of getting back their money with profit.
Earlier in his address the Chairman Association of Movie Producers, (AMP) Rivers State Chapter, Mr Fisim Lawson Young Arney noted that the association had done a lot on their own to keep the flag flying even when most of their colleagues had left the state to other cities like Lagos, Enugu and Asaba to seek for a greener pasture as movies are shot in such cities almost on daily basis.
According to him the association has approached most of the multinational companies and organisations to come to their aid, but to no avail, hence the decision to approach the ministry. which happens to be their parent body to partner with the association to save the industry from decline.
He appealed to the ministry to reach out to hotel owners to cut-down their charges to enable the association use their facilities. He said other hospitality outfits should also give them rebate to enable them meet other challenges.
He stressed that movie making is capital intensive and the producers takes the risk of financing the movie, they bear the financial burden of the cast the crew, logistics etc at the end they may not be able to recover their capital.
He disclosed that over areas of concern include the nefarious activities of pirates who rob them of their profit by pirating their movies as well quacks who go about producing sub standard movies thereby killing the image of the industry in the state.
He therefore called on the ministry to regulate the industry in order to flush out the pirates and quack producers which is the only way to move the industry forward and give it a pride of place in the Nigerian movie industry.

Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide
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.
Entertainment
World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents

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.
Entertainment
PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy ‘Tomorrow

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.
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