Entertainment
Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry In 2017 …Policies, Achievements
The entertainment industry in Nigeria has come a long way with remarkable achievements since the beginning of the Present administration in the country. According to a recent report, the Nigerian media and entertainment industry is currently estimated at $4 billion and still growing.
The entertainment and creative services department is one of the newly created departments in 2017 out of the old department of culture, for effective administration of culture in Nigeria given dedicated attention to the nation’s entertainment and the creative sector.
The main policy thrust of the entertainment and creative services department are to develop the sector in order to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The department is charged with the following: Formulating policies on entertainment, promoting private/public collaboration in the development of the entertainment industry and providing the regulatory frame work for the entertainment sub-sector.
Other functions include: packaging the entertainment content of the country, generate employment and create wealth for the youths, Developing and promoting cultural festivals and carnivals, relating with Nollywood for advisory services, overseeing the activities of the National Troupe of Nigeria and the National Threatre, provide structure for entertainment and creative sector in Nigeria for proper coordination among others.
Overtime, the government has engaged stakeholders in the creative industry having acknowledged the potentials of Nollywood as a money spinning sector that could help boost the nation’s economy. One of the major steps taken by the federal Government in this direction was the decision to give a tax break for the creative industry.
The gesture which was in fulfillment of the promise made by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo represented by the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun at the opening of the creative industry financing conference in Lagos to grant the industry pioneer status.
This was greeted with excitement on the part of the stakeholders who described it as a welcome development. However, it has been observed that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is concerned on creating an enduring structure for the industry rather than splashing money on its stars.
A pointer to this claim was the creative industry financing conference held in Lagos between July 17 and 18 2017 and had in attendance major stakeholders within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
The conference was geared towards taking the industry into a golden era of smooth access to short and long term financing, world class management as well as local and international distribution.
The conference became an eye opener for the stakeholders as they realized how much lack of access to financing is stunting the growth of the creative industry. The confab was a follow up to the landmark National summit on culture and information to chart a new path for the industry.
These are pointers to the genuine intention of the present administration to make entertainment industry an alternative to oil and gas in Nigeria.
Recently, the National Film Corporation (NFC), the Nigerian Copy Right Commission (NCC), the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) jointly endorsed the establishment of the National Film Development to tackle the lack of funding for Film Production activities in Nigeria.
So far, the Nigerian entertainment industry has recorded tremendous growth in the past one year. This is as a result of the active involvement of both the government and the private sector. Not quite long, the Federal Government released about 420.2 million to the movie industry to improve and support aspiring practitioners.
Another area where the present administration recorded significant break through is the war against piracy. The regulatory body NFVCB in collaboration with its sister agency NCC and the Nigeria Police set up a National taskforce to clamp down on movie pirates.
The Task Force has made several arrests while other pirates are being prosecuted in various courts across the country. This move has led to the reduction of the nefarious activities of pirates in the industry.
It is on record that Nollywood has defiled the pirates and economic recession in the country and has grossed an amazing N1 billion from a record of 50 indigenous movies in 2016. The figure represented nearly 30 percent of the N3.5 billion generated from 28 cinemas across the country including movies from Hollywood, Bollywood and other countries.
Films like the wedding party, a trip to Jamaica, wives on strike, ’76, Okafor’s law, the CEO and 93 Days all shettered box office records. From all indications, the industry has not fared badly in the last one year growing from strength to strength with the government providing direction which has been lacking in the industry over the years One can also acknowledge the pioneering role the present administration has been playing in repositioning the industry for a better performance.
Despite these achievements, some stakeholders are still of the view that the industry is largely self sponsored and private sector driven and that there is much to be achieved if the government would sustain its growing interest in the industry.
According to former President of ANCOP, Alex Eyengho “the government should have a clear plan to further deepen Nollywood’s global presence through mounting Nigerian pavilion at major international Film festivals in addition to ratifying and domesticating all relevant Wipo treaties signed since the early 90s. We should also go into immediate co-production treaty arrangement with other film producing nations, this way we shall rule the world”.
Apart from films, the music industry is equally doing very well both in the local and international scenes. The industry has grown from taking little steps to giant strides. Thanks to the creative young Nigerian artistes who have kept the fire burning without relenting. They are about the best music makers across Africa. Some of them are brand ambassadors of multi billion Naira companies and had placed them on global scale.
Artistes like AboloreAdegbolaAkande also known as gice has performed in different concerts both home and abroad especially at the 90th Nelson Mandela birthday tribute concert where he sang his popular song KongoAso in London. He was the winner of 2008 Hiphop world award. Other Nigerian music stars who have won prestigious international awards, are wizkid, Davido, p-Square, 2 Face, D’banj etc.
It is not a surprise that music is a multi billion dollars industry and one of the highest paid industries in the World. Artistes make money through endorsements, albums sales, tours and concerts as well as other business ventures.
Another sector of entertainment, stand up comedy has become a profession with a vibrant and lucrative approach in Nigeria. The country also parades internationally acclaimed comedians such as Basket mouth, Julius Agwu, I go dye etc.
Despite all odds, the fact still remains that entertainment has not only contributed to the economic growth of Nigeria, it is also playing a major role in the rebranding and laundering of the country’s image abroad. Entertainment is an important part of the society. That could be likened to goose that lays the golden egg.
Jacob Obinna
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
Entertainment
“French Up Your Career” PH, 2025 :Consul General Of France Harps On Proficiency In French
The Consul, General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier has encouraged French Learners to improve their skills on the language, as there are lots of opportunities up for grabs on the job market with fluency in French Language, saying that there are many other career paths which are often less well known to learners of French.
Participants at the “French Up Your Career” event held in Port Harcourt.
Favier who disclosed this during the just concluded third edition of the seminar tagged “French Up Your Career” organized by Alliance
Française, Port Harcourt explained that learning French doesn’t mean adding a language to your resume. It rather provides learners with new opportunities. Irrespective of their area of interest, be it diplomatic and International relations, international development, translation and Interpretation or journalism.
According to the Consul General, it was important to create awareness for young Nigerians in Port Harcourt who desire to have better understanding of how been fluent in French can create diverse career opportunities for users of the languages in Nigeria and the world at large, emphasizing that proficiency in French could possibly make learner a bridge between Nigeria and fast-developing regions.
“You previously heard this morning about how you can improve your French skills. This afternoon you will discover how being fluent in French can provide a significant edge on the job market and lead to professional careers that you may not have even considered before,”
“This event comes at the right time, as it launches the celebration of the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures, which will mobilize us for more than a month throughout Nigeria and alongside other French-speaking countries,” Favier added.
He further highlighted that French is spoken by over 300 million people across the world, saying that, it’s one of the official languages of the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.
“There are many neighbouring African countries to Nigeria ,who have French as one of their primary languages of communication including Cameroon, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So, what does this mean for you as students here in Nigeria?” He asked
“These sectors in which the French Embassy is often mobilized are the business and marketing field for example, as French is often the preferred language in many multinational companies, particularly those in the energy, oil and telecommunications sectors. I’m thinking as well in technology and IT,” he said
He noted that French-speaking countries in Africa are investing heavily in tech, innovation, and infrastructure, revealing that companies in Tech are looking for bilingual professionals to assist with software localization, customer support, and managing projects in French-speaking regions.
“The French embassy is not only mobilized to help learners discover promising sectors. We are also providing our support and expertise in
training teachers and optimizing university programs,” he summed up
Also, the linguistics cooperation attaché, French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange, who also gave a lecture at the seminar, in an interview with Newsmen said that the main purpose of the seminar was to be more informative and supportive to those who want to make a skill out of French Language,saying that as the linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy it is her duty to promote French language through culture.
She cited traditional stereotypes as a major challenge affecting the growth and development of French in Nigeria, as school, teachers at the primary and secondary level in most cases teach French using the traditional way, where students learn French, but could not put words and grammar together as a skill for communicate.
“French is important. I don’t see French as colonization, l see French as a key to embrace globalization, l hope that learners will be inspired and ready to embrace the global village,” Losange said.
She however said that the French Embassy is working to ensure that equipments to facilitate the learning of French is put in place to enable learners improve their skills fast, which in two to three years learners should be able to communicate with French, advising learners to be intentional with learning the language, through social media and other workable devices to advance their skills for certification and better opportunities.
Highlight of the event which had about 250 participants in attendance was the eloquence award ceremony where students were awarded for their eloquence in French language by the Director, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs.Marina Lacal alongside the Linguistics cooperation attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Magaly Losange.
After two edition of the seminar it was the turn of the Alliance Française, Port Harcourt to host the Third edition.
It would be recalled that the first edition of ” “French Up Your Career” event was organized at the Alliance Française Lagos on October 23, the second one at UNILAG on November 24, 2024 respectfully.