Nigeria outlaws smoking in theaters and money rituals

The federal government has issued a new mandate to the Nigerian National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), which prohibits the glamorization of criminal activity and the portrayal of money rituals in Nigerian films. Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, disclosed this revelation, according to a Vanguard report, at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu State on May 22. Dr. Husseini emphasized the need for prompt and brave action from parents, guardians, and all other relevant parties in order to address what he called an "industry emergency." The ban is a component of initiatives to purify the motion picture business. Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004, which includes the "Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion, and Glamourization of Criminal Activities in Movies, Musical Videos, and Skits" Regulations 2024, was approved by Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy. Nonetheless, notable personalities in the Nigerian entertainment sector have criticized the choice. Prominent singer Mike Okri and seasoned actor Kanayo O. Kanayo have also voiced their disdain. Okri has called the government's formalized move on Wednesday an attempt to stifle the film industry and has urged the authorities to focus on more urgent national challenges. Kanayo O. Kanayo expressed his discontent as well, mockingly calling the rule "sensible nonsense" and casting doubt on Hannatu Musawa's power to impose such limitations on filmmakers. Despite opposition from the entertainment industry, the NFVCB and the federal government continue to argue that these actions are required to preserve the moral and cultural fiber of the country. Other stories Pharmacy Council Rejects Actress Fella Makafui’s Arrest I will never enhance my body, God should take my life if I do so- Akuapem Poloo Netizens React To Born Two Mother Who Showed Up On Date Rush To Look For Love Just in: Davido allegedly accused of having an affair with Fella Makafui “I Can’t Enter Into Politics, I Don’t Know How To Lie, I Always Say Things As It Is” – Kofi Kinaata