Bisina SomtoThe Federal Government of Nigeria has officially banned smoking and money rituals in Nigerian films, a move aimed at stopping negative influences on the youth.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), made this announcement during the National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood in Enugu.
Dr. Husseini highlighted the need for decisive action to address the growing concerns about the negative impact of certain content in Nigerian films.
Husseini emphasized that the initiative began when his predecessor, with the support of former Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Muhammed, advocated for regulations to restrict smoking in movies. Recognizing the broader implications, the regulation was expanded to include prohibitions on money rituals and the glamorization of other criminal activities.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has approved these regulations under Section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004.
The new regulations, set forth in 2024, explicitly prohibit the depiction of money rituals, ritual killings, and the promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in movies, musical videos, and skits. The approved regulations have been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for gazetting.
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The NFVCB’s sensitization program aims to educate filmmakers about the dangers of glamorizing smoking in movies. Husseini pointed out that beyond the health risks, such portrayals have a significant influence on teenagers and young adults, who make up the largest audience segment for Nigerian films.
To address this, the board plans to conduct rehabilitation programs in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups, and other organizations.
Husseini called for the collaboration of all stakeholders to create content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages. The NFVCB, in partnership with CAPPA, developed these subsidiary regulations to address the gap in the existing laws regarding smoking in films.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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