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National Film,Video censors board vows to censor  promotion, glamorization of tobacco, narcotics, ritual practices on screen

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Executive Director  and the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has raised an alarm over the promotion and glamorization of tobacco, narcotics and use of ritual practices on home videos, decrying the damage the practice has done on moral values of viewers and their psyche.
Dr Hussein made this observation while playing host to the students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Acting Academy at the Board’s Lagos office on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Addressing critical industry concerns, the NFVCB boss underscored the importance of clear disclaimers in fiction films and ongoing efforts to control some of these unethical practices on the screen.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a regulatory environment that balances creative freedom with cultural sensitivity.
The visit, led by the Academy Director, Ms. Akaoma Onyeonoru, formed part of an industry excursion designed to expose the next generation of Nollywood actors to the mechanics of film regulation, governance, and ethical compliance.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Husseini described the engagement as timely, stressing that the future of Nollywood depends not only on creative excellence but also on regulatory discipline and cultural responsibility.
He reiterated that no film should be distributed or exhibited in Nigeria without proper classification, stressing that the Board is set to intensify enforcement, particularly on digital platforms.
He disclosed that the NFVCB is working towards removing unclassified Nigerian films on digital platforms inline with the mandate of the Board and its Memorandum of Understanding with the platforms.
Filmmakers were therefore urged to comply with classification requirements as it is done in even developed societies, noting that steps have been taken in the present dispensation, to ensure that  registration and approvals are speedily granted when submissions meet regulatory standards.
 He emphasised that the entire process can now be completed online, eliminating the need for physical visits.
Dr. Husseini also revealed that the Board is reintroducing online classification mechanisms and deploying the Magpie verification system to enhance transparency, tracking, and compliance within the industry.
He stated that at no time did the Board ban money rituals in movies. Rather what the Board expects is that movies with such themes must be followed with appropriate disclaimer and corresponding consequences for the depiction.
He clarified that while festival films not intended for public distribution may not require classification, any film released to the general public must undergo the statutory process.
Documentary films as he noted, must maintain factual accuracy and may require classification depending on their distribution scope.
On emerging trends, Dr. Husseini stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) in film production must be transparently disclosed, with appropriate indemnities executed before distribution.
Beyond regulation, the Executive Director outlined plans to deepen industry development through stakeholder workshops, monetisation training, and legal compliance sessions.
He further revealed that the Board is exploring lower-cost licensing options for smaller cinema operators, while ensuring safeguards to prevent abuse.
He also reiterated his vision to establish a film and video library dedicated to preserving Nigeria’s film and video heritage for future generations.
During the visit, students toured the NFVCB archives and preview facilities, where classification exercises are conducted.
The Board’s Head of Media Literacy, Mrs. Chioma Obasi, briefed them on nationwide school outreach programmes aimed at educating young audiences on film ratings and the distinction between fiction and reality.
The session concluded with an interactive engagement during which students posed questions on licensing, censorship processes, and career pathways within the regulatory ecosystem.
Dr. Husseini expressed his desire to be remembered for fostering a regulatory environment that balances creative freedom with cultural sensitivity, while strengthening institutional capacity and staff welfare.
The visit ended on a celebratory note, with the students expressing appreciation for the Board’s hospitality.
Tokens of appreciation were exchanged between the Acting Academy and the NFVCB leadership.
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IWD: SIFAX distributes 500 food packs to Ijora community, empowers staff 

Geraldine Samuel, Senior Correspondent 
In a series of impactful activities spanning a school outreach, an employee empowerment webinar and a community food donation drive, SIFAX Group has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a multi-pronged initiative that touched the lives of hundreds of girls, women employees and vulnerable residents in Lagos.
One of the highlights of the celebration was an outreach programme to United Christian Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos, where over 500 girls received mentorship from senior female employees of the company.
 The session covered topics such as leadership, education, personal development and menstrual health awareness.
There was also a donation of textbooks to the school, menstrual pads, as well as perfumes to the students.
The speakers drew from personal career experiences to motivate the students, urging them to remain focused on their education and resist distractions.
 They emphasised that determination and discipline could open doors across any field — from business and law to medicine, technology and the creative industries.
Jesuyemisi Odeyemi, Company Secretary and Legal Head of SIFAX Group, charged the students to strive for excellence without reservation.
 “You are strong. You can do it, and you will. You will not only do it, but you will also do it well, you will do it better,” she told the girls.
Vanessa Uansohia, Head of Corporate Communications at Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), SIFAX Group’s aviation arm, also challenged the students to confront self-limiting beliefs.
 “The only person that is stopping you is yourself,” she said, encouraging the girls to pursue their ambitions with bold confidence.
As part of internal activities to mark the day, the company also organised an interactive webinar for female employees focused on strengthening communication and leadership capacity in the workplace.
Speaking on the topic, “Speaking: A Tool for Growth, Multiplication, and Career Progression,” Public Speaking Strategist, Joyce Daniels, urged participants to embrace public speaking as a catalyst for professional advancement, noting that confidence and conviction are the cornerstones of effective communication.
“If you will grow, multiply and have progression in your career, you will speak from a place of conviction,” she said, adding that impactful leaders distinguish themselves by their willingness to boldly articulate their ideas.
Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, described International Women’s Day as a moment to celebrate the social, economic and cultural achievements of women while renewing the call for gender equality.
“This year’s theme, Give to Gain, resonates deeply with our mission of inclusivity and empowerment.
” Every woman is a leader in her own right, and giving back creates growth opportunities for individuals, organisations and communities,” she said.
Extending its impact beyond the workplace, SIFAX Group also carried out a community outreach to Ijora where 500 bags of assorted food items were distributed to vulnerable households.
Each pack was assembled with essential household staples — rice, beans, vegetable oil, garri and salt, carefully curated to provide tangible relief to families within the community.
The distribution was conducted in collaboration with community leaders to ensure a transparent and orderly process.
Eniola-Jegede, who coordinated the outreach, noted that the initiative reflects the organisation’s culture of compassion and its determination to give back to the communities in which it operates.
She added that the exercise was also designed to amplify the message of International Women’s Day by encouraging women within the organisation to lead community interventions that uplift vulnerable groups.
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IWD: Mobereola, NIMASA DG, celebrates women for their contributions to maritime industry 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , Dr Dayo Mobereola, has applauded the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian Maritime industry.

In a goodwill message to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day with the theme “Give to Gain”, Dr Mobereola celebrated the strength, expertise and invaluable contributions of women to the sector, emphasising that the industry has gained progress, innovation and sustainable growth through their efforts.

According to him “I celebrate your strength, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our maritime industry.

“The theme #GiveToGain reflects your daily impact. Through your professionalism, leadership, and resilience across sea-going, regulatory, technical, and administrative roles, you give excellence and our sector gains progress, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Mobereola further commended the dedication of women in the industry and reaffirmed his commitment to “a maritime industry where every woman is empowered to lead and thrive”.

International Women’s Day is a global observance that seeks to draw attention to challenges faced by women and the need to ensure gender equity.

This year’s theme “Give to Gain”, focuses on investing in women through resources, education, and mentorship to create a stronger, more equitable society, highlighting the fact that empowering women brings collective benefits; economies, communities, and workplaces all grow when women thrive.

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IWD: 60 percent of my aides, technical assistants are women – Danthoso, NPA MD, declares as he celebrates women.

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Danthoso, has said that he was intentional in his prioritizing  gender equality in key appointments at the NPA.

While eulogizing the role of women in the maritime industry as part of his message to women during the International Women’s Day celebration, Dr Danthoso, declared that 60 percent of his aides and technical assistants are women.

“Women hold 60 percent of these roles(personal aides and technical assistants) with men making up the remaining 40 percent.

“This intentional step underscores NPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and success across the maritime industry.” he stated.

Danthoso said he recognizes the remarkable contributions of to the progress and success of NPA “who continue to drive progress, break barriers, and shape a more equitable future for the sector.”

” The Nigerian Ports Authority proudly celebrates the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions of women in the maritime sector—including firefighting, security, piloting, engineering, hydrography, administrative and vessel-support services such as aids to navigation.

” These remarkable women are excelling even in roles that traditionally demand male-kind of strength”

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