CENSORS BOARD UNVEILS NOLLYWOOD CONFIDENTIAL

•Mba
History was made recently in the nation's film industry when the management of the National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), ably led by Mr. Emeka Mba, unveiled its latest compendium, Nollywood Confidential, to the public.  The well-attended event, which held amid glitz, panegyrics and ovations at the University of Lagos, Akoka, was chaired by the Minister of Information and Communications, Labaran Maku.

The book, a creative, unassuming and pictorial peep into the backstage of the industry known globally today as Nollywood, captured the industry in its true form. It further pays tribute to the resourcefulness of the pioneers and masters of the improvised art known as Nollywood, the pride of Africa.

In his address, Maku, who was ably, represented enjoined stakeholders in the multi billion Naira industry, to make haste and step into the New Testament version of the Nollywood phenomenon. 'It seems to me that this is long over due. And this is why Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has made a commitment of $200 million revolving fund to the industry. As further evidence of the President's desire to see the Nigerian film industry lifted to a globally competitive and enviable height, he has in the past few months granted strategic audience to, and interaction with practitioners in the industry.

Strategic agencies of government including the National Film and Video Censors Board, the Nigerian Film Corporation as well as industry practitioners are expected to design the framework for sustainable access to this fund. What therefore is needed from the industry practitioners is strong, credible organization as well as quality leadership to fully appropriate the opportunities of the moment.

I am full of commendation for the Management and leadership of the National Film and Video Censors Board for its visionary drive and acute sense of history in committing resources and energy to put together this historic and cultural document as well as bringing the industry together under this umbrella.

The book is an excellent contribution to the official genre of cultural diplomacy being championed by serious nations. Its quality is exemplary.

Visibly elated Mba, in his remarks thanked all those that assisted in making the project, which he described as, 'a very laudable initiative' possible. He also urged stakeholders, practitioners, students and all those interested in Nollywood affairs, to grab a copy of the book.