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NFVCB, China film administration explore strategic partnership to boost film distribution

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The National Film and Video Censors Board,NFVCB, and the China Film Administration have explored opportunities for strategic collaboration to expand film distribution between Nigeria and China, improve market access for filmmakers and strengthen regulatory cooperation in an increasingly technology-driven global film industry.

This formed the fulcrum of discussions when a delegation from the China Film Administration, led by Mr Bai Yimin, Chairman of HuaXia Film Distribution Ltd. Co., visited the Board’s Abuja office.

Receiving the delegation, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Chinese film industry stakeholders to facilitate the distribution of Nigerian films, particularly Nollywood productions, across China, while creating opportunities for wider distribution of Chinese films in Nigeria.

Husseini emphasised that international partnerships would expand Nollywood’s global reach, open new commercial opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers and distributors, and promote cultural exchange and economic growth through cinema and audiovisual content. He expressed the Board’s willingness to enter into appropriate agreements to facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation.

He stressed, however, that all distribution arrangements involving the Nigerian market must comply with the country’s regulatory framework. He urged the Chinese delegation to engage only with duly registered distribution companies in Nigeria and to seek clarification from the Board on the registration and regulatory status of prospective partners.

Discussions focused on practical mechanisms for strengthening commercial film distribution between both countries, including theatrical distribution, licensing arrangements, regulatory cooperation and technical expertise exchange. Both sides explored ways to improve access to their respective markets, enabling Nigerian filmmakers to reach wider international audiences and Chinese productions to gain a stronger presence in Nigeria.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of transparent and efficient licensing and rights-acquisition processes to facilitate legitimate cross-border distribution, protect intellectual property and minimise barriers to international market access. Closer engagement between relevant regulatory authorities was also discussed to improve understanding of film classification requirements and regulatory procedures in both countries.

Husseini further requested that the Chinese delegation support the Board with modern film classification infrastructure to strengthen its operational capacity and enhance the discharge of its statutory mandate. He noted that technical cooperation and knowledge exchange would help build institutional capacity in an industry increasingly shaped by technological innovation and evolving distribution models.

The engagement also addressed emerging global film regulation challenges, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), digital distribution platforms and the circulation of unclassified films through online channels. Both sides acknowledged the need for closer cooperation and appropriate strategies to promote responsible content distribution, regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection.

In his remarks, Mr Bai Yimin expressed the delegation’s willingness to explore practical avenues for strengthening film distribution between Nigeria and China. He highlighted the potential for cooperation among stakeholders in both countries to expand market access, promote film circulation and deepen bilateral engagement through cinema and audiovisual content.

To advance the discussions, the Chinese delegation invited Dr Husseini to visit China for further engagement on areas of mutual interest. The proposed visit is expected to build on the Abuja discussions and explore practical frameworks for cooperation in film distribution, licensing, classification, technological advancement and professional knowledge exchange.

Other members of the Chinese delegation included Mr Xu Yang and Mr Shang Xiao Meng, both of China Film Distribution; Mr Yang Gang, Chief Executive Officer of Tai Ge Film Company; and Mr Luo Gaocheng of Tiger Pictures Entertainment.

The meeting, facilitated by veteran filmmaker and Convener of the Abuja International Film Festival, Mr Fidelis Duker, was also attended by members of the NFVCB management team. OGBONNA ONWUMERE, Director, Corporate Affairs.

NFVCB, NFC mourn the late actor

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The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and its sister agency, the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), have joined Nollywood practitioners and Nigerians to mourn the loss of popular actor Francis Duru, who died on Thursday after a brief illness.

In a condolence message, the NFVCB described him as “a trained thespian whose career personified the pinnacle of discipline, artistry, and professional integrity.”

“From his timeless breakout performance as Ahanna in the classic ‘Rattlesnake’ (1995) to his extensive contributions across generations of Nollywood, Duru consistently championed content that balanced high aesthetic value with profound societal morality.

“As a regulatory body committed to the growth and classification of quality films, the NFVCB recognizes Francis Duru as a thoroughbred professional who elevated the craft of acting. His strict adherence to artistic excellence on-screen and his constructive roles in industry leadership, including his service to the Actors Guild of Nigeria, helped shape the positive trajectory of Nollywood.

“His recognition as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace further highlighted his commitment to using his creative platform for the betterment of society. Nigeria has lost a brilliant cultural ambassador and a rare standard-bearer for quality production,” the Board said.

Similarly, the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) described the late actor as one who loved the art, noting that he was “a thespian with a difference” who loved sharing his career experiences as a speaker, anchor and discussant across various film industry platforms, universities and institutions, including the residency programme of the National Film Institute (NFI), Jos.

“Beyond the deep and irreparable loss that his death will have on family members, relatives and friends, we will continue to remember and reference him for his lofty contributions to the growth and development of our film industry. He was indeed a resource and screen star, but sadly, cut down by death,” the NFC said.

His death comes just weeks after legendary actor Olu Jacobs was laid to rest in Lagos, and months after Duru himself debunked viral reports claiming he was battling a life-threatening illness.

How Nollywood actor, Francis Duru died at 57

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Facts have emerged on how popular Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, passed away on Thursday at the age of 57.
Duru died following a brief illness, according to a statement released by his family in the early hours of Friday, October 23, on his official Instagram page.
“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.
Confirming the sad news, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, posted Duru’s photograph with the caption: “Another great thespian gone… Rest in peace Francis Duru!!” c8d6
However, the AGN President in a chat with our correspondent, disclosed that the late actor was not diagnosed with any underlying ailment at the time of his death.
According to him, Duru slipped into a coma three days ago, regained consciousness, but slipped back into coma on Thursday and did not survive.
Actor Charles Inojie also expressed shock in an Instagram post, writing: “Since the sad news of your untimely passing broke, I have lived in denial of the obvious reality, hoping against hope.”
“Hold up the emblem of our common artistic ancestry until we meet again as cast of Thespis final production on Hallelujah day,” Inojie wrote.

.He began his acting career in 1989 with “Missing Mark” directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko, but rose to prominence in 1995 after playing Ahanna in the action-comedy “Rattlesnake” produced by the late Amaka Igwe.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Duru became one of Nollywood’s most respected faces, featuring in numerous films including “Blood Money”, “Mboputa” and many others.

He was honoured as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in 2007 for his positive influence on youths. In 2020, he won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in “Mboputa.” He also served as interim President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2010.

Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003 and they had four children. The family lost one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.

Best Film Showdown: Two Nigerian Films battle 7 others at AMAA 2026

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The Africa Film Academy (AFA), the organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), have announced the nominees ahead of the 22nd edition.

The nomination list was unveiled on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in a gathering of stakeholders and African film practitioners at Radisson Blu, Ikeja GRA.

The Chief Operating Officer of AMAA, Dr Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe announced that the 22nd edition of the continental film awards ceremony will be held on November 15, 2026.

Dr Anyiam-Osigwe expressed felicitations to nominaees and noted that even if they don’t win the prize, they are already winners for getting nominated.

In his words,  “These selections highlight diverse storytelling, bridging gaps across sub-regions (West, East, North, and Southern Africa) and beyond. To every writer, director, actor, creative whose work has been recognized today—congratulations. Your nomination is not just an acknowledgment of your hard work; it is a testament to your role as a guardian of the Africa’s  rich narrative.”

Anyiam-Osigwe further noted that AMAA has become more than just an awards platform but a mirror reflecting Africa’s shared struggles, triumphs and diverse cultures.

He said, “For over two decades, AMAA has been more than just an awards platform. It has been a mirror reflecting our shared struggles, our triumphs, our diverse cultures, and the fact that  Africa is indeed a centre of creative  excellence. The films nominated this year remind us that African stories are global stories, possessing the power to captivate, challenge, and inspire audiences anywhere in the world.

“Behind every  nomination announced today is a vision that refused to be silenced, a team that tested  their will to succeed and pushed through boundaries, and a story that demanded to be told.

“You have raised the bar for African cinema, and for that, the entire continent applauds you.

As we look forward to the AMAA 2026 to be held on November 15th 2026 at Prestigious Flagship 5 Star Hotel The Marriott Lagos, let us remember that whether you take home a trophy or not on the day, your creativity has already won. You are shaping the future of African storytelling.”

At the unveiling were members of the jury led by the Head of the college of screeners, Dr Shaibu Husseini and Hon Steve Ayorinde. Other attendees include Victor Oswuagu, Alex O, Kingsley Omoefe, Big Tony, Lancelot Imasuen, Sola Fosudo, Ruth Jacobs, Tony Akposhere, Lord Frank, and Justice Adigogo.

The 2026 AMAA nomination saw Uganda’s ‘Slum Bomber’ and Kenya’s ‘One Woman, One Bra’ lead the list with 14 nominations each. The two films are closely followed by Nollywood’s ‘To Adaego With Love’, which secured 11.

Following closely is Daniel Etim-Effiong’s ‘The Herd’ with 10 nods and ‘Colours of Fire’ with nine nominations.

Nigerian film stars including Daniel Etim-Effiong, Osas Ighodaro, Toyin Abraham, Omowunmi Dada, Uzor Arukwe and Wale Ojo got nominations in different categories.

Etim-Effiong stood out with three nominations in categories including ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Debut Feature’ and ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’, while Osas Ikponyon was nominated for ‘Best Young/Promising Actor’ for her role in ‘Evi’.

For the ‘Best Film’ category, nine entries from six African countries will compete, including Nigeria’s ‘To Adaego With Love’ and ‘The Herd’, South Africa’s ‘The Trek’ and ‘Ben Made It’, and Ghana’s ‘The Fisherman’.

Bebuzee Deal Will Give My Members Other Sources of Income  — AGN President

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The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, says the launch of the Actors Guild Community On-boarding platform on Bebuzee will unlock new financial opportunities for Nigerian actors.
Yakubu spoke after being unveiled as the latest brand ambassador for Bebuzee, the US-based AI-powered super app that recently launched in Nigeria.
He joins seven other Nollywood stars — Patience Ozokwo, Ebele Okaro, Zubby Michael, Destiny Etiko, Segun Arinze, Sani Danja and Jide Kosoko — who were signed as ambassadors during the app’s launch in Lagos.
The ambassadorial deals come ahead of the October 31 unveiling of the dedicated AGN community on Bebuzee.
According to the company, every AGN member who joins the community will enjoy VIP status, while those who bring their content, fans and creative businesses onto the app will be paid instantly for whatever they post. Bebuzee said it is targeting over one million members from the initiative.
An insider disclosed that the AGN president facilitated the partnership to improve the earnings and welfare of actors.
Speaking on the endorsement, Yakubu described it as a personal achievement to be part of a revolution that will add value to practitioners’ pockets.
“I feel so elated and happy about that personally,” he said.
He noted that as president of a key association in the filmmaking ecosystem, it is time for members to benefit more directly from the industry.
According to him, apart from mainstream artiste fees, practitioners need other means of survival.
“Apart from YouTube and other social media platforms, this will also add to their earnings for their creative work.
“The more they earn, the better it gets for them. They’ll be proud of their industry, they’ll be proud of their guild, and Bebuzee coming at a time when I’m the president. I feel equally happy that, yes, members are going to benefit from it,” Yakubu stated.
On the community launch, he said the Guild is working to onboard a sizeable number of members before the end of the month.
“We’ll launch a community where members are, and whatever they share brings in money. So, we want to

Veteran Actor Jide Kosoko Pens Heartfelt Tribute As Daughter Clocks 40

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Nollywood veteran Jide Kosoko on Wednesday celebrated his daughter, Abidemi Omowunmi Mosurat Bidemi, as she turned 40.

Sharing an alluring photo of the celebrant on his Instagram page, Kosoko described his daughter as his “source of joy and happiness.”

He wrote, “My darling daughter, my baby girl, Abidemi Omowunmi Mosurat, I heartily congratulate you on the joyous occasion of your 40th birthday.

“I pray that Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will continue to guide, protect, bless, and uphold you in all your endeavours. May His grace never depart from you, and may He grant you long life, sound health, peace, happiness, and greater accomplishments.

“You have been a great source of joy and happiness to me. You are a true thespian, a hardworking lady of substance. I am immensely proud of the woman you have become, and I have every confidence that you will continue to make me proud.

“May Almighty God continue to elevate you, open greater doors of opportunities for you, and make you excel beyond your expectations.

“As you celebrate this special milestone, may your new age usher in greater blessings, renewed strength, unlimited joy, and abundant success. May you continue to shine brightly and fulfil your God-given destiny.

“May the Almighty preserve you to enjoy the fruits of your labour and grant you many more beautiful years filled with love, honour, prosperity, and fulfilment.”

Family, Friends Celebrate Modupe Dada Two Years After Death

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Family members and friends of the late Modupe Temitope Dada, the wife of Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of the All Africa Music Awards,AFRIMA, gathered in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, October 19, 2026, to celebrate her life, share fond memories and honour her enduring legacy, two years after her death.

The gathering at her residence brought together loved ones who recalled their personal experiences with the deceased, describing her as a loving, compassionate and forgiving woman whose kindness and influence continued to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

The event was officiated by Pastor Femi Paul, Head Pastor of Grace Assembly Church, who encouraged the family to celebrate the life Modupe lived and draw strength from their faith rather than allow grief to overshadow her memories.

“We will not mourn her grave like unbelievers. We know that she has moved to the next level,” Pastor Paul said, adding that death was an inevitable part of life.

He prayed for the family, asking God to grant them strength, grace and favour as they continued to adjust to life without their beloved wife, mother, sister and friend.

Modupe Temitope Dada, nee Baruwa, born on May 5, 1976, was a respected banker and AFRIMA’s Vice President.

 

L-R: Widower of the late Mrs Modupe Dada and Chief Executive Officer of PRM Africa Marketing and Communications Limited, Mr Mike Dada; Chief Executive Officer, 3P Primaa Productions, Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare; Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Lagos Liaison to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Michael Effiong James; Entertainment entrepreneur, talent manager, and lifestyle strategist, Prince Layinka Oyedeji; and former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Tourism, Arts & Culture, Steve Ayorinde; at the two-year remembrance and special prayer session in honour of late Mrs Modupe Temitope Dada, held at her husband’s residence in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, October 19, 202

At the time of her death, she served as a Branch Manager at Keystone Bank Limited. She died at Duchess Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, on October 19, 2024, following a brief illness.

Speaking at the gathering, her husband, Mike Dada, paid an emotional tribute to his late wife, describing her as an extraordinary woman whose forgiving spirit and genuine love for others made her special.

“Modupe was an angel in human form. Her capacity to forgive was extraordinary, and I have never seen anyone with that level of forgiveness. God was truly merciful to me by bringing her into my life. When I look back at the kind of person I was many years ago, I know that having her as my wife helped me become a better person,” he said.

Dada, who is also the Managing Director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communications Limited, said his wife taught him valuable lessons about patience, understanding and showing love and respect without expecting anything in return.

He admitted that the two years since her death had been difficult, particularly as he adjusted to the emotional and practical responsibilities of raising their children and managing the home without his partner.

Dada also reflected on the painful period surrounding his wife’s illness, recalling the 48 days she spent in a coma before her death. He said the experience had deepened his appreciation of family, the realities of grief and the importance of valuing loved ones while they were still alive.

“I have been thinking about writing a book to document this experience, including the 48 days of pain, the loss and everything the experience has taught me. I believe there are lessons in this journey that may help other people understand grief, appreciate their loved ones while they are still alive and learn to show love more genuinely,” he said.

Family members and friends also took turns recalling their fond experiences with Modupe, sharing personal stories that highlighted her generosity, compassion, forgiving nature and the special relationships she built with people around her.

RMD to Deliver Keynote at 6th PAO Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Confab

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Celebrated Nigerian actor, filmmaker, media entrepreneur and former Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, will deliver the keynote address at the 6th International Peace Anyiam-Osigwe (PAO) Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference (PAO-NDCRC).

The conference is scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

RMD’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the conference’s history. He will be the first male motion-picture practitioner to deliver the keynote, following media entrepreneur Mo Abudu in 2024 and filmmaker and producer Bolanle Austen-Peters in 2025.

The 2026 conference is themed “Film and Content Production in the Digital Era: Balancing Regulation and Innovation.” It will convene filmmakers, content creators, distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders to examine emerging opportunities and challenges in digital content production, distribution and regulation.

With over three decades of experience spanning film, television, journalism, entrepreneurship and public service, RMD has featured in more than 60 film and television productions across Nigerian and international markets. He began his career as a journalist with leading Nigerian newspapers, including The Guardian and Concord, before founding MISTER, Nigeria’s first all-gloss men’s lifestyle magazine.

He is the founder of White Water Limited, a public relations firm, and RMD Productions. He also served as Special Adviser and later as Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State. Through the Richard Mofe-Damijo Foundation, he supports initiatives aimed at building capacity, creating opportunities and developing emerging talent and communities through the creative and cultural industries.

RMD has received numerous continental and international awards and is widely regarded as a stabilising presence at the intersection of culture, media, governance and capital.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, expressed delight at RMD’s acceptance of the invitation.

“We are delighted to have Richard Mofe-Damijo deliver the keynote at this year’s PAO Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference. RMD represents a distinctive blend of creative excellence, entrepreneurial experience and public service. His journey across film, media, business and cultural administration offers valuable perspectives on the opportunities before Nigeria’s creative industries and the policy conversations required to sustain their growth.

Indeed, RMD’s appointment marks a milestone in the conference’s history as the first male motion-picture practitioner to deliver the keynote, following Mo Abudu and Bolanle Austen-Peters,” Husseini said.

He added that the conference would provide an important platform for stakeholders to explore how regulation can support, rather than hinder, innovation.

“As the boundaries between film, television and digital content continue to evolve, our challenge as regulators is to create an environment where innovation can flourish while protecting audiences, promoting responsible content and supporting the sustainable development of the industry. The theme of this year’s conference captures this responsibility. We look forward to meaningful conversations on how we can collectively build a stronger, more competitive and sustainable Nigerian screen industry,” he said.

The two-day conference will feature discussions on content production, digital distribution, streaming, technology and the policy frameworks required to strengthen Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.

The PAO-NDCRC is an annual platform convened by the NFVCB to promote dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange on emerging issues in film and digital content regulation. It honours the legacy of the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the pioneering filmmaker and founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), whose contributions to African cinema continue to inspire the industry.

‘I Choose Peace’, Eniola Badmus Apologises To Laide Bakare

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Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has tendered a public apology to her colleague, Laide Bakare, following backlash over her reaction during a recent podcast appearance.

Badmus issued the apology in a statement shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, days after a clip from her appearance on Isbae U’s Curiosity Made Me As podcast went viral.

During the interview, the host mentioned Laide Bakare as one of his favourite actresses, prompting Badmus to hiss and change her facial expression. The moment triggered reactions online and reignited discussions about the long-standing rift between the two actresses.

Reflecting on the incident, Badmus admitted her reaction could have been perceived as dismissive and expressed regret over how it was received.

“On reflection, I realize my reaction when Laide Bakare’s name was mentioned during my recent interview could have come across as dismissive, and for that, I sincerely apologize,” she wrote.

Addressing Bakare directly, she added: “Laide, whatever our differences, I choose peace and I genuinely wish you well.”

Badmus noted that maturity involves learning from past experiences and choosing to move forward rather than holding on to disagreements.

“We’re all growing, learning and becoming better versions of ourselves. Sometimes maturity is simply knowing when to let go and move forward,” she said.

 

Seinde Signature unveils super-luxury advent calendar for Christmas

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With the Christmas season fast approaching and the search for thoughtful, luxurious gifts already underway, Seinde Signature has unveiled its Super-Luxury Advent Calendar, bringing together 12 rare and niche fragrances in one collectible box.

Inspired by the advent calendar tradition embraced by some of the world’s most prestigious luxury houses like Harrods, Seinde Signature has created its own distinctive expression of the concept, rooted in the world of fine and niche perfumery.

12 extraordinary fragrances. 12 remarkable houses. 1 exceptional collection. For Seinde Signature, this is not simply a box of perfumes, but a celebration of Christmas, distilled into twelve moments of discovery.

Designed for fragrance lovers, collectors and discerning gift-givers, the calendar features scents from 12 international perfume houses, including Masque Milano, Agatho, Electimuss, Sarah Baker, Christian Provenzano, Fugazzi, Régalien, Pana Dora, 100BON, Jeroboam, Alghabra and Botanicae.

The fragrances are individually wrapped to create a 12-day discovery experience, allowing the recipient to unwrap a new scent each day.

According to Seinde Signature’s General Manager, Ore-Oluwa Olusola, the calendar is the result of the company’s continued development of the concept, following its first edition last year.

“We made our 1st calendar last year. This is the one we have been building towards since; a single case holding twelve fragrances from the houses we love most, including Masque Milano, Agatho, Electimuss, Sarah Baker, Christian Provenzano, Fugazzi, Régalien, Pana Dora, 100BON, Jeroboam, Alghabra and Botanicae. Twelve genuine introductions, arranged to be opened one at a time,” Olusola said. Beyond its luxury appeal, the collection is an opportunity to secure a memorable Christmas gift early, particularly for someone who appreciates fine fragrance, rare discoveries and beautifully presented experiences.

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