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Afolayan Urges Govt to Revive Nollywood Through Grants, Support

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By Emmanuel Ogbodo

 

Renowned Nollywood Filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has called on the Nigerian government to provide financial grants and infrastructural support to rejuvenate the country’s movie industry.

Speaking at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, jointly organized by the Nigerian Film Corporation and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Afolayan stressed that government funding is crucial for empowering filmmakers to focus on creative storytelling rather than struggling with financial constraints.

Afolayan recalled the Project Nollywood Act during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, which allocated grants to filmmakers.

While some used the funds responsibly to produce movies, others squandered the opportunity.

He urged the government to revive similar funding initiatives with stricter accountability measures to boost the industry’s growth.

Highlighting the operational challenges faced by his production company, Afolayan revealed that he has relied on generators for power over the past three years—a situation he described as unsustainable.

He appealed to the government to invest in alternative energy solutions, such as solar power, which would not only enhance productivity but also benefit the entire Nollywood ecosystem.

Afolayan also expressed concern about unconfirmed reports of Netflix scaling back its partnerships with Nigerian creators.

He warned that such developments could have serious implications, as many filmmakers have relied on the platform to earn revenue in dollars.

To mitigate this risk, Afolayan advocated for the creation of a dedicated Nollywood distribution platform, which would reduce dependence on international streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.

“Relying on external platforms is risky,” he said. “Policy changes on their end can destabilize income streams for our filmmakers and actors.”

Despite the challenges, Afolayan remains optimistic. With robust government support and strategic industry-led initiatives, he believes Nollywood can surmount its obstacles and continue to thrive as a global leader in African cinema.

 

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Abuja Reports

Tinubu Orders More Road Projects Across FCT Area Councils –Wike

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By Our Correspondent 

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the expansion of road infrastructure across all area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike revealed on Saturday.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Saburi Road in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Wike announced the reconstruction of the Dei-Dei Market Road to Life Camp.

The project, set to begin in February, will include streetlights to restore the market’s international status.

Wike commended AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu for delivering impactful projects, saying, “Your chairman has shown exceptional capacity and deserves recognition.”

He also disclosed plans to include the Zaudna to Kagini Road in the 2025 budget, ensuring every council benefits from development projects.

The Minister highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to equitable governance, promising upgrades to schools and urging residents to remain patient as challenges are addressed.

Maikalangu, who described Wike as a “God-sent leader,” praised the timely completion of the Saburi Road, which has boosted economic activities in Gwagwa Ward.

He appealed for additional interventions, including roads and bridges in neglected communities like Zaudna and Kaba.

Residents expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts and pledged their support for ongoing initiatives.

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Abuja Reports

Abuja Doctors Suspend Strike After Wike’s Intervention

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By Jesusemen Oratokhai
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), in Abuja has ended its warning strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The strike, which began on Wednesday, had paralyzed services in FCTA-owned hospitals, with doctors demanding payment of salary arrears and other entitlements.
Dr. George Ebong, ARD President, announced on Friday that the FCTA had fulfilled key demands, including the payment of six months’ salary arrears, disbursement of accoutrement allowances, approval of a two-year residency bonding program, employment of additional doctors and health workers, and payment of outstanding wages for locum staff.
Doctors are set to resume work on Saturday, January 25, 2025, averting an indefinite shutdown of healthcare services.
While expressing gratitude to Minister Wike for his swift response, Dr. Ebong urged the government to address other lingering issues, including hazard allowances and facility upgrades, to avoid future industrial actions.

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Abuja Reports

Hoodlums Unleash Terror on Saburi Community

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By Patrick Idowu
Residents of Saburi in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja are gripped with fear as hoodlums continue to terrorize the community, carrying out multiple attacks since the start of the year.
The assailants, who reportedly use scavengers to survey the area before striking, have attacked at least three times, stealing valuables worth millions of naira.
The first incident occurred during the New Year crossover night, with subsequent attacks targeting homes on Ikejani Street, Osumeayi Street, Sani Abacha Lane, and other parts of Saburi.
During one attack, the hoodlums severely injured a security guard, Sunday Ogbor, slashing his face with a knife.
Ogbor recounted, “They tied me up, hit me, and cut my face from ear to ear. I can no longer see properly.”
Another resident, Gift Udago, narrated how the robbers, armed with machetes, axes, and guns, invaded his house, broke windows, and demanded money and phones.
“They destroyed everything and took valuables. It was a terrifying experience,” he said.
Princess Amaka Chijioke, the community’s women leader, described how the robbers stormed her home after learning she had withdrawn money.
“They threatened to kill my son and took everything,” she said, urging the government to intervene.
Residents expressed frustration over the slow response of the police, claiming it often takes an hour for officers to arrive after an attack.
Many have resorted to organizing vigilante patrols to protect themselves.
The Vice Chairman of the Saburi residential district, Engr. Gerald Aziegbe, lamented the lack of a strong police presence, saying, “This is the fifth time in over three years that we have been attacked, and no arrest has been made.”
The community is calling on the government and security agencies to address the escalating insecurity in the area.

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