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Jumbo Pay: Mark Hits Back at Sanusi
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Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday, described as laughable the allegation by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Lamido Sanusi, that the salaries and allowances of members of the National Assembly were draining the purse of the nation, saying the Central Bank itself has received N300 billion as overhead so far.
Mark who also reacted to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as the Northern consensus candidate, shortly after he paid a condolence visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole at Government House, Benin City, dismissed the decision of the Mallam Adamu Ciroma committee, insisting that “the only consensus candidate we have is President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Mark who urged Nigerians to cross-check facts before pointing accusing fingers at the National Assembly as regards jumbo pay, said: “The Central Bank said that our overhead which is N150 billion equates to 25 per cent. The Central Bank itself has got an overhead of N300 billion, what does that equate to by simple arithmetic. It equates to 50 per cent. So people are not discussing on facts, they must discuss on facts.”
Stressing the need for medical practitioners to find solution to the devastating nature of breast cancer in the country, Mark said: “I think first of all it does not require legislation any way. Executive can always establish a hospital, whether a specialised hospital or a general hospital. And the individuals also can establish their hospital. So, it really does not need any form of legislation for us to establish that type of hospital.
“And I think that the management of cancer everywhere in the world has become the major concern of most governments and individuals in the medical practice. I believe that this is perhaps an opportunity for us in this country to begin to look at those specialised areas.”
On the death of Mrs Oshiomhole, the Senate President said : “Like every other person that has come to condole with Adams Oshiomhole, I feel with deep sorrow, I feel for him and the family. But the only consolation is that when you come to this life you must go back. So when you are brought to this earth, you must go back to mother earth, there is time for every thing.
2011 Politics : Mass Exodus Hits Nollywood
TTimes Entertainment
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« NMVA Comes of AgeThe List Of Nominees for Dynamix Youth Awards
By Wallace Olalekan
Call it a season of political appointments for artistes and you will not be wrong. Nollywood actors are beginning to take the front seats in the scheme of things as they join forces with the powers-that-be to steer the ship of state.
The 2011 elections will certainly be dramatic as more and more Nollywood stars are going into active politics as movie-making has refused to pay their bills.
These actors have come of age, joining the likes of RMD, Hilda Dokubo, Okey Bakassi, Onyeka Onwenu, Bongos Ikwe and many other entertainers to make their input in governance.
First was the likes of Hilda Dokubo who was the special assistant to her state governor and later was Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) who worked for the Delta state government as a special adviser.
Popular comedian/actor, Okey Bakassi is now one of the Special Assistants of Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State.
Presently, sources say both Jide Kosoko and Kanayo O Kanayo are warming up to represent their constituencies in the Federal House of Representatives.
Jide Kosoko has declared that he still aspires on picking a ticket to the House of Representatives – while KOK is presently contesting for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency in Imo State.
Mr Kanayo justified his foray in active politics as predicated on his mission to be an agent of change. According to him, ‘We are all politicians; the only difference is our level of activism. Just as I also tell people, we are all actors; it depends on the kind of acting where we provide service’.
‘It would not be out of place for me to say that the industry where I come from will be adequately represented, because we have had people outside our industry barb our hair in our absence and I think it is unfortunate. With my candidature, I believe that the industry will be the better for it’, KOK said in a recent publication.
Also, a former National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, was recently appointed a Special Assistant on Entertainment to Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State. His appointment came barely a month after his colleague Hank Anuku was also appointed a special adviser to the Delta State Governor, Uduaghan, on Tourism and Entertainment.
Imo State-born actor, Clem Ohameze, allegedly got his fingers burnt having dumped Nollywood for Greener pastures in politics. Sources say he scampered abroad and worked as a taxi driver after his unsuccessful foray into politics and has, since his return been on a drinking spree.
It’s getting more and more interesting as tons of entertainers thronged the Eagle Square in Abuja few months back to show their support for President Goodluck Jonathan as he made his formal declaration of his second running as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Although, inside sources say the Francis Duru led 50 Nollywood actors were paid N300, 000 each for their participation in the campaign, they have denied receiving any compensation for their endorsement, claiming it was a goodwill gesture borne out of a conviction that Jonathan is the man who can engineer positive change in Nigeria…
Nigerian Government Partners Nollywood For Better Movies
Ghana News
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With Nigeria’s Nollywood emerging as a force in the world, having been rated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as the second largest film producer in the world, only coming behind America’s Hollywood and ahead of India’s Bollywood, government, groups and individuals are beginning to take special interest in the industry, especially as it tells the Nigerian and African stories to the world.
It is with a view to making the industry better that producers, captains of industry, showbiz personalities and some government functionaries gathered recently at the National Theatre, Lagos for a workshop on capacity building in film production last week.
Organised by National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and Nollywood Travel Market Ltd (NTM), the collaboration project was aimed at engaging practitioners in refresher courses by way of improving performance and delivery, undertake periodic training to upgrade technical competence, equip relevant personnel with appropriate cultural impetus in characterization, context and role interpretations and to improve on overall package of Nollywood products.
Targeted at persons in the movie industry, especially Nollywood, the NCAC/NTM collaboration brought resource persons from the movie industry, whose works are making waves locally and internationally and as well foreign facilitators from major producers of technical equipments such as Sony, JVC and HP.
Jonathan at Silverbird at 30 - N200 Million Lifeline for Entertainment Industry
...entertaining a serious intervention
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For the first time in the history of Nigeria, a direct investment intervention has been made by the Federal Government into the entertainment industry.
Announcing this lifeline yesterday at the Eko Hotel and Suites venue of the Silverbird Group 3oth anniversary, President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed that N200 million has been set aside by the finance ministry for direct investment into the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Jonathan acknowledged that the Nigerian entertainment industry currently makes an annual turn over of over 250 million Dollars. He said his administration was determined to change the era when the entertainment was viewed as an informal sector and practitioners in the creative industry were exploited.
The president stated that he has directed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Finance Minister to be at the event so that they could participate in the process that would lead to a structured intervention by government to create jobs and give hope to the people in the creative industry.
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Through a programme called Growth and Empowerment Pact, the president said government would encourage public private partnership in the tourism, entertainment industry to strengthen the ability of the entertainment industry to promote high growth.
Jonathan's speech followed a passionate plea from Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce asking for a presidential support for the entertainment industry.
The event was spiced with musical performances by Nigerian artistes including the Sharpe Band which did a rendition tracing 25 years of Nigerian music, D'Banj and Sound Sultan. An American Band, Party on the Moon, got a standing ovation for rendering many popular songs by American artistes.
By All Africa/Vanguard.
Morgan Freeman Plays Nelson Mandela in Movie "Invictus"
A Touch of Good South African Grace
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Freeman would play the 91-year-old former South African president in a Clint Eastwood-directed film that debuts on Friday and also stars Matt Damon.
Mr. Freeman the Academy Award winner for his role in Eastwood's boxing drama "Million Dollar Baby" has portrayed many characters over the years, but rarely one who is alive and important to so many people as Mandela.
The former South African President was jailed for 27 years due to his militant work to end apartheid in South Africa before being released in 1990 and In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. "Invictus" tells of how Mandela brought the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship to his nation, utilizing the South African team around which to rally his countrymen and ease racial tensions between black and white citizens. "I didn't have any agenda as it were in playing the role other than to bring it as close to reality as I possibly could," Freeman said. "The biggest challenge I had, of course, was to sound like him." The actor had six months to muscle up for the role, and critics so far says its "a very good story very well told.
Zain Corp To Support Film Festival
Film Festival Idea is Aligned With Zain Core Values
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Mobile Telecommunication Company, Zain has thrown its weight behind the up coming Ion International Film Festival, holding in Port Harcourt, River State capital. The festival, which will be taking place on an African soil for the first time since inception, will open on December 9 through 12, with notable filmmakers from different parts of the world expected in the Garden City.
Speaking at a media briefing held recently in Lagos to announce the support, the Chief Commercial Officer of Zain Nigeria, Shamel Hanafai informed that the company is extremely proud to be associated with the film festival due to its significance and value addition to the development of the film industry in Nigeria. "In many respects, the ideals of the film festival are alignment with Zain's core values of radiance, heart and belonging. Our brand philosophy of 'a wonderful world', is clearly in sync with the theme of this year's festival, which is about promoting peace in the Niger Delta and indeed, in Nigeria and the world as a whole.
Jennifer Hudson Set To Play Winnie Mandela in a Film
A Film About Nelson Mandela
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Hollywood actress Jennifer Hudson is to play Nelson Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie, in a film about her life, reports say. Ms Madikizela-Mandela played a vital role in freeing her husband after 27 years in jail but has since been linked to a murder and convicted of fraud
Hudson is the second international actor set to play a South African icon in recent months. Ms Madikizela-Mandela is still known as the "mother of the nation" Hollywood is also preparing to release Invictus, a Clint Eastwood film about Mr Mandela in which US actor Morgan Freeman will play South Africa's first black president. Nelson Mandela and Ms Madikizela-Mandela were divorced in 1996 just four years after his release from Robben Island.
Her role in the release of her ex-husband is celebrated by many South Africans and she is still known as the "mother of the nation" but she is no stranger to controversy. She was implicated in the kidnap and murder of young activist Stompie Seipei, who was believed to be an informer for the apartheid government - although she has always denied the charges. She was convicted of theft and fraud in 2003.
Silverbird Media Entertainment To Push Quality African Movies
Titilayo George
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Silverbird Entertainment, a private Media conglomerate, has embarked on promoting quality African movies to upgrade the current low grade of most African Movies. A statement signed by Brooke Nuwati, media relations officer for Silverbird, said that any poor quality movie produced would not be shown in their chain of cinemas that span from Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of Africa, to encourage local movie producers to improve on their quality production. The statement said Shirley Frimpong’s “Perfect Picture” was screened for over six weeks, its quality production was a hit at the box office. In fact quality African movies are profitable, and do make the investment returns.
There is a high demand for quality African movies, contrary to the common notion in the industry today, and Silverbird with a position in the industry is poised now to encourage movie producers, to see the economic advantages in improving the quality of the entire industry. The African retail entertainment Big boy, wants to enforce copyright and intellectual property rights, to ensure quality and security of what is put out there on the silver screen, so this will set the stage on the right track for increase quality in the entire Film industry of African Movies.
Bongos Igwe is Still Searching For True Love
By Oyiza Adaba
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Maverick social change crusader and Nigeria’s best known Soul and
Country crooner, Bongos Ikwue insists his desire to stage a comeback
to the Nigerian music business is informed by what he has to do for
the industry more than what he can benefit from it! Bongos Ikwue has
been in the news quite frequently lately after it broke that he was
back in the studio working really hard to release another album of
songs twenty or so years since his last! If one might recall Still
Searching, What’s gonna be’s - gonna be, My Pretty Baby, the highly
controversial Mariamma, Cock crow at Dawn, etc, one would understand
how so very much Bongos Ikwue and his special style have been missed
in the last twenty years! Bongos Ikwue brought a special feel to the
Nigerian Music scene in the late 60s through to the early 80s and
inspired the entire African continent with his elitism and intellect.
He was usually referred to as Africa’s answer to Kenny Rodgers and Don
Williams – his flawlessness especially in his achievement of the
industrial standards that such productions as Cock Crow at Dawn and
Still Searching were are indicated to underline this!
Nollywood scores high as Africa Magic celebrates
The Africa Magic channel pays tribute to some renowned acts in the Nigerian Movie industry as it celebrates four years of transmission of its programmes in the African continent.
Nkem Owoh and Bukky Ajayi are some of the artistes who will star in some of the movies expected to be on air this month. Her fans can see her in action in the movie titled “The Barrister” which will be aired on December 18. In continuation of the special month, Osuafia in London and Conspiracy will be on air on Christmas Day. Ayaji’s fans should watch out for their idol exhibiting her acting skills in Widows’ Cot on the 16th and A Brighter Sun on New-Year’s Eve.
Also lined up are children’s series Story Time With Auntie Norma. Broadway, Ghana and Papa Ajasco return, as Kenyan film festival also come on the screen.
Other programmes expected are Dawa Ya Deni, She is my sister and By Any Means Necessary.
Audiences can tune in to Africa Magic’s very own TalkShow, Africa Awake, hosted by Thandeka Zima and Kunle Ayo.
Other highlights include Celebrity Takes 2 and the unforgettable performances of the top ten on Idols West Africa.
As the festive period gets closer, the channel features shows like Christmas in Africa, Musical Special and the 4th Noel Christmas Musical Special among others.
Still in the spirit of Christmas, M-net has introduced loads of movies on her holiday channel, this commences from tomorrow, Monday.
Some of the movies includes, season two of the tense Wentworth Miller escapee drama Prison Break and America Ferrara’s breakout hit Ugly Betty, which co-stars an unbeatable Vanessa Williams as divinely dangerous Wilhelmina Slater!
Fans of the medically themed, romance fuelled Grey’s Anatomy can also catch episodes of the series, as interns Meredith, Christina, Izzie, Alex and George navigate the halls of the Seattle Grace Hospital where medicine, marriages, and mayhem are all part of a day’s work!
The compelling Without A Trace hunts up clues in a race against time to track down people who’ve mysteriously disappeared with no warning for friends and family. Timelines merge with evidence as investigators work to piece together the truth.
In addition, the crime-fighting forensic team of CSI is also in action on the channel, using high tech science, computer driven lab work and meticulous details to track down those who break the law!
Other series on the channel are the ladies of Wisteria Lane in Desperate Housewives plus the dramatic Rome , the emotional Friday Night Lights, the laugh out loud War At Home and Debra Messing in The Starter Wife amongst others
Segun Fayose the Public Relations Manager for MultiChoice told Glitterati that it will be a season of stars galore on Dstv this festive season
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