Entertainment
37 Nollywood Filmmakers Receive Interest-Free Loans From Sanwo-Olu
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented cheques worth N200 million to 37 filmmakers, who are beneficiaries of the special interest-free loan to filmmakers under the State’s Creative Initiative (LACI), an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The initiative which is aimed at addressing the financial challenges that inhibit quality film production in Lagos and Nigeria is believed to be the first by any state government.
Represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, during the presentation ceremony held at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the initiative and the presentation of cheques are a testament to the commitment of his administration to ensure the potentials of the entertainment industry are realised.
Speaking through Akinbile-Yusuf, Sanwo-Olu admonished the beneficiaries under the first batch of the revolving loan to make judicious use of the loan and pay it back at the stipulated time to enable others to be empowered also.
Earlier in an introductory address, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) Barrister Adebukola Agbaminoja noted that the agony of limited funding channels, has hitherto obstructed the full potentials of the industry.
The Executive Secretary, who observed that over eighty percent of the films produced in Nigeria were produced in Lagos State, noted that it was in consideration of film value chain in Lagos State in particular, and Nigeria in general, that the Governor of Lagos State, magnanimously promised to help the industry overturn the funding hurdles by providing ‘interest-free’ loans through the Lagos Film Fund.
According to the Agbaminoja, “the Lagos State Film Fund, as conceptualised by Mr Governor, is birthed to create stress-free funding stream for the industry and equally motivate private organisations to foster several of such funding streams for the full actualisation of the value chain of the Nigeria Film Industry.
“Today, as Mr Governor presents cheques to the first batch of the film fund beneficiaries, we are proud to say, this is yet another promise kept’’.
One of the beneficiaries of the fund and notable Nollywood veteran actor and producer, Prince Jide Kosoko thanked the Lagos State government for instituting the fund. Kosoko, noted that the fund came at the right time. ‘’It will definitely supplement the movie project I am embarking on and it will in no small measure help my creativity to be able to meet up as originally planned,’’ he said.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’
