6th Asian Film Festival Begins im Abuja

By: Michael Mike

This year’s Asian Film Festival has debuted in Abuja to celebrate the unity of some Asian country and friendship with the host nation, Nigeria.

The festival has on showcase films from Nigeria and the Asian countries of South Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Iran, Singapore and Philippine.

The Federal Government lauded the Sixth Asian Film Festival, noting that it is a platform to strengthen cultural diplomacy and foster artistic collaboration, particularly between Nigeria and the participating Asian countries.

The festival, which kicked off at the China Cultural Center, highlights the power of cinema in promoting mutual understanding and economic opportunities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mr. Raphael Oraeluno,, emphasized the role of international cooperation in the creative industries.

He said: “International cooperation enhances the sharing of knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas,” adding that: “Cultural exchange in the film industry not only deepens ties but also creates avenues for economic growth. Promoting our cultural industries leads to job creation, supports local economies, and enhances cultural heritage tourism.”

Oraeluno also called for policies to bolster cultural exchanges and partnerships, with the Asian countries.

He noted that platforms like the festival provide emerging artists and filmmakers with opportunities to share their narratives, which have the potential to change perceptions and foster global empathy.

He added that: “Each film presented at this festival is not merely a work of art; it is a dialogue of perspectives that prompts reflection, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding.”

He noted that the festival underscores the broader role of cinema as a medium that transcends geographical boundaries, showcasing shared human experiences while celebrating unique identities.

Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing highlighted the significance of the event in strengthening ties between Asia and Nigeria.

“This is the third time the China Cultural Centre is hosting the opening ceremony of the Asian Film Festival,” Jianxing said.

He noted that: “The festival brings happiness and allows us to share stories that reflect the unique traditions, values, and creativity of Asia. It builds a bridge between Asia and Nigeria, helping us understand each other better.”

The centerpiece of the festival, the screening of the Chinese film Monster Hunt, exemplifies the fusion of fantasy, humor, and cultural themes. The movie, which tells the story of a hero and heroine rescuing the son of a former monster king, showcases Chinese Kung Fu and explores profound questions about human nature.

“I hope everyone can enjoy the movie and other great films from Asian countries and Nigeria,” Jianxing added.

“This festival celebrates teamwork, shared spirit, and the value of learning from each other to build a community with a shared future.”

On his part, the Director of Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), Mr Kim Changki said the platform would offer his country, South Korea, an opportunity to showcase its culture and promote its rich cultural values to Nigeria.

He said Korea is ever ready to partner with Nigeria in the area of culture and tourism, noting that understanding culture of others present an opportunity for bonding and friendship.

6th Asian Film Festival Begins im Abuja

VP Shettima Urges Recommitment To Gender Equity In Nigeria

*** Says federal government focused on women empowerment policies

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to advancing gender equity through transformative policies.

The Vice President emphasised the indispensable role of women in building a balanced and equitable society.

VP Shettima stated this on Monday during the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation Webinar in commemoration of the 109th posthumous birthday of Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

VP Shettima called for renewed national efforts to create an inclusive society where women are empowered to lead and thrive, saying, “Every nation’s treatment of women serves as the ultimate marker of its civilization.

“We cannot claim to have evolved as a nation unless we recommit ourselves to creating a society that offers women unconditional dignity and opportunity,” the Vice President added.

VP Shettima paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, describing her as a “matriarch like no other and a jewel of inestimable value.”

He lauded her contributions to modern Nigeria, noting her unwavering support for her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and her advocacy for women’s rights.

“Mrs. Awolowo’s courage and influence were instrumental in shaping policies like free education in the Western Region. This is what an empowered woman can achieve,” he said.

On the historical struggles for women’s rights, the VP referenced the activism of global pioneers like Susan B. Anthony and Nigerian icons such as Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Hajiya Gambo Sawaba.

“These trailblazers compelled us to confront the structural inequalities holding women back. Thanks to their efforts, the conversation has expanded beyond suffrage to include workplace equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against domestic violence,” he remarked.

VP Shettima also pointed to the transformative impact of technology, noting how digital platforms have amplified women’s voices and driven legislative victories like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015.

“This landmark legislation is a testament to the power of women-led advocacy and their determination to create a safer, fairer society,” he said.

Shettima further reiterated the importance of representation and leadership opportunities for women, even as he praised President Tinubu for his inclusive governance, shaped by the legacy of his mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, a formidable women’s rights advocate.

“Her legal battle for personal liberty set a precedent in our constitutional history, reminding us that women’s rights are human rights and must never be negotiable,” he noted.

The Vice President called for urgent action to address societal inequalities, particularly in education and leadership. “The nation we must build is one where no girl is denied the chance to learn, no woman is denied the opportunity to lead, and no mother is denied the dignity of safety and respect,” Shettima said.

He urged Nigerians to honour the legacy of women like H.I.D. Awolowo and embrace a collective responsibility to empower women.

“We are working to create an environment where women are not just supported but celebrated; where their aspirations redefine societal expectations and help build a viable, equitable, and thriving nation,” the Vice President said.

In her keynote address, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, said November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

She explained that HID Awolowo was a fighter for social justice and human rights and took every opportunity to show the power of women in economic development.

“Every chapter of her story tells us that no bird can fly on one wing. We need the leadership and representation of women. We need partnerships for change—everyone must work for systemic change that will be sustainable.

“We need to end the scourge of gender-based violence as an absolute priority, essential for growth. Societies cannot achieve the equal and just society envisioned by HID Awolowo if we leave 50 percent of the world’s population behind,” she said.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the HID Awolowo Foundation Advisory Council, Senator Daisy Danjuma, noted that in building a more viable Nigeria, the role of women should not be overlooked.

“Together, let us chart a society where the role of women is recognized, celebrated, and utilized,” she said.

Welcoming guests to the webinar earlier, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, described HID Awolowo and her late husband as giants of intellect, integrity, service, and sacrifice, saying their lives were a testament to the power of purposeful living.

“They left us a blueprint for leadership and a legacy of hope. It is, therefore, with immense pride (and I hasten to add humility) that I speak before you today, reflecting on the legacy of these two extraordinary individuals. To be their offspring is not just a privilege; it is a profound responsibility.

“Their legacy is not meant to be confined to history books or family stories. It is a legacy that demands to be shared, understood, and applied in Nigeria and beyond. Our role, therefore, is to identify actionable plans and strategies and amplify the voices and capacities of women,” Dr. Dosumu stated.
Ends

NAPTIP to Establish Command in FCT to Tackle SGBV

By: Michael Mike

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has said
the establishment of a Command in the Federal Capital Territory to tackle all cases of Violence Against Persons especially Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) within the nation’s capital.

Speaking in Abuja at the 2024 Stakeholder’s Coordination Meeting on the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and Corresponding State Laws, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello said:
“To further illustrate and solidify our commitment towards eradicating this social menace, I am glad to inform you that the Agency is proposing the establishment of a Command in the F.C.T to tackle all cases of Violence Against Persons especially SGBV within the nation’s capital. It is expected that the Command will enhance quicker response to SGBV cases, improve coordination among stakeholders, provide specialized support services for survivors and strengthen the investigation and prosecution of SGBV cases.”

The DG, who was represented by the Director of Research and Programme Development, Mr Josiah Emerole, said with the latest move, “We believe that this Command will serve as a model for other states and strengthen our collective efforts to eradicate SGBV within the F.C.T.”

On her expectations from the meeting, she said: “I also have the strong conviction that we will leave here with a renewed vision towards eradicating the ills associated with violence against persons and in turn make the country safer and more habitable.”

She stated that: “The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) remains committed to working with all States, the mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat of the FCT and the Civil Society Organisations in the implementation of these laws as this will improve the coordination and synergy needed to ensure the effective implementation and building a society where everyone sees violence in any manner as an anathema to societal growth.”

She charged that: “While wishing you fruitful deliberations, I implore all participants to see the fight against violence against persons as one we must win through collective engagement and actions. The days of working in silos are over and the time for better synergy is now and beginning from whatever we do in this room today.”

In her welcome remarks, the Acting Director, Violence Against Persons Department, NAPTIP, Mrs. Toyota Odugbesan while thanking the Ford Foundation for its support, said: “Today’s meeting is an important time for us, to connect, proffer guidance, reflect on our concerns, review major successes, identity gaps, discuss challenges, assess the level and effectiveness of interventions efforts and proffer recommendations and far-reaching strategies associated with the implementation of the VAPP Act 2015 and State Violence against Persons (Prohibition) interventions efforts in the country for future programming.”

She noted that: “The discussion today therefore will be an opportunity for us to engage on the results achieved and how we can better our activities towards achieving the vision of the Beijing Conference including SDG 5 (1-3) which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

“To speedily ensure an end to: all forms of discrimination, violence against women and girls, in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and other types of exploitation, all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

“We must therefore, increase the tempo of our current efforts to keep hope alive in protecting and upholding the rights of our vulnerable Women and Children across the Nation.”

NAPTIP to Establish Command in FCT to Tackle SGBV