The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has hosted the fourth Peace Anyiam-Osigwe (PAO) Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference.
The two-day event which took place at Victoria Island, Lagos kicked off on Thursday.
This year’s theme “Film and Video Regulation in the Digital Age: Balancing Creativity and Responsibility,” underscores the need for thoughtful regulation amid the industry’s evolving landscape.
NFVCB’s executive director Shaibu Husseini delivered the welcome address.
“As we are gathered to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships and chart a course for Nigeria’s digital content regulation future, I want to emphasise the importance of collaboration and cooperation in our shared goal of promoting a vibrant and responsible creative sector.
“The whole idea of the digital content regulation conference which was named after the late iconic writer, filmmaker and producer Peace Anyiam-Osigwe is to provide a platform for industry professionals, thought leaders, operators and innovators to share knowledge, collaborate network especially in the face of the continued shift from traditional to digital consumption of content in Nigeria.
“So over the next two days we will engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing our industry.
“Let me assure that NFVCB is dedicated to ensuring that our regulatory framework supports the growth of the creative sector while protecting the interests of consumers and stakeholders,” he said.
Husseini also highlighted the achievements under his leadership since becoming the sixth executive director of NFVCB in March 2024.
He noted a shift from censorship to classification with a bill under consideration in the National Assembly that seeks to remove the term “censorship” from the board’s official name.
“We will be known as a classification organisation with the slogan, ‘The Classifier,’” he said.
“He also mentioned streamlined processes for filmmakers saying, “We have reduced film classification turnaround time, making it easier for filmmakers to get their work certified without hassle.”
He concluded by encouraging filmmakers to push creative boundaries responsibly.
“Our work has the power to shape minds and influence culture. It’s crucial that we balance artistic expression with audience sensitivity and respect,” he said.
After his speech goodwill messages were delivered by notable figures including actress Joke Silva, Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria Chairman Mahmood Ali-Balogun, film producer Victor Okhai, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe and QEDNG publisher Olumide Iyanda.
Following the goodwill messages, EbonyLife Media CEO Mo Abudu gave a keynote address on “From Local to Global: Developing Narratives and Contents for Worldwide Appeal.”
In her speech she thanked Shaibu, Joke, and other key figures, and paid tribute to Peace Anyiam-Osigwe calling her a “dear friend and sister.”
She continued, “We are in an era whereby monetization is very important and if we continue to be in the bubble of local we are going to stay in the bubble of local. But if you want to break out and get to that global bubble then you have to understand that there are few principles at play.
“The first thing you actually have to understand is that there is a difference between making content for a local audience and a global audience. Once you define what you think your marketplace is, you hone in on that and work in that space. But if you decide you want to make something for a global audience there are certain guidelines you have to abide by.
“One of them is making sure that we are authentic to the stories we are telling and I find that as Nigerians we are quite authentic but I also find that we try to move to a space that is not ours. We are trying to be who we are not.”
Abudu stressed the importance of global relevance saying, “If we remain in the bubble of local content, we’ll stay there. Breaking into the global market requires understanding the nuances of a wider audience.”
She urged Nigerian creatives to stay authentic while integrating universal themes like resilience, love, and justice. She also emphasized the need for high-quality productions and collaboration to meet international standards.
Representing the minister of arts, culture and creative economy Hannatu Musawa, Tola Akerele also addressed the audience.
The event also featured the Box Office Champion Awards, recognizing achievements over the last decade.
Awardees included Wumi Toriola, Funke Akindele, Mo Abudu and Silverbird Group founder Ben Murray-Bruce.
The NFVCB also celebrated Mo Abudu and Hannatu Musawa’s recent birthdays.
The conference concluded with panel discussions on key topics, such as “From Local to Global: Developing Narratives and Contents for Worldwide Appeal,” “Regulation, Legal, and Practical Issues in the Use of AI in Film and TV Production,” and “Global Distribution: What Buyers Really Want in Film and Video Works.”
Formerly known as the Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference (NDCRC), the event was renamed in 2023 during the third edition by the former executive director of NFVCB, Adebayo Thomas.
He announced that the annual gathering would be called the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Digital Content Regulation Conference in honour of her legacy and significant contributions to the creative industry.
