Entertainment
Joke Silva wants storytellers, filmmakers to unite Nigeria with their works
Veteran Nollywood actress and producer, Joke Silva, says storytellers and filmmakers must do their best to unite the country with their works at this moment in Nigeria’s history.
Silva made this appeal while delivering a keynote address at the grand finale of a week-long 2024 Emerge Story 3.0 Conference, on Friday at FilmHouse Cinemas, Lekki, Lagos.
Speaking on, “Building a Bridge Connecting the Generations of Female Storytellers”, Silva said that Nigeria needed patriotic screenwriters to cement bonding for the nation’s growth and development.
The veteran, who noted that she had been in practice since 1981, said that Nigeria had gone through a lot of history and that storytellers had a huge role to play in nation-building.
“Unless we are living on the moon, Nigeria is in challenging moments, but what is our role as storytellers?
“Our role is to do our very best in our storytelling to unite the country. We have been staying together for over 60 years. Let us write our stories to unify.
“Music is unifying everywhere, fashion is unifying very well. Films, especially now must unify. Our stories now should be stories that interrogate issues and proffer solutions.
“It is our role to give hope to the nation that is proving difficult to cope with,” she said.
She added that storytellers must tell stories that would address over-population and other issues.
Noting the need for collaboration among players in the industry, Silva said: “We are in a collaborating industry to put ourselves on the map.
“Let’s chronicle to give hope, to let our people laugh and to let our people have a sense of conquerors and to give our people that sense of nationhood.”
Highlighting several female storytellers and filmmakers who had impacted the industry with quality works, Silva listed Zulu Sofola, Lola Fani-Kayode, Amaka Igwe, Bunmi Oyinsan, Kemi Adetiba, Jade Osiberu, Mo Abudu, Toyin Abraham, and Funke Akindele among others.
“All of us stand on the incredible shoulder of the female storytellers,” she said.
The veteran, however, called on the government to exercise some restraints in the way films were being censored, saying much of the censorship is not beneficial to the industry.
In her welcome address, Ololade Okedare, the Founder/Convener of the Emerge Story Company, said she was fulfilled bringing story writers as an advocacy to push the industry forward.
Okedare said: “This was a vision borne over three years ago after my training by Netflix.
“That experience taught me that more storytellers especially emerging voices in Africa need to be heard, they need to be empowered, have exposure and recognition.
“So, we started Emerge Story Conference as a virtual programme, pulling in facilitators from across Africa and the U.S. just to empower and to upskill storytellers.
“This is to help create a better story for the continent putting Africa in a better light and showcasing our skills, our diversity, especially under represented stories of Africa.
“What we have done in the past three years is help writers to develop their stories and give opportunities to take these stories to the screen.”
According to her, the conference. decided in 2024 to showcase and spotlight writers, pulling together writers from across different generations and emerging ones.
Advocating a change in the way storytellers are perceived, Okelola said that screenwriting remains a profession and career, not a hobby that anyone could badge into.
According to her, screenwriters deserve to be recognised just like directors, producers and even make-up artists are being recognised in movies.
“Most times, we don’t get to hear who wrote the story and we think that this is a disservice to the blueprint of a writer. There is no story without a writer.
“What we are doing today is to honour these writers across different generations and bring their works to the spotlight,” she said.
She said that the conference was donating 25 free screenwriting software to emerging writers who could not afford them, to enable them to write better stories.
“We will also be giving a grant worth over a million to help writers produce their short movies.
“We want the writers to get their value. We believe writers must be better paid for their work,” she said.
On censorship, Okelola said that many times, writers were forced to dance to the tune of investors and producers, especially the international ones, “who want only a side of our stories”.
She noted that “storytelling remains a powerful tool to begin to unite us as a continent while still displaying our diversities. It is up to us as storytellers to begin to tell a better story of Africa.
“We want the government to bring in policies that enforce this profession and validate we are contributing valuably to the country’s GDP. We should recognise screenwriting and filmmaking as a profession.”
Nollytrailers reports that the event, involving workshops, masterclasses and panel sessions, had in attendance a lot of storytellers and filmmakers who were showcased and recognised.
Some of the recipients of the Emerge Impact 2024 Awards are: Lucille Ayorinde, Grace Edwin-Okon, Kemi Adesoye, Emem Isong, Gloria Bamiloye and Joke Silva among others.
The conference celebrated 30 female storywriters including Dami Elebe, Jessica Abaga, Jola Ayeye, Lios Truly, Ronke Gbede and Toluwani Obayan among others.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde clarifies viral reports claiming she fled Los Angeles due to wildfires, confirming she has been in Nigeria since December 2024
Famous Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has addressed viral reports suggesting she fled Los Angeles to Nigeria to escape the ongoing wildfires.
In a statement posted on her Instagram, Omotola clarified that the reports were inaccurate.
The actress had shared on January 9, 2025, that she had arrived in Nigeria, stating:
“Touchdown Abuja. When my American fans follow me back to Nigeria. I had to evacuate in 20 minutes. Please, guys, stay safe out there. If you have family in LA, check on them.”
This post led to widespread speculation that Omotola had been forced to leave LA due to the devastating wildfires ravaging California.
The fires, which have displaced over 137,000 people and claimed more than 30 lives, including Hollywood actress Dalyce Curry, have had a significant impact on many.
However, Omotola swiftly dispelled these claims in a statement shared on Instagram. She reassured her followers:
“I want to take a moment to address the incredible outpouring of concern and support I have received regarding the fires in Los Angeles. To set the record straight: My family and I are safe.
However, I have seen reports suggesting that I had to leave the U.S. because of the fire. This is inaccurate. I have been in Nigeria since December 2024, and I’m still here presently. While I deeply cherish my connection to LA, these fires were not the reason for my travel.”
The wildfires have affected numerous A-list celebrities, including actors, singers, and other public figures, adding to the widespread concern over the crisis.
Omotola’s clarification serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information, especially in the age of social media, where viral reports can often distort the truth.
Tiwa Savage addresses fans’ safety concerns following a viral video of her swimming with sharks, highlighting the ironic dangers of the music industry in a follow-up Instagram post
Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has responded to the growing safety concerns after a viral video of her swimming with sharks made rounds on social media.
Also read: Tiwa Savage reveals divine reason behind delay in career breakthrough
The Afrobeat star shared an underwater clip on her Instagram story, where she appeared unfazed while swimming in close proximity to the intimidating marine creatures, donning an oxygen mask.
In the video, Tiwa expressed excitement about fulfilling one of her long-held bucket list items. She instructed the cameraman to capture the sea floor as she calmly swam beside the sharks, explaining how thrilled she was to finally check this experience off her list.
Despite her composed demeanor, the video quickly sparked a wave of concern among fans, with many fearing the risks of being so close to such powerful predators.
In a follow-up Instagram story, Tiwa took a light-hearted but pointed jab at her concerned fans, saying, “Everyone worried about me swimming with sharks but the ones in this music industry are more [expletive] dangerous.”
This comment underscored her belief that the real dangers in her life often come from the unpredictable and sometimes perilous dynamics within the music industry itself.
Seun Oloketuyi has been appointed to the advisory board of the Kaduna International Film Festival, aiming to promote Nigerian talent globally.
Seun Oloketuyi, renowned for his influential contributions to Nollywood and the broader African creative sector, has been appointed as a member of the advisory board for the Kaduna International Film Festival (KDIFF).
This prestigious appointment highlights Oloketuyi’s ongoing dedication to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry and his commitment to empowering the next generation of creative talent across Africa.
Also read: Nollywood Film Festival set to honour industry veterans, stakeholders
Founded in 2018, the Kaduna International Film Festival has quickly become a major cultural platform, not only promoting the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria but also serving as a powerful catalyst for tourism, youth empowerment, and peace-building efforts in northern Nigeria.
As the region’s first international film festival, KDIFF plays a pivotal role in bridging the gaps within the local film and creative industries, facilitating growth and inclusion at a national level.
In his new role, Oloketuyi, who also serves as the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards and chairman of the Advisory Board for the Bon Awards, expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the festival’s objectives.
He outlined his determination to leverage his extensive experience to further KDIFF’s mission of highlighting Nigeria’s dynamic creative scene while empowering young filmmakers and artists to showcase their work globally.
“I am deeply honoured by the opportunity to contribute to the Kaduna International Film Festival,” Oloketuyi remarked in his statement.
“I look forward to working alongside the KDIFF leadership to advance the growth of the Nigerian film industry and to create a platform where our nation’s finest creative minds can shine.”
Oloketuyi’s involvement in the festival aligns with his long-standing passion for fostering Nigerian talent and expanding the reach of Nollywood and African cinema worldwide.
His appointment will no doubt strengthen the festival’s ability to attract international attention and provide Nigerian filmmakers with a platform to compete on a global stage.
This collaboration underscores the significance of the Kaduna International Film Festival as a key player in Nigeria’s creative industry.
With the support of experts like Oloketuyi, the festival aims to continue making strides in promoting Nigerian and African cinema, advancing cultural exchange, and contributing to the development of the regional film industry.
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