The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has assured participants at the Zuma Film Festival that the FCT Administration will continue to support local filmmakers in nurturing homegrown talents.

The Minister, who stated this at the closing ceremony and award night of the Film Festival, held in Abuja over the weekend, pledged the administration’s commitment to make the festival bigger in the coming years.

Wike, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, identified the Zuma International Film Festival as a catalyst for economic prosperity.

Wike also promised the administration’s readiness to implement plans aimed at elevating the festival’s status for economic benefits in the territory.

The Minister also appreciated all the filmmakers, actors, producers, and everyone involved in the creation of the work of art, which has helped to foster the spirit of cultural convergence.

“We will continue to provide platforms, resources, and opportunities for budding filmmakers within the FCT, fostering an environment conducive to creative expression and innovation.

“We also seek to amplify the reach and prestige of the Zuma Film Festival on the global stage. This will attract more attention, participants, and investments, thereby augmenting the festival’s economic benefits for the FCT.” Wike stated.

Meanwhile, ‘Face to Face’, a star-studded Nollywood thriller, emerged as the Best Film, while Kenneth Okolie won Best Actor in the film at the grand finale of the 2023 edition of the Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF).

Ace actor Kenneth Okolie won Best Actor for his lead role in the film directed by Robert Peters, featuring Freddie George, Gbenro Ajibade, Tamara Eteimo, Jeffrey Innocent, Dustin Wilkes, and Danelle Korsak, among other cast members.

Set in the city of Lagos, ‘Face to Face’ tells the story of everyday challenges average Nigerians face in their quest for survival.

According to the festival jury, a total of 3,340 films were received from all over the world, of which 20 short films, 19 feature-length films, and eight student films were shortlisted.

Other films shortlisted included six documentary films, 10 animation films, and four indigenous language films

Nigerian Afrobeats star, Burna Boy, has opened up on why he is “hated” in the music industry.

According to the ‘City Boys’ crooner, he is hated by his “inferiors” for having no “superiors.”

The controversial singer posted this on his X handle on Saturday when he wrote, “Hated by my inferiors for having no superiors,” while sharing a photo of himself.

Recall that Burna Boy has repeatedly claimed that he is hated by Nigerians.

In ‘Thank You’, a track from his recent album, I Told Them, Burna Boy insinuated that Nigerians don’t appreciate him enough despite making the country proud “every chance I get.”

He said instead of Nigerians appreciating his invaluable musical contributions to the nation, they spread rumours that his mother was one of the dancers of the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti, and that impotency might be the reason he doesn’t have a baby mama like most of his colleagues

Nigerian comedian Adebowale “Debo” Adedayo, known by his stage name Mr Macaroni is ecstatic as he bags ambassadorial deal with an automobile company, also received a brand new car.

The comedian took to his Instagram page to make the announcement as he showed off the car he had received as part of the contract.

Mr Macaroni disclosed that he signed a deal with @mikanomotors.

Photos shared on his social media page shows him besides the breath-taking black suv car.

Sharing the images, he wrote…

“I just signed a new deal with @mikanomotors and it came with this Beauty!!!! 😍❤️😍❤️”

Fans and colleagues took to the comment section to congratulate him…

aproko_doctor wrote: “Congratulations Maca!”.

iamnino_b wrote: “Mac Mac Mac! Come and carry your best friend naa 🏆🏆🏆”

adesuaetomi wrote: “Congratulationsssss”

lasisielenu commented: “Working boys on the rise. Jacuzzi Maka don tear that machine wey been Dey enter your papa eyes. Niiiiceeee one Niiiiiceeeee on 💯💯💯”

okunnu said: “Congratulations Ogbeni Debo 🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️”