Reflections on a legacy: A farewell message

By Adedayo Thomas

I received the news of the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers for agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, while in faraway Obollo Afor, Enugu State, during my PhD practical work. I express my deepest gratitude to ALMIGHTY ALLAH as I feel fulfilled and accomplished, having served two terms in office successfully with vitality and gained immense and invaluable experiences.

During my tenure as the head of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), in collaboration with various guilds/associations and stakeholders in the industry, we were able to leave an indelible footprint. Leveraging the cooperation of the board’s management and staff, with the unwavering support of the incumbent and the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, acting through the then Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, and the current Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., we provided policy advisory services to the federal and state governments.

Our initiatives enhanced community understanding, confidence, and usage in relation to classification systems and outcomes, provided an enabling environment for the growth of the film industry, and empowered NFVCB management and staff to meet the board’s mandate. The number of cinemas increased by over 500 percent, marking a strategy and timely intervention to tackle piracy headlong with significant socio-economic benefits to the nation. We also conducted empowerment and enlightenment campaigns across Nigeria, reaching more than 10,000 women and youth. The annual Nigeria Digital Content Regulations Conference and various stakeholders’ engagements strengthened the synergy between the board and industry practitioners, shaping its policy direction for the overall benefit of the industry.

Former Executive Director/CEO of National Film and Video Censors Board, Adedayo Thomas

While a comprehensive account of my stewardship will be provided in the future, today, I must thank President Tinubu, for granting me the opportunity to serve the nation until this moment and to lay the foundation for the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Nigerian film industry. Gratitude is also extended to former President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for the trust and confidence reposed in me seven years ago and reappointing me for a second term of three years which I feel fulfilled concluding today. Acknowledgments go to various stakeholders in the film industry in Nigeria, academics, organized private sector, supporters, my political family in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, and many others.

My biggest congratulations to my successor, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, whom I am confident will surpass our achievements based on his pedigree and having worked together on different fronts during my tenure. I wish you outstanding success as you take up the gauntlet.

In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to my immediate family and the management and staff of the National Film and Video Censors Board without whom, I would not have had a smooth running. We will remain a family always, and I am glad we all worked assiduously for me to leave behind a re-energized and strengthened board.

Thank you all, and GOD bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

* Thomas is former Executive Director/CEO of National Film and Video Censors Board