The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) have claimed to be working together to prevent the glamourization of crime in Nigerian films and other media.
According to report, the NFVCB’s Executive Director/CEO, Shaibu Husseini, during his visit along with his management team to the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday in Abuja, engaged in discussions that culminated in both organizations reaching a collaborative agreement.
Husseini stated that the purpose of the visit was to apprise the head of the EFCC of the board’s operations and explore avenues for future cooperation with the EFCC.
This agreement signifies a step towards enhanced collaboration between the two entities.
He said the board was prepared to stop the unpleasant trend and voiced concerns about the glamourization of criminality and other get-rich-quick impulses in films and online comedies.
Husseini also emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns while pointing out how the EFCC and its activities are misrepresented in the majority of movies and video productions.
“As a crucial partner in our joint endeavor to create a better society, I have chosen to visit the EFCC since taking up my role as CEO of the NFVCB.
“As a board, we are working to prevent the glamourization of crime in our films, especially those parts that encourage young people to participate in illegal real-life operations.
Since producers are the ones who oversee the content, we are starting with the scriptwriters and moving on to the producers.
“As part of our media literacy for Nigerians, the board will begin by working with the EFCC to produce a Public Service Announcement (PSA).
“Then we will engage the filmmakers and then the skit makers, and that include seminars and conferences we shall be having with them on the implications of their works on society,” he stated.
In his remarks, Olukoyede praised the NFVCB for its efforts to purge unwholesome video content from Nigerian media outlets, pointing out that this kind of programming incorrectly shapes public attitudes and behavior.
He emphasized the value of cooperation between the two agencies and assured the commission of its full support and participation.
“There are a number of skits that inaccurately depict the EFCC and its officers. We expect that our collaboration will enable that to be verified. As films and videos are supposed to promote excellent moral values, we think we have the ideal partner in you,” he continued.
