Mo Abudu, Funke Akindele honoured at NFVCB digital content conference

Mo Abudu and Funke Akindele were honoured with ‘Box Office Champion’ awards at the fourth edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Digital Content Regulation Conference.

The conference, hosted by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), recognised their significant contributions to Nigeria’s filmmaking industry.

The two-day conference, held at Four Points By Sheraton in Lagos between November 14 and 15, brought together industry professionals to discuss crucial topics such as global distribution, studio and independent film financing, artificial intelligence in content production, and preserving cultural heritage through storytelling.

At the event, Husseini Shuaibu, the NFVCB executive director, emphasised the importance of balancing creativity with responsibility, prioritising artistic integrity.

He also commended Adedayo Thomas, the ex-NFVCB boss, for initiating the conference to honour Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the late founder of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

The conference also paid tribute to Anyiam-Osigwe, with Abudu acknowledging her legacy and highlighting the event’s significance in knowledge sharing and networking.

Abudu also delivered a keynote speech on ‘From Local to Global: Developing Narratives and Content for Worldwide Appeal’.

The media executive stressed the importance of originality in telling African stories, authenticity, universal themes such as resilience and justice, and investing in high-quality productions.

Abudu also underscored the value of strategic partnerships in achieving global success.

“We are in an era where monetization is key. If we remain in the bubble of local storytelling, we risk staying stagnant,” she said.

“To break into the global space, we must adhere to principles like authenticity, universal themes such as resilience and justice, and investing in high-quality productions.

“Nobody can do it alone. Partnerships are critical to achieving global success.”

Other notable recipients of the ‘Box Office Champion’ awards include Wumi Toriola and Ben Murray-Bruce.

The event drew prominent industry figures, including Hannatu Musawa, minister of art, culture, tourism, and creative economy, Joke Silva, Charles Novia, Segun Arinze, and Fidelis Duker.