The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board,NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has called on graduating filmmakers of the MultiChoice Talent Factory, MTF, to embrace their role as cultural influencers and nation builders.
Delivering the keynote address at the MTF Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony, Husseini urged the graduates dubbed “Luminaries” to “Arise, Fly and Shine” as they move from training into professional practice in the film industry.
He commended MultiChoice for sustaining the Talent Factory initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of African storytelling.
“The MultiChoice Talent Factory has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to developing the next generation of African storytellers—equipping them with skills, discipline, exposure, and industry relevance,” he said.
Speaking further Husseini noted that the programme continues to raise standards across the continent by nurturing creative talent capable of competing globally.
Addressing the graduates, he stressed that their certification is more than an academic achievement—it is a mandate to influence society through storytelling.
“Film is not just entertainment; it is influence. Content is not just expression; it has the power to shape lives and society,” he stated.
Citing the global rise of Nollywood, he pointed to productions such as “Black Book”, “King of Boys’, “Aníkúlápó’and”, ‘To Kill a Monkey” as evidence of the industry’s evolution into a global cultural force.
He urged the graduates to uphold discipline and professionalism as they enter the industry, and to join relevant guilds and professional bodies.
“Training gives you wings; discipline determines how far you fly. To sustain growth in Nollywood, we need organized creatives committed to professional standards,” he said.
Husseini also reminded filmmakers of their obligation to submit completed works to the NFVCB for classification, noting that regulation is key to maintaining industry integrity.
In his closing remarks, he encouraged the graduates to remain ambassadors of excellence and to contribute meaningfully to the creative ecosystem.
“Wherever you go, let your work reflect integrity, professionalism, and excellence. Let your stories elevate Africa’s voice on the global stage and contribute to national development,” he added.
