KANO LICENSE REVOKE CRISIS; MOPPAN INTERVENES

The national leadership of Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) under the guidance of its National President Dr. Ahmad Mohammad Sarari, intervenes on the ongoing crises related to the announcement made by Kano State Censorship Board (KSCB) that it had revoked the licenses of all practitioners of film related activities in the state. The announcement sparks a lot of criticisms and confusions from within the Kannywood industry and beyond.

In a courtesy call to the office of the Executive Secretary, KSCB, Abba el-Mustapha Inuwa, Dr. Sarari congratulates El-Mustapha on his assumption as the new KSCB boss, and briefed the board the MOPPAN’s cardinal objectives. He stated that MOPPAN is the only body recognized by the federal government in northern Nigeria through the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), pursuant to section 17(2) and (3) of the board’s regulation, 2008.

This is contained in a release issued by MOPPAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Al-Amin Ciroma saying that it is pertinent to note that both state and federal laws should work in harmony, not in contradiction to one another. 

Dr. Sarari also reminds the board of section 84 of the KSCB laws, stating that “All technical productions crews shall be registered members of a professional association recognized by Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN).” 

He said it is in the best interest of the board not to revoke licences of the stakeholders in Kanyywood as earlier stated, appealing to KSCB to consider renewal of the licenses and other related matters instead, so as to foster workable and unending relationship with Kannywood players.

The association also advised KSCB to, as a matter of its needs assessment, co-opt a special department – Industry support and development – in order to empower the stakeholders in the areas of distribution, capacity building and expose them to national and international best practices. 

In his response, the new KSCB boss expressed his gratitude to the MOPPAN’s national body for its swift intervention and noted all the statements made by Dr. Ahmad Mohammad Sarari. He said his board is ready to partner MOPPAN for the development of the industry and beyond.

Abba el-Mustapha said his board has considered the renewal policy as appealed by MOPPAN, and thanked the leadership of MOPPAN and assured that his doors are always open for objective criticisms, contributions and understanding.

Signed

Al-Amin Ciroma

Nat. Pub. Secretary

MOPPAN

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