NFVCB CEO, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Visits BIFF Office, Pledges Support for BIFF 2025
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – In a significant show of support for the Nigerian film industry, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, CEO/Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), paid an official visit to the office of the Bayelsa International Film Festival (BIFF) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The visit reaffirmed the NFVCB’s commitment to supporting BIFF 2025, as well as the broader growth and regulation of Nigeria’s creative sector.
Dr. Husseini was warmly received by Moses Etonzor, Founder and Festival Director of BIFF, alongside key festival organizers and stakeholders. Discussions focused on the upcoming 5th edition of BIFF, scheduled for September 2nd – 6th, 2025, and its pivotal role in promoting African storytelling, nurturing emerging filmmakers, and elevating Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration
During his address, Dr. Shaibu Husseini commended the vision and impact of BIFF, recognizing it as a crucial platform for filmmakers to showcase their craft, engage with global industry leaders, and explore the evolving landscape of African cinema. He emphasized that film is a powerful medium for shaping cultural identity and national consciousness, aligning with BIFF 2025’s theme, “Film and Identity.”
“The Bayelsa International Film Festival has consistently provided a dynamic space for storytelling and industry development. It is inspiring to see how BIFF has grown into a platform that not only celebrates African narratives but also connects Nigerian filmmakers with international opportunities,” Dr. Husseini said. “As the regulatory body overseeing the Nigerian film industry, the NFVCB remains committed to supporting initiatives like BIFF that foster creative excellence, industry ethics, and the promotion of our cultural heritage.”
He further assured the festival team of the NFVCB’s partnership in areas such as content classification, capacity building, and the advancement of industry regulations that protect and empower filmmakers.
BIFF Founder Calls for Greater Institutional Support
Welcoming the NFVCB’s visit, Moses Etonzor, BIFF’s Founder and Festival Director, expressed gratitude to Dr. Shaibu Husseini and the NFVCB for recognizing the festival’s contributions to the Nigerian film industry. He stressed the need for continued collaboration between regulatory bodies, film festivals, and private investors to ensure the sustainable growth of Nigerian cinema.
“We are honored to receive Dr. Shaibu Husseini at our festival office. This visit signifies the importance of BIFF in shaping the future of Nigerian and African cinema,” Etonzor stated. “With BIFF 2025 set to explore ‘Film and Identity,’ we look forward to working closely with the NFVCB to ensure that filmmakers have access to the resources, exposure, and industry guidance they need to thrive.”
He further called on government agencies, corporate bodies, and private investors to recognize the film industry’s potential as an engine of economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and youth empowerment.
Looking Ahead to BIFF 2025
As BIFF prepares to host its landmark 5th edition, the visit by Dr. Husseini underscores the festival’s growing influence in the national and international film landscape. With film submissions currently open, BIFF continues to invite filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema lovers to participate in an event dedicated to storytelling, cultural identity, and artistic innovation.