By Nurudeen Oyewole
Stakeholders in the film industry have advocated for self-regulation among Nigerian youths who are in the habit of watching internet uploaded films.
This was the resolution at a sensitisation workshop jointly hosted by Google Nigeria, National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB) and Home Vida, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, among other industry-based associations and groups for students of Queens College Lagos.
The event which was to commemorate the 2016 Safer Internet Day witnessed the training of 250 female students, the presentation of a paper on Safety Online, as well as discussion among major stakeholders.
Google’s Policy & Government Relations Manager, Titi Akinsanmi, said as part of events commemorating the day, Google launched a programme tagged: ‘Web Rangers.’
She said the programme which currently runs in 10 countries provides workshops which aim to train young people to become ‘online safety ambassadors’ who will help raise awareness of online safety among their peers and in their schools.
“We will be working with the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board and HomeVida, to train over 10,000 Nigerian students via the Web Rangers face-to-face training sessions and via the newly launched online portal,” Akinsanmi said.
Home Vida boss, Seember Nyager, said even though the internet gives many people the space to express themselves, attract publicity to their works and reach out to wider audience, its liberties are nonetheless being abused as there are people who use it for nefarious activities meant to denigrate others.
On his part, Terry Odey of NFVCB stated that parents and members of the public also have a lot to do in ensuring that young people are not abusing internet based films.
He said a time has come for young Nigerians to abide by instructions that come with films, especially those with age restrictions or labelled as ‘Not To Be Broadcast’ (NTBB).
Nollywood actor, Femi Jacob, said he would take the message to fellow industry practitioners to be of good conduct as it is apparent that Nigerians, especially the youth are motivated to see movies that feature their respected actors and actresses.
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