Ndarani SAN Urges Nupe Women to Harness Film and Music for Cultural Preservation, Donates N1 Million to Industry
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has called on Nupe women involved in the film and music sectors to actively leverage their talents in promoting their cultural heritage and traditions.
The legal expert emphasized the importance of utilizing artistic skills as tools for cultural preservation, moral reorientation, and societal transformation.
Speaking on Sunday in Bida, during the keynote address at the “Women in Nupe Film and Music Sensitisation Programme” organized by the National Nupe Films and Musical Makers Association (NUPEWOOD), Ndarani highlighted the significance of film and music as influential instruments for education, orientation, and cultural identity projection.
He noted that when properly harnessed, they can shape societal values, attitudes, and enhance the global image of Nupe culture.
He commended NUPEWOOD for its ongoing efforts to promote the Nupe language, culture, film, and music, describing these initiatives as timely and deserving of collective support.
Focusing on women, Ndarani pointed out their pivotal role as societal pillars—first teachers, value nurturers, and custodians of culture. He urged Nupe women to assume leadership roles within the creative industry, promoting education, peace, unity, cultural pride, and moral discipline through their works, while discouraging content that contravenes societal and religious principles.
The programme was seen as an opportunity to reposition Nupe women as ambassadors of culture and agents of positive change, contributing to economic development within their communities.
Reaffirming his commitment to education, youth empowerment, and cultural heritage, Ndarani warned that neglecting cultural roots and sidelining women threaten societal identity and future prospects.
He called on government agencies, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to support the industry through training, funding, mentorship, and policy development, thus boosting its competitiveness nationally and internationally.
Urging practitioners to stay disciplined and united, he emphasized the importance of creativity, legality, and adherence to Nigeria’s copyright laws for musicians and filmmakers.
As part of his support, Ndarani announced a donation of N1 million to bolster the Nupe film industry, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and industry growth.
He cautioned that the content created in film and music projects reflect on the image of the Nupe nation globally.
Concluding his remarks, Ndarani expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants, praying for the success of the event, strengthening of NUPEWOOD, and the ongoing promotion of Nupe culture at both national and international levels.
