In a bid to uphold cultural values and combat the promotion of criminal behaviors, the Kano State Film Censorship Board has issued a directive banning the screening of films that portray or endorse cross-dressing and thuggery within the state.
The announcement was made by Abba El-Mustapha, the Executive Secretary of the board, during a significant meeting with stakeholders from Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry.
According to Abdullahi Sulaiman, the board’s spokesperson, the decision to enforce this ban comes in response to growing concerns among the public regarding the potential negative impact on youths and the erosion of traditional values.
El-Mustapha emphasized the importance of preserving customs, norms, and values, stating, “It is high time to fish out any film that may demoralize our customs, norms, and values in the name of reaching popularity, viewers, or business making.”
This directive comes at a time of varying interpretations of Nigerian law regarding cross-dressing. While the Nigeria Police Force asserts that cross-dressing is not a criminal offense, debates surrounding its alignment with societal norms persist.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer, clarified that individuals like Bobrisky, a prominent figure in the cross-dressing community, cannot be arrested solely based on their choice of clothing or lifestyle. Adejobi reiterated that the police are bound by the law and cannot infringe upon individual freedoms unless they engage in unlawful activities.
The decision by the Kano State Film Censorship Board reflects ongoing debates surrounding cultural preservation, freedom of expression, and societal norms in Nigeria.
Despite potential challenges faced by stakeholders in the Kannywood industry, the board noted that it remains resolute in its commitment to upholding traditional values.
