Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, a renowned legal practitioner and philanthropist, has donated ₦1 million to the National Nupe Films and Musical Makers Association (NUPEWOOD) to support indigenous cultural expression and boost the morale of practitioners in the creative sector.
The donation was made on Monday during an interactive session with stakeholders of the Nupe film and music industry in Bida, where Ndarani also served as the guest speaker.
Emphasising the role of culture as a tool for unity, education, and social development, Ndarani described the Nupe film industry as a powerful platform for preserving the language, values, and traditions of the Nupe people.
He urged filmmakers and artists to uphold professionalism, discipline, and positive storytelling that projects the Nupe identity with pride, both nationally and internationally.
“Supporting the creative industry is a strategic investment in the future, providing employment for youths, discouraging social vices, and contributing to economic growth,” Ndarani said. He noted that with proper encouragement, NUPEWOOD could compete with other indigenous film industries in Nigeria while serving as a tool for cultural renaissance.
Ndarani commended NUPEWOOD for its ongoing efforts to promote the Nupe language, culture, film, and music, calling the initiative timely and deserving of support from all stakeholders.
He highlighted the importance of women in the creative industry, describing them as the backbone of society and custodians of culture. Ndarani urged women to take leadership roles, using film and music to promote education, peace, unity, cultural pride, and moral discipline, while avoiding content that undermines societal values.
The programme, he said, provides a platform to reposition Nupe women as cultural ambassadors and agents of positive change who contribute to economic growth within their communities.
Reaffirming his commitment to education, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation, Ndarani warned that societies that neglect culture and marginalise women risk losing their identity and future.
He called on NUPEWOOD, government agencies, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to support the industry through training, funding, mentorship, and enabling policies to enhance its national and international competitiveness.
Ndarani also urged practitioners to remain disciplined, united, creative, and law-abiding, while encouraging Nupe musicians to comply with copyright regulations. He noted that films and music reflect not only on individuals but also on the image of the entire Nupe nation.
Concluding, Ndarani prayed for the success of the programme, the growth of NUPEWOOD, and the continued promotion of Nupe culture locally and globally.