Peter Akinwande
OrderPaperToday – A teenage transgender series, “I am Jazz” proposed to be aired by the True Life Chapter (TLC) channel on DSTV platform has drawn angry reactions from the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The assembly accordingly called on the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the Ministry of Information and other relevant agencies to enlighten the public about the behavioural implication of strange foreign practices on the youths and encourage the practice of the Nigerian culture.
The lawmakers also called on the State Films and Video Censors Board to ensure adequate content control of films, videos and musical lyrics aired in the state.
This development arose a motion moved by Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho (Mushin Constituency 1) who explained that the proposed series is a story of transgender teenager aimed at promoting gender immorality in the society.
The lawmaker expressed concern about the perceived silence of the Federal Government about the spate of uninhibited display of obscenities and uncensored programme on the Nigerian airwaves as evident in musical videos, films and other airings on state television networks.
She further stressed that “if the planned transgender programme aired on DSTV platform is not statutorily checked before it goes public, it will not only corrupt the Nigerian youth but could also lure them into sexual vices, contrary to the relevant sections of the Nigerian laws, which forbids homosexuality and sexual pervasion in the society.”
She, however, said there is the need for Government both at the Federal and State levels to protect the sanctity of the Nigerian airwaves through the establishment and enforcement of the Censor Boards and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to prevent contents that are offensive to under-aged viewers and audience.
