Leadership (Abuja)
6 May 2008
Film industry has played a significant role in its contribution to the national economy through the provision of employment opportunities to hundred of thousands of Nigerian youth. This was disclosed in a goodwill message by the honourable minister of information and communications, Chief John O. Odey, at the official opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the biennial Zuma Film Festival 2008 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja on Sunday May 4, 2008.
The minister said film is an endeavour that forms the thrust of one of the cardinal focus of the federal government seven-point agenda and wealth creation; with enormous potential in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He added that the history of the evolution of the Nigerian film industry is a lesson in human resilience, the celebration of the never-say-die spirit and creative ingenuity of Nigerian film makers.
In his words: "We need not be reminded that the Nigerian movie industry came out of nothing to emerge the 3rd largest content provider in the world with a net worth of $450 million. The compelling lesson from this is that no matter the state of our economy, we have what it takes to salvage the situation."
In his remarks, the managing director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and chairman, Festival Organising Committee, Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, pointed out that ministerial committees were set up to address the crucial issues such as professionalism in the motion picture industry, comprehensive study of the film industry, guidelines for the establishment of film village and the national film development fund. He said despite what critics may adduce to be the shortcomings of the "Nigerian movie", it has come to command such mass appeal amongst Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora. Many, according to the NFC boss find it as a veritable alternative cinematic expression to Hollywood and Bollywood. The sector also serves as a new-found bastion for the nation economic lifeline in our quest to diversify our prosperity base.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 Leadership. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
