‘Nollywood, catalyst for economic development’
Wife of the Kwara State governor, Suffolk AbdulRazaq, has appealed to movie producers to create contents that paint the country in a positive light to people within and outside the country.
This was as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), YNaija and Head, Selection Committee, The Nollywood 100, Biodun Olaore, has said Nollywood is a catalyst for economic growth and societal development.
Mrs AbdulRazaq, who is the chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Wives’ Forum, made the call at the inauguration of new executives of Nigeria Film Festival Association (NFFA) at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
NFFA, a body of filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and enthusiasts, has Uche Agbo as the new Chairman, Israel Audu as Vice Chairman, Victor Thompson as General Secretary, Obuje Daniel as Financial Secretary, Kate Ezeigbo as Publicity Secretary and Musa Gambo as Provost.
In her address, AbdulRazaq said Nigerians should be proud of the film industry in Nigeria, noting that Nollywood is biggest next to Bollywood and Hollywood in the world, considering the industry’s contribution to the economy.
While expressing support for the festival, considering that representatives of the Vernice and Cannes festivals were present to support the body, she called on both the government and the private sectors to support the NFFA.
According to the Director-General, National Films and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, the board is there to support the Nigerian film industry to be sure that films produced do not in any way abuse the sensibilities of Nigerians.
He restated the commitment of the government in supporting producers, so they could create content that can help the economy grow through the cinema theatres.
In his remarks, Audu appreciated everyone, who showed support to NFFA and promised that the platform would be used to harness potential that would address the political, economic and socio-cultural issues of Nigeria in a positive way.
The event had high commissioners of different embassies, top public figures, actors, producers and fans of Nollywood.
OLAORE told The Guardian at the Nollywood 100, an honorary event for pacesetters in the industry, in Lagos: “Nollywood is now taking its place as it should. With the talents and investments coming into the industry, it is good times ahead.
“The growth of the industry means more jobs and space for people to express their genius; that is certainly good for the economy.” He described The Nollywood 100 as a heartfelt acknowledgement of the passion and resilience that drive Nollywood.
“We decided that it was about time to honour everyone who feels unseen yet puts in the work for the growth and evolution of Nollywood,” he noted.
Among the awardees are Funke Akindele, Shaffy Bello, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Nse-Ikpe Etim, Genoveva Umeh, Ini Edo, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Bimbo Ademoye, Biodun Stephen, Editi Effiong, Timini Egbuson and Tobi Bakre.
