By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Nigerian entertainment sector, especially the film industry is set to record a quantum growth with the addition of big programmes like the Zuma Film Festival which would be hosted in the nation’s capital yearly.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Films Corporation (NFC), Mr. Chidia Maduekwe made the remarks at the closing ceremony and awards night of the Zuma Film Festival which was held on Saturday May 7, 2022 at the International Conference Centre in Abuja .
The boss of NFC also revealed that the creative economy of the country would be greatly impacted by the additional of Zuma Film Festival into the the country’s entertainment sector, adding that the Federal Capital Authority has agreed to partner with the National Executive Committee of Zuma Film Festival in hosting the festival in Abuja for the next 10 years.
“First of all, there is no doubt that the creative economy of our nation can only grow further if programmes like the Zuma Film festival are robustly supported. It is therefore, very significant that for the next 10 years, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will be partnering the NFC in the hosting of Zuma Film Festival, with Abuja designated as the official host city
Mr. Maduekwe also expressed his gratitude to Ministers of Federal Capital Territory as well as Minister of Information and Culture for all the support they gave the Zuma Film Festival.
“I want to use this auspicious occasion to convey our deep appreciation to the Hon Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, for deciding to partner the Nigerian Film Corporation With FCTA’s full weight brought to bear, the galvanization of the creative sector of the nation’s economy has once more secured further steps in the right direction Abuja, as the host city will ultimately,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed noted that the Nigerian Film industry is the biggest platform for showcasing Nigeria’s arts and culture to the world .
The minister also said that in order to boost the revenues of the film industry, the Federal Government has partnered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the bankers committee on the renovation of the National Theatre at a cost of $100 million.
He added that this is important because the iconic National Theatre was conceived as the hub of the creative industry in Nigeria, therefore, Its renovation and the addition of four new hubs, including an international film production facility that covers production and post-production, will signify the restoration of the power of the industry and its preparation to play its huge role for Nigeria into the future.
On her part, the Minister of State of the Federal Capital Territory, Hajiya Ramatu T. Aliyu said Nollywood and Kannywood must be supported in their quest to be the top film industry in Africa.
She revealed that movie makers, musicians and other entertainers which are about 20 kilometres radius of the FCTA, would enjoy special incentives and discount in order to make sure that their production get to the peak.
Hajiya Ramatu further urged stakeholders to seek out willing investors and partner with them so that the film industry can reach its pinnacle.
