The
Federal Government has pledged to invest in the
necessary infrastructure to ensure the growth of the film industry
and complement the efforts of the tireless professionals who built
the industry from the scratch.
The
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made
the pledge at the sixth Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
in Lagos on Sunday.
''When
we trusted in the almighty oil, we built refineries, pipelines, petrol
marketing companies, petrol stations etc. Since we are now rightly
shifting our focus to this sector, we must now make the necessary
investments in the infrastructure that will grow the film industry.
''The
Film industry has proven itself to be not just a great employer of
labor, especially young people, but also potentially a very high foreign
exchange earner because of its international appeal and demand,'' he
said.
Alhaji
Mohammed said the industry has done ''a fantastic job'' without the
requisite government support and partnership, and that it is time for
the government to give it the necessary support.
''We
need professional studio facilities in every state of the country. You
should also not be providing your own power, borrowing at 30%,
travelling abroad to do post-production etc.
''Mr
President has publicly put his weight behind the creative industry and
has promised to do everything that will make it possible for us to
transit from a creative industry to a creative economy. To this end we
are already in talks with state governments and investors to build
studio facilities that will equal those in Mexico, India, the U.S etc.
This will make film making easier and increase the quality of films,''
he said.
The
Minister said the ongoing transition from analogue to
digital broadcasting will also help provide a major customer base for
Nigerian films, since the acquisition of Set Top Boxes by the 24
million Television households in the country will make it possible for
them to buy newly-released film by the touch of the button He
congratulated the organisers of the festival for their laudable efforts
and their investment in human capital through education and training.
Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Lagos
Nov. 14th 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment