Gov. Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) to grow the state’s creative economy.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Corporation’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Brian Etuk, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Etuk quoted the governor as making the pledge when Dr Ali Nuhu, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NFC, paid him a courtesy visit in Gombe.
The governor commended the Corporation for its regional, continental, and global feats recorded across the film production value chain.
He emphasised his administration’s unwavering desire, determination, and commitment to position the state as a creative hub by sustainably harnessing the vast creative potential that abounds in Gombe.
“The north-eastern region of the country, through what can be described as institutionalised partnerships and collaborative mechanisms, will boost training, capacity building, youth empowerment, and job creation.
“As major ingredients for sustainable development, the government of Gombe has, within the past six years, initiated and actively supported the establishment of innovative creative enterprises to boost the state’s economy,” he said.
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Earlier, Nuhu commended the Gombe State administration’s insightful, intentional, and well-thought-out socio-economic development programmes and projects.
According to him, the programmes highlight the capacity of creative enterprises to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
The NFC boss said the state has the capacity to benefit from enhanced growth through partnership initiatives.
He noted that such growth would be achievable through the implementation of vibrant creative economic blueprints capable of promoting its rich cultural heritage.
“NFC is capable of effective delivery as well as supporting the growth of local talents.
“The construction of a Mega Cinematography Centre in Gombe will serve the state as well as contiguous states within the North East Zonal Operations of the NFC.
“The training and retraining of youths and capacity building in film and creative enterprises, especially the exploitation of digitised content creation and monetisation, cannot be overemphasised,” he said.