The Lagos State Government has charged movie producers and other relevant stakeholders in the film and entertainment industry to project valuable and morally viable contents that would project and sustain the rich cultural heritage of the state for economic development.
Honorable Commissioner, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf gave this indication at the Stakeholders forum organised by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, with the theme “Content Development as a Driver For Sustainable Growth in the Film And Video Industry”.
Akinbile-Yussuf explained that content delivery was genuine to the sustainable growth and development in the entertainment and tourism sector, stressing that the state government was committed to repositioning the industry for its utmost possibilities.
While appreciating the stakeholders for their resilience during the ravaging COVID19 pandemic, and the extension of support of Mr. Governor to the Industry, during the health crisis, the Commissioner urged the stakeholders to accentuate effort in achieving professional content delivery.
“The gathering of top echelons in the Entertainment and Film industry here is a veritable opportunity to appreciate the consistency of the producers and all stakeholders amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and also encourage us to ensure professionalism in our content delivery and promote creativity. We are in full support of the industry and will not rest on our oars until we achieve desired result,” she said.
Thorough research
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi urged practitioners in the industry to embark on research of the environment and community before giving out contents.
According to her ”Thorough background check on the norms, values and tradition of our community will harness the delivery of content for efficacy and professionalism“.
The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bukola Agbaminoja acknowledged the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in utilising Arts, Culture, Film, Entertainment and Tourism as catalyst for economic and social development in the state.
She maintained that film producers should mirror and partner with the state government in shaping the society, having in mind that the entertainment industry nurtures, invents, influences and shapes the society.
“The theme of the event has been chosen to collaborate the efforts and contributions of the State Government in the industry aimed at shaping and reshaping societal conducts and values to build a formidable and productive system that can favorably compete with many of its kind globally.“
Quality content
The Resource person, Professor Sola Fosudo, who spoke on the theme said quality content is the soul of film industry and producers must strive to achieve it for acceptance in the society.
He noted that audiences would continue to seek foreign content as long as it indicates brilliancy and is breath-taking.
‘We cannot be doing the same thing the same way over and over and expect a different result. In Nollywood, we need to move our seat away from its current position of mediocrity and complacency so that we can stand in a new position of excellence and professionalism,’ Fosudo said.
Advocating a shift
Upholding the speaker, Cultural Administrator, Film and Media Specialist, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, attest that entertainment industry, Nollywood must shift from dysfunctional content to more acceptable cultural and professional oriented industry for sustainable development and competitiveness.
Femi Odugbemi, Anthonia Oredipe and Mahmood Ali-Balogun, members of the panelists also advocated for a symbiotic relationship amongst the technical crew, cast and other stakeholders for a veritable content delivery and desired goal.
Responding to the discussion, President, Association of Movie Content Owner/Practitioner and Distributor of Nigeria, Tunji Ojetola opined that film and video practitioners must go back to the drawing board for effective pre-production screening process for appropriate socio-economic growth in the industry.
President, Directors Guild of Nigeria, Victor Akhai and other stakeholders also agreed on collective and concerted effort including unceasing support from the Government to move the industry forward.
Lateefah Ibrahim
