Entertainment industry, viable platform for job creation – Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said the state government will explore the potentials that abound in the entertainment and arts industry as a viable platform to create jobs for the teeming youths in the state. The Governor spoke when some members of cast and crew of ’93 Days’, a film which chronicles how Lagos was able to effectively contain the Ebola Virus Disease last year, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. 

He assured the team, led by veteran Hollywood actor, Mr. Danny Glover, that his government will give the necessary support to project the ideals of the film, stressing that the collective feat recorded will remain a milestone in the history of the state. “Clearly, what you have done to join hands with our people in Nollywood is to celebrate one of the major successes of Lagos State”. 

“Our government will support this project. No story can be told better than in graphic form and once you are turning this story to a movie, it means that every other part of achievements that we can put together is going to be something historic. It’s happening for the very first time. Apart from the fact that it is showing the way government has been able to respond to issues that relate to the society, we are also showcasing what Lagos stands for,” Ambode said. 

The Governor, while thanking the crew for deeming it fit to use the film to retell the Ebola success story in Lagos, also seized the opportunity to name Mr. Glover as Brand Ambassador for Lagos, saying that his wealth of experience will benefit the entertainment industry in the state immensely. 

“I can say that this is a platform to rebrand Lagos and for that reason, we would support this film and everything that has to do with it. Like I said, we would be looking forward to the premiere and I have told Danny that he has to be part of it and bring his experience and social-capital into it and he will be coming with other world class actors to do that. We would join in promoting this also”. 

“That means a lot to us and it would also mean a lot to the entertainment industry. It would be part of the legacies that you would be leaving to us here because as much as we look forward to all the great things that you have achieved, we believe also that this would also be part of the celebration for your 70th birthday next year”, he said. 

“As we move forward, in 2017, Lagos will be 50 years. So, Lagos at 50 is something that we are planning and the planning must start from now and it has so much to do with entertainment and things that are actually monumental and iconic. I have also extended invitation to Danny Glover and he would be part of that celebration come 2017”, the Governor said.
He said his administration will continue to support the strides of Nollywood industry, expressing optimism that aside providing entertainment to the eyes, the industry has the capacity to stimulate job creation for youths in the state. 

Earlier, Glover said the film ’93 Days’ acknowledged the efforts of the state government in curtailing the Ebola Virus Disease adding that it was not a mean feat.
He welcomed his nomination as brand Ambassador for the state, saying he shares the vision of Governor Ambode to further project Lagos as a Centre of Excellence. He also pledged to engage in works that will encourage upcoming artist to fully actualize their potentials.

- vanguardngr.com -