Reps to partner movie directors on Nollywood development

The House of Representatives has expressed its readiness to partner the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, to enhance its performance in the entertainment sector and boost government revenue and by extension the development of the country

The Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the Nigerian film industry had come a long way, adding that all well-meaning Nigerians, especially government at all levels, should support it for the betterment of the country.

The Speaker made this known when he received a delegation of the Movie Directors Guild of Nigeria in his office in Abuja.

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A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, quoted Gbajabiamila as assuring the DGN delegation that he would talk to the Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism to get in touch with relevant agencies to allow movie producers to use their facilities whenever there was such a need.

The Speaker also proposed the establishment of an academy of performing arts where the government would be fully involved.

“You should work out a template and liaise with the relevant committees. If you set up something like that, government will generate revenue. We have too many talents in Nigeria that should not waste away.”

Earlier, the President of the DGN, Fred Amata, said they were in the Speaker’s office to solicit his support and presence during the guild’s forthcoming 20th anniversary, which would involve a novelty match with Gbajabiamila’s team.

In his contribution, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, called on the movie producers to portray Nigeria’s security agencies in a good light at this time of security challenges

In his remark, an actor and producer-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot, said there was a need for partnership between the House and the creative industry