Sept. 2, 2021

The Lagos State Government has charged movie producers and other relevant stakeholders in the film and entertainment industry to project content that will sustain the rich cultural heritage for economic development.

Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, gave the charge while speaking at the stakeholders’ forum organised by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) with the theme, “Content Development as a Driver for Sustainable Growth in the Film And Video Industry”, held at the STO Event Centre, CBD, Ikeja – Lagos.

Mrs. Akinbile-Yusuf added that quality content is essential for the growth and development of the sector, noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is passionate about positive repositioning of the industry.

While appreciating the stakeholders for their resilience and doggedness during the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic and their continuous support for the State Government, the Commissioner sought improved professionalism amongst practitioners.

“The gathering of the top echelon 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 creativity. We are in full support of the industry and will not rest on our oars until we achieve the desired result”, she averred.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, urged practitioners to conduct thorough research on the environment and community before producing content.

“Thorough background check on the norms, values and tradition of our community will harness the delivery of content for efficacy and professionalism”, she asserted.

In her address, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bukola Agbaminoja, acknowledged the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to utilising Arts, Culture, Film, Entertainment and Tourism as a catalyst for economic and social development.

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 society.

Speaking on the theme of the event, the Guest Speaker, Professor Sola Fosudo, cautioned that quality content is the soul of the film industry and, therefore, producers must strive to achieve it for acceptance in the society, noting that audiences will 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.

Another Speaker and Cultural Administrator, Film and Media Specialist, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, pointed out that Nollywood must shift from dysfunctional content to a more acceptable cultural and professional-oriented industry for sustainable development and competitiveness.