Gov. Ambode says entertainment industry viable for job creation

Lagos State Government says it will explore the potential that abound in the entertainment and arts industry as a viable platform to create jobs for the teeming youths in the state.
Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode said this on Wednesday when some members of cast and crew of ’93 Days,’ visited to him at the Lagos House, Alausa. The team was working on a film which chronicles how Lagos was able to effectively contain the Ebola Virus Disease in 2014.

He assured the team, led by veteran Hollywood actor, Mr Danny Glover, that his government will give the necessary support to the film project.

He said that the collective feat recorded would 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 achievement that we can put together, it’s 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,” he said.

Ambode, while thanking the crew for deeming it fit to use the film to tell the Ebola success story in Lagos, also seized the opportunity to name Glover as Brand Ambassador for Lagos.

According to him, his wealth of experience would benefit the entertainment industry in the state immensely. “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,” he said. Ambode said that his administration would continue to support the strides of Nollywood industry.

He expressed optimism that aside providing entertainment to the eyes, the industry had 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 shared the vision of Ambode to further project Lagos as a centre of excellence.

He also pledged to engage in works that would encourage upcoming artists to fully actualise their potential.