NIGERIA PRESENT GOVERNMENT WILL SUPPORT NOLLYWOOD---VP. JONATHAN

Source: nigeriafilms.com
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan

THE Vice President, Dr. Jonathan Goodluck has thrown his weight behind the Africa Movie academy Awards, AMAA even as Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has indicated interest in hosting the glamorous event next year.

The VP speaking through Mr. Oronto Douglas who represented him at An Evening with AMAA at Ocean View Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos penultimate week, said he has always identified with AMAA and believes strongly in the vision.

He said the future of Nigeria and the realization of the seven point agenda of the Federal Government and the Vision 2020 cannot and will not be realized without individuals in creative arts. "The development of Nigeria starts with the development of the talents and the promotion and defense of the arts and culture of our own people" he said.

On the Nollywood industry, the Vice President said the present Government will support the industry to surpass its present rating as the third largest in the world to the top of the pack. "Our support will not be in mere words but in the building infrastructures and empowerment of professionals in the industry" he said, adding that AMAA should facilitate a meeting between Government and stakeholders in the movie industry to discuss the modalities.

Meanwhile, Delta state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan at the same forum said he would like the idea of AMAA in the state. The Governor who was represented by the Special Adviser on Entertainment and Talent Development, Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo requested AMAA to forward its bid document to the state. "We will study the bid and see whether we are in a position to contest with other states," the Governor affirmed.

Other dignitaries at the event including Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, MD, NFC, and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu praised the initiative of Peace Anyiam-Fiberesima, the CEO of AMAA. "AMAA has defined Nollywood as the ultimate African cinematic expression," Adesanya enthused.

In her remarks, the AMAA boss thanked all who made the awards possible in the last three years. Declaring that AMAA remains Africa's biggest movie event beamed live to more than 150 million viewers across Africa and the wider world, she called on corporate bodies to support the activities of AMAA which besides the awards offer training, workshops and empowerment of youths in African continent.