President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday vowed to extend his campaign against corruption to the Nollywood industry.
He said he would ensure relevant agencies and commissions are strengthened to execute his anti-corruption campaign on piracy.
The President spoke at the 28th edition of Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) international conference organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) in Abuja
He said the sector has contributed positively to the nation’s economy, thus deserve his attention.
”It is also pertinent to state that this administration is committed to revamping the Nigerian economy, diversifying the economy in the face of dwindling profits.
“In this regard, a sector that generates huge sum of money annually for the Nigerian economy and employs over a million Nigerians requires our attention. Relevant agencies of government will be empowered to deal with the menace of piracy which have become an albatross to both practitioners and government.
“We support the call for Nollywood to be repositioned to serve as veritable tool for the promotion of cultural diplomacy in view of the popularity Nollywood films enjoy globally,” Buhari said.
The President decried influence of foreign movies on Nigerians which he said, has “resulted in moral decadence and erosion of our cherished values.”
Buhari who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele expressed optimism that the Nollywood was capable of restoring the lost moral values.
Some of the Nollywood actress, who converged at the conference described piracy as the greatest threat to the sector which should be vigorously addressed to a logical end.
“Issues of national security are positive images for Nigeria which are primary focus of this conference. They form the central issue in our change agenda. I wish to reiterate our resolve to maintain efficient and disciplined security structures capable of making Nigeria a safe place for our citizens and foreigners alike.
“In this regard, we solicit the cooperation and supports of all Nigerians and key stakeholders like Nollywood to make Nigerians appreciate the enormous socio-economic and political benefits of living in peace and harmony,” Buhari added.
The participants said despite being ranked as the second largest movie industry in the world, Nollywood ought to stimulate collective attention because of its potentials to the economy.
In his remark, the former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida canvassed for an appropriate policy that would sustain growth of the sector and help tackle some of its challenges including piracy.
He described the sector as being capable of addressing cultural imperialism.
Babangida, who was represented by the former NICO Governing Board Chairman, Alh. Is’mail Ibrahim said Nollywood could promote the nation’s culture, external relations as well as foreign exchange learning.
Earlier, National President of SONTA, Prof. Sunday Enessi advised the President to extend his vision to the film industry.
According to him, the sector has the potential of contributing immensely to the nation’s coffer especially in an era that the nation is considering to diversify its economy.
“Permit me to state that, if the present government was to go far in her change mission and national orientation, the answer is Nollywood. Also, we affirm that Mr. President’s determined fight against corruption is commendable and it should not start and end with government officials only.
“Corrupt practices in the private sector should receive due attention. As it concerns Nollywood, piracy is the industry’s greatest headache that needs to be specially tackled to a halt. When this battle against piracy is won, Nollywood and its economic benefits shall have stronger footing and genuine impact on our economy,” he said.
“Simply put, Nollywood is a goldmine that has not been fully exploited for gainful impact in our socio-cultural system in Nigeria. Indeed, interrogating Nollywood and national security opens a fresh vista on how the current security challenges in Nigeria can be addressed.
“Repositioning the Nigerian film industry to play key role in character transformation, national consciousness and security sensitivity shall be in the overall interest of Nigerians. The film is a very potent medium with very wide reach and with mass mobilization appeal.”
In his keynote lecture, Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi from Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan recommended a working relationship between Nollywood and security forces, provision of grants by government, checkmate ‘Africa Magic and MultiChoice”, merge the National Film Institute NFI and the TV college.
He called for provision of legal teeth to the motion picture practitioners council and also make the national film policy an article of faith in the industry.
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