President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former governors of Ekiti and Lagos states, Kayode Fayemi and Akinwunmi Ambode joined other stakeholders in the creative industry to set fresh agenda for Nollywood recently at the book launch by Steve Ayorinde, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Lagos.
The book, “30: Three Decades of the New Nigerian Cinema” documents the history of Nigerian cinema and the contribution of the creative industry to the economy and cultural renaissance.
Speaking at the launch of the book, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who was represented by Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, a former Commissioner in Lagos State said his administration would raise the contribution of the film industry to the Nigerian economy from the current 2.3% to GDP recorded last year to a much higher level.
Extolling the laudable contributions of actors, actresses, film directors and producers to the economy, Asiwaju Tinubu cited the success recorded by a film, “Woman King,” which reportedly netted $50million revenue within a year as a model achievable by the Nollywood industry.
In a press release by the office of the President-elect signed by Tunde Rahman, the President-elect urged all stakeholders in the cinema sector to tell the stories of the greatness of Nigeria and Nigerians as they turn trials into triumphs.
”Let us turn our rich culture, proud heritage, interesting history into captivating films to enable our youths learn where our country is coming from so that they can participate meaninfully in the journey to a better and prosperous future,” Asiwaju Tinubu said.
The event was chaired by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and attended among others by former Governor Ambode, former Managing Director, First Bank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, and representatives of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. Others who attended were Mr. George Anyiam-Osigwe, Kennedy Anyiam-Osigwe, Nze Charles Anyiam-Osigwe and Mrs. Chinyelu Anyiam-Osigwe.
The event which was also used to celebrate the Late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, founder of Africa Movie Academy Award and notable industry playmaker was well attended by Nollywood filmmakers which include Joke Silva, Jide Kosoko, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Odugbemi, Mahmood Alli-Balogun and many others.
Tetsekela Anyiam-Osigwe, a PhD student at Princeton University, an Ivy League University in the United States read a chapter contributed to the book by her late aunty to the admiration of the audience.