President-elect Bola Tinubu has commended former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, for documenting the history of Nigerian cinema and contributing to the development of the creative industry.
Speaking at the launch of a book, “30: Three Decades of the New Nigerian Cinema,” written by Ayorinde, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said his administration would raise the contribution of the film industry to the Nigerian economy from the 2.3 percent 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 its 50million US dollar investment within a year as a model achievable by the Nollywood industry.
Represented by former Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the president-elect
urged all stakeholders in the cinema sector to tell the stories of the greatness of 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.”
The event was chaired by former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and attended among others by former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, former Managing Director, First Bank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, and representatives of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Office of President-elect,
Tunde Rahman.
May 18, 2023.
