Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has charged youths to explore opportunities in the entertainment industry, to create wealth and develop the nation.

The governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Lawrence Ejiofor, gave the charge on Wednesday at a One-Day Entertainment Summit in Asaba.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the summit, which was organized by Mr. Frank Otoide, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor, has as its theme as,” The Role of Entertainment in Jibs Creation and Revenue Generation, Entertainment, the New Oil”.

Okowa said that the choice of the theme was in perfect alignment with his administration’s agenda to build a stronger Delta.

He said that the entertainment industry remained the second largest employer of labor after agriculture, adding that entertainment was worth over 136 billion dollars world over.

According to the governor, the Nigeria Movie Industry (Nollywood) is worth billions of dollars.

“The Entertainment industry has the strength to create jobs, provide relaxation, encourage new talents and creativity among the youth.”

He said that through the industry the country had culturally influenced the outside world with its culture.

He cautioned that entertainment was also a mirror through which other parts of the world view our country, adding that practitioners must project the country in a positive manner.

Okowa said that the state government had commenced the construction of a film village in Asaba, to support the industry with a target to grow talents and create jobs.

Mr. Frank Otoide popularly know as Frank d Don, commended the governor for appointing him as SSA, saying that the summit would enable those in the entertainment industry in the state to share ideas aimed at building a stronger Delta State.

“My office is open to ideas to boost the entertainment industry; music, dance, film and movie, comedy and many others.

“My office is poised to build welfare for those in the entertainment industry, I am looking at a new entertainment industry, where practitioners would work together to achieve greatness.

Some of the resource persons drawn from the industry include; Mr. Fred Amata, Agatha Amata, Mr. Okiemute Onovwakpor and Joe Morgan, they urged the youth to properly develop their talents and tap into the numerous opportunities that abound.

They had acknowledged the effort of the government to support the industry but called for more support to liberate the industry and tap into its jobs and wealth creation potentials.

They advised the youths to believe in themselves and properly package their products for the available markets as well as explore the social media to have a breakthrough.

They also warned on the need for practitioners to shun the attitude of getting rich quick but painstakingly build their careers, master it, make a name and then go for the money.

They also urged the Federal Government to make the industry a national project to particularly explore the potentials in solving national challenges of unemployment and wealth creation among others.

 

NAN