The Federal Government says it will provide the needed facilities for the entertainment industry to thrive in the country.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said this in
an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of
the 4th All African Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2017 in Lagos.
He said that the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari, would
continue to support the entertainment industry by providing
infrastructural facilities.
On the significance of the AFRIMA to Nigeria’s economy and
entertainment industry, Mr.Mohammed said that in order to encourage the
entertainment industry, government would partner with private investors
to invest more in the entertainment facilities.
“The entertainment industry is overwhelming in the world right now
and in Nigeria, we need to do more in providing right atmosphere which
is infrastructural facilities for the industry.
“We are not just talking about power sector or water, we are talking
about entertainment. We need to be on purpose, build halls that will
encourage our artists and musicians.
“We are talking about domestic tourism, domestic market where we can
really expose our artists, so this will not only be about government but
also private sector to provide the infrastructure.
“On the part of government, we will encourage more private sector and
philanthropists all over the world because it is not something we leave
to government alone,’’ he said.
Lai Mohammed said that hosting of event such as AFRIMA was another way of
generating income for the government because of the tourism factor
which could bring more earnings.
“Nigeria is having this event now, AFRIMA 2017, and we are talking
about bringing another way of improving our economy through other
income.
“We must not forget that Nigeria hosted same award last year and we
have to make another positive request for this year so that it can
remain in Nigeria.
“We thank the African Union (AU) for this opportunity for accepting
Nigeria, to host it again this year. We are also grateful to Lagos State
government for the support of this award.
“The positive thing about the award is that we have been able to move
the music industry from the back corner to the front burner,’’ he said.
Lai Mohammed said that the concentration would not be placed only on
agriculture or oil and gas, but also on creative industry as a means of
diversifying the economy.
“This means when we are talking about economy, we are not just
talking about agriculture, solid mineral or construction but actually
more in the creative industry.
“Nigeria already has a very high advantage, and we can see that
recently with the awards Nigerian are getting in the industry and most
recent of the Wizkid award in U.K.
“This shows the kind of influence we can have in the creative industry which can be positive to our economy,’’ he said.
The minister was the Special Guest of Honour at the Awards Ceremony.
(NAN)
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