Continue To Promote Our Cultural Values, Amosun Charges Actors

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has charged Nollywood Actors  not to relent in their efforts at promoting the rich African cultural heritage and values, as well as work towards surpassing Hollywood in the near future.

Governor Amosun gave the charge in his welcome address at the opening of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Ogun Nollywood Fiesta 2018, held at the Hubert Ogunde Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Dayo Adeneye, the Governor said entertainment industry in which Nollywood was an integral part and a huge business, requires innovations to make the industry more lucrative.

He admonished Nollywood practitioners, writers and directors to always tell Nigerian stories in positive light, elevate the right content in their production and embrace global best practices.

“Drama is a representation of life, and by extension, a useful vehicle for showcasing our culture. We must therefore as a matter of expediency, stop projecting indecency, gangsterism and other forms of anti-social behaviours in our productions. All of these vices are alien to our culture and an antithesis to our principle of ‘Omoluabi’ in Yorubaland,” the Governor stated.

Governor Amosun noted that the current administration in the State has continued to promote culture through the use of local fabrics, the Adire and Kampala at official functions and has hosted two editions of the African Drum festival, while the third edition was scheduled for next week.

Earlier in his address, President, DGN, Mr. Fred Amata while commending the State government for its support towards the programme, said the body stands tall in the creative industry, as filmmaking was a goldmine that ensures livelihood in a wide range of vocations, adding that its membership was increasing on daily basis.

In his remark, Ogun State coordinator and Member, National Films and Video Censors Board, Mr. Kehinde Soaga, said the programme was organised to redefine Nollywood, integrate all professionals and stakeholders to work together in line with the rebuilding mission of Senator Ibikunle Amosun.