The Nigerian entertainment industry, as a sub sector of the tourism industry, offers the highest number of employment for the youth, and as such, every government must consider this sector as a priority in their manifesto and development plan.It could be recalled that in 2014,the Nigerian Entertainment Industry single handedly raised the nation's earning above that of South Africa, making Nigeria the leading economy in Africa.
This and other reasons made the Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to have series of meetings with talents in the industry, and his administration has given out billions of naira as grant to practitioners and stakeholders in the industry at national level.
Entertainment Journalists and practitioners in Akwa Ibom are drawing the attention of the general public and the government to this critical sector, using Akwa Ibom state as a case study to galvanize adequate support for the industry, and possible access to grant and sponsorships for would be Musicians, Producers, Comedians, Actors, Marketers,Disc Jockeys, Photographers, Cinematographers, Technicians, Service Providers, Bloggers and Entertainment Journalists of Akwa Ibom origin from across the state and the country.
In the heat of preparations for the 2015 general elections, it was imperative of celebrities to pitch tents with politicians of their choice. For an artiste like Davido, reverse was the case, as he performed in Akwa Ibom for one political party, and in Lagos for another party. As for the case in Akwa Ibom, it wasn't different, at first, the entertainers had gone astray as to the choice of aspirant or political party to endorse or support individually and as a union.
In January 2015, news filtered into town about the establishment of Akwa Ibom Entertainers Movement, forming an umbrella body to supersede the affairs of entertainers through out the P.D.P rally, headed by the Ini Ikpe and Ice Kyd Banton led EXCO, which emerged from an unprecedented turbulent election amongst A-list celebrities, all thanks to the intervention of Sir MondayEbong Uko, campaign mobilization chairman & Honourable Commissioner For Youths & Sports.
Following proceedings of the Udom/Moses Divine Mandate campaign train,our search light beamed across the state to spot light top entertainment celebrities and what they feel about the consummate banker, technocrat cum politician- Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
The celebrities/entertainers took their turns to share their thoughts about Governor Godswill Akpabio's anointed successor in Udom Emmanuel, and their individual expections from the next Governor of Akwa Ibom state, as it regards their field of endeavor- Entertainment.
Excerpts;
Chief Emmanuel Ntia (JP) Ete Ntia- ( 88 years old Highlife Legend)
He is my son, Emmanuel is my son and Emmanuel is my name.
Let him recognize me as his father when he becomes the governor. That is why at this age, we are moving around with him around all local governments.
Udom should continue where Akpabio stopped, he should not leave God.
As entertainers, I had secured a land for musicians during my days as the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Akwa Ibom state chapter, under the administration of Obong Akpan Isemin, I want Udom to revisit that vision to have a secretariat for entertainers.
Emman Mbong (Aide to Governor Akpabio & Showbiz / Nollywood Investor)
Udom Emmanuel is a gift from God to Akwa Ibom people, a Right man of integrity coming at the right time.
There is a foundation for him to build on, he is coming to expand the entertainment industry.
With Uncommon Transformation projects like Ibom Tropicana, the International Conference Centre, 3-5 star hotels in the complex, wet and dry park, the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Ikot Ekpene among others, our industry is fertile, and we need some sort of revolution to catapult us to the next level which is what Udom is bringing.
The government can not do everything, the private sector is needed to support in someway. So with Udom, private sector will begin to identify with the potentials of the industry. Udom should also open up a grant or fund for our talents just like President has done at national level, so our people can access it, then pay back to make the funds available for the next person.
Okuku Aniekan Safro (Renowned Traditional Musian)
Governance is a highly sophisticated process in life.
A ruler doesn't beg but gives... And Udom has the potentials because he gives.
I advise Udom Emmanuel to form a ministry of entertainment and I will be the pioneer commissioner. (laughs)
But seriously, Entertainment can change our economy, in history, the band ABBA earned 6billion pounds in foreign earnings to the Swedish government.
Fadabasi (Musician & former brand ambassador for Diamond Bank & FCMB)
I think Udom is a brilliant man, and I appreciate his pedigree as a well read man who is widely travelled, with his experience, he can take us to the next level in Akwa Ibom which is industrialization. The youth needs jobs.
We are singing him into office, so we expect him to give adequate attention to our industry, tourism, hotels, entertainment journalists and everybody who is contributing to the showcase of the state.
He should set up a loan scheme for home grown artistes and show biz investors.
Mista Xto (Musician, Member, Culture & Tourism Board, Federal House of Representative Hopeful)
Our expectation in the entertainment industry is not a party affair, it is not just an Udom or P.D.P thing. It is a general expectation from whoever the next Governor of Akwa Ibom will be; I expect the next Governor of Akwa Ibom to define institutions of Government that encourage the arts properly, renovate Ibom hall to have a better capacity and sound engineering facility, most importantly subsidized rate for student and non sponsored entertainment shows. The next Governor should separate the protocol department from that of Arts, Culture & Tourism. We need improved infrastructure in the Council for Arts &Culture on Abak road, to protect and promote Akwa Ibom heritage, to empower and monitor the progress which will discover and develop young artists and artistes.
Finally, no matter the pressure, the next Governor should not send a scientist to the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, except he or she has a proven track record in the arts.
Also speaking as an entertainer contesting election to represent the people of Uruefong Oruko under Accord Party, I will also do my bit in the Federal House of Representatives to protect the interest of my industry.
CYX (Musician, Student Leader & Politician)
He is a great guy with the capacity to change the status quo in the entertainment industry,as a professional who believes in entrepreneurship. I think he will create a platform to help the business and not the fun of entertainment and paparazzi which is all we have been seeing, now it is time for show-business.
Comedian Sir James (Chairman Comedians International)
Udom has integrity, potentialities, foresight, and credibility to continue where Governor Akpabio stopped. I am speaking as a part of his team, being the P.R.O of Akwa Ibom Entertainers Movement for Udom. Having followed him around for his LGA's campaign, I have seen that indeed, he is an entertainer himself, and he has appreciated our efforts by setting up a committee of entertainers for his campaign and gave a bus.
Udom has shown his understanding of the role of entertainers and I believe that he will support the industry just like his predecessor did, i hope that he will be the first Governor to appoint entertainers into his cabinet to serve as Commissioner, Special Assistant, Personal Assistant and even create a Board to oversee Entertainment in Akwa Ibom State.
UNIK Brothers (Musicians)
Udom is an entertainer...all in one. You identify an entertainer by their love for the art. Just like Godswill Akpabio. He will Continue from where he stopped, and take it to a higher level.
With Udom, Akwa Ibom will find it easy to produce and promote our talents to international standard and community.
Emma Solution (Actor & OAP with Atlantic FM)
I see the future of the state in Udom. Looking at his contacts in the business circle, Udom will move Akwa Ibom from a political state to an industrialized state. Creating employment for the average youth being churned out from our schools.
We need a bureau for entertainment, we are growing in number everyday, some are almost lost, so we need it to take care of all the branches and sub sectors.
Pasto Goody Goody ( Revered Dancehall musician)
I thank Godswill for bringing Udom Emmanuel. I believe he will deliver...from experience and antecedents.
He loves entertainment, and as such, he will create an enabling environment for the growth of the entertainment industry...when industries and companies thrive, show biz will thrive and enjoy sponsorships.
Moses Eskor (DGN) (Movie Producer)
Udom is Intelligent. Simple. He is the best thing to happen to Akwa Ibom state and at the 'Right' time. His experience in the private sector will benefit entertainer as entrepreneurs.
I expect him to set up an Entertainment Board, just like the
Hotels & Tourism Board, Sports Commission, Hospital Management Board, etc. With a Commission or Board, entertainers will be recognized as stake holders in the economy and the industry can be regulated.
Since 'The Grant' by Mr. president could hardly be accessed because of tribalism. I will like Mr. Udom Emmanuel to bail back our industry at state level with a Bond, so entertainers can access loans to pursue their show business and pay back through board.
When asked to speak on harmony of unions and how talents under the varus unions will access such loans, Mr Eskor stated that Actors Guild of Nigeria is shaking at national level, but harmony at state level is possible, just like the Udom/Mose campaign has brought himself and Moses Armstrong of Ibom Actors Forum together.
Kemini- Akwa Ibom born Texas Based Artiste
We here alot about governor Akpabio in the United States of America. Since Akpabio suggests Udom Emmanuel, I feel he will follow his foot steps. I know Akpabio encouraged a lot of artistes. I feel the next Governor should follow suit, by creating a platform for up comers to showcase.
Like the 9999 and more, for the circular music in the entertainment industry, showcasing our talents, culture, music, food...all join. (laughs)
Acceptance of Nigerian music abroad is cool. Akwa Ibom people are doing well abroad, we hear Iyanya, MC Galaxy and host of others, being in Nigeria feels different, compared to doing Nigerian music abroad. I feel alot of energy from the streets and it is inspiring.
To be continued; watch out for what Nature Udoh, Ini Ikpe, Ice Kyd, Leriq, Eddie Izycs, Pattina, Ini Edo, Emem Isong, Presh, Dear Kelly, Brandiny, Ukelly, Hon. Eno Williams, Moses Armstrong, Okon Lagos, Annie Idibia, Aity Dennis and other celebrities have to say.
Credit: Nelson NseAbasi
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