Sanwo-Olu disclosed that a nine-man committee comprising
veteran filmmakers and some senior government officials headed by the
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture were set up last year with the
mandate of identifying struggling filmmakers that could be empowered with
grants and seed funds for film production purposes.
Represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and
Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf during the presentation of cheques to the 37
beneficiaries of the special interest-free loan to filmmakers at the Glover
Memorial Hall, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the aim of the initiative was to address
financial challenges that inhibit quality Film Production in Lagos and Nigeria.
In his words, “this Initiative and presentation of cheques
being done today is a testament to our commitment to ensure the potentials of
the entertainment industry are realized.
“I congratulate the beneficiaries of this Initiative who are
receiving their cheques today. I am without doubt that your proposals and plans
must have been really compelling and convincing to the committee.”
Sanwo-Olu admonished the beneficiaries to make judicious use
of the loan and pay it back at the stipulated time to enable others to be
empowered also.
Speaking, Akinbile-Yusuf revealed that before the
establishment of this revolving loan for Filmmakers, the governor had made
several interventions aimed at ameliorating the devastating effect of the
pandemic since the index case was reported in the country two years ago on
business owners in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism sector.
Akinbile-Yusuf averred that the cheques of N200 million
would be presented to 37 successful applicants to these revolving loans under
the first batch as more would still emerge as the collation for the second
batch of applicants had started.
The Commissioner posited that the state government was interested
in using the revolving funds to bring youths out of unemployment, while also
creating entrepreneurs that would use their creativity to enhance the market
shares of the film industry.
Permanent Secretary, in the ministry Oyinade Nathan-Marsh
commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s doggedness in transforming the Entertainment and
Tourism sector and as well as consistently keeping his electoral promises.
According to her, the sector was one of the key pillars in
the THEMES development agenda of this administration and deserved the attention
being given by the Lagos government to grow the economy of the State.
Some of the successful applicants who spoke at the event
commended Lagos State Government for fulfilling the promise made to them at an
interactive session held with the Governor last year.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Tunji Ojetola giving his
testimonial said the exercise was devoid of favouritism and that the
application process was seamless and the screening was thorough and
professional.
In his words “this is the first time a government policy is
well executed and the commendation should go to Mr. Governor and the Ministry.”
Veteran actor and filmmaker, Adebayo Salami aka Oga Bello
has heaped praises on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the
presentation of a N200m loan to 37 filmmakers.
Speaking after the presentation of cheques, Oga Bello, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues praised the Sanwo-Olu-led government while assuring that the funds will be well utilised and pay back without defaulting.
0 comments:
Post a Comment