Nollywood Films: Vehicle for national unity and integration, says Senator Bala.

FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed (Left), the Minister of State FCT Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide (3rd left), Mr Michael Gozzard Writer/Producer/ Director of Hollywood and FCTA Permanent Secretary Dr. Nathaniel Biodun Olorunfemi in a group photograph with the Top Members of the Abuja Film Village

Nollywood Films: Vehicle for national unity and integration, says Senator Bala.
Godwin Ukaa, Abuja.

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has tasked members of the Kannywood and Nollywood to use film as a vehicle for national unity and integration.

The Minister gave this challenge while receiving the representatives of the US Embassy and members the Kannywood who were in Abuja for a workshop on screen writing that paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Area 11, Garki I District, Abuja.

Senator Mohammed charged the Nigeria film industry to as a matter of priority lay emphasis on the things that unite the country and de-emphasize those things that disunite us.

Source of employment and wealth creation

He reiterated that Nigeria has come of age and therefore called for unity between the Kannywood and Nollywood to exploit all the opportunities that abound in the entertainment industry.

The Minister remarked that film making has been a source of employment and wealth creation for the teeming population of the country and should be further developed to meet higher international standard.

Senator Mohammed charged the industry players to use culture to produce heroes as well as making it a veritable vehicle for social integration.

He commended the United States of American embassy in Nigeria for the partnership; saying that USA has always been a true partner.

Next level

Also speaking at the occasion, the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide appreciated the partnership; stressing that film is not only for entertainment but also a source of information and knowledge.

The Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom stated that the Nigeria film industry has been complimenting the investment drive of the country and that the government will continue to provide an enabling environment for it to strive.

Speaking earlier, Sani Mohammed, a public affairs specialist in the Embassy of the United States of America said that "the collaboration is to take Nigeria film industry especially Kannywood to the next level on screen play crafting".

Iheanacho