Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has got plaudits from the Association of Movie Producers in Nigeria after his quest to build a world class film village in Asaba, Delta state.
The Association of Movie Producers was led by the President, Ralph Nwadike, to the government house in Asaba while in the state for their general annual meeting.
The group were excited as Asaba is set to be made Nollywood’s home once the Asaba Film Village Project is completed. According to the movie producers, Nollywood is said to start from Zeb Ejiro’s office and there is no home for the film industry as it is in Bollywood and Hollywood.
In his words, ‘‘We have been to the Asaba Film Village project and we can boldly say we have a home-based here in Asaba.
”Nollywood started from Zeb Ejiro’s office but there is no place to say this is Nollywood like they have the Bollywood and Nollywood in India and America. And so, going to the Asaba Film Village will be our own Canaanland” he added.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Zed Ejiro as well as the President of the Director Guild of Nigeria (DGN) eulogized the governor for embarking on this project. They also stated that the film project will help to boost the productivity of movie producers in the state as well as tourism.
Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa thanked the movie producers for their visit. He also assured that his administration will partner with them to make Delta State a tourism destination.
In his words, ‘‘We are aware that most movies in Nigeria are shot in Delta and Asaba to be precise. The importance of the entertainment industry in job creation and economic development of Delta state cannot be overemphasized.
”We will create a functional movie village and with time, we will partner with the private sector to manage the film village.. I welcome you to Delta and wish you well in your elections” he stated.
