Akwa Ibom Entertainment Industry: Beyond the Jamborees
Nelson NseAbasi
The Africa Renewal Journal reports that “The Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, produces about 50 movies per week, second only to India’s Bollywood—more than Hollywood in the United States. Although its revenues are not on par with Bollywood’s and Hollywood’s, Nollywood still generates an impressive $590 million annually. Believing that if the industry is properly managed, a million more jobs could be created in the sector”
Fanfare and jamboree are elements that simply define entertainment and make it thick. As the English dictionary defines it; 'the act of providing or being provided by amusement or enjoyment'. If the Special Assistant to the governor of Akwa Ibom State on Entertainment Industry, David Sageant is to be judged going by the definition 'providing entertainment', the Governor and people of Akwa Ibom State will score him very high, as he has since appointment provided quality entertainment to the people and Governor on several occasions. Unfortunately, that seems not to be the criteria, and Governor Udom Emmanuel in his wisdom had added the word 'Industry' to the office given the popular comedian.
‘With more than a million people, Nollywood is the country’s second largest employer’. While you are continually being amused, it will interest you to know that enjoyment can be a serious income earner. The word ‘Industry’ makes the responsibility attached to the office seem herculean, I remember in my article ‘Why Utang Akwa Ibom May Fail Governor Udom Emmanuel’ after his appointment, I had mentioned among other succinct points that;
“The newly appointed aide to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Entertainment Utang Akwa Ibom has a herculean task up his sleeves, to drive the long awaited overall development of the industry. Maybe not directly, but he will be expected to draw a blue print and facilitate the commencement of the journey to the Akwa Ibom Entertainment Industry of our dream. Being the pioneer occupant of the office, he is to help the current administration with responsibility of defining institutions of Government that encourage and regulate the arts properly”.
The year 2017 being the second year of a four-year term the serving administration will spend in office. It is pertinent however to access the progress made in the entertainment industry, to capitalize on the impact the office has made in the Movie, Music, Disc Jockeying ,Comedy and Dance sub sectors.
On how Utang has fared so far, as a member of the 19-Man-State-Entertainment-Committee, I will leave the score sheet for onlookers to fill on the completion of his time in office. However, I know for sure that, the trust of Akwa Ibom Entertainers in Government was rekindled by the appointment of Utang Akwa Ibom as aide to the Governor on Entertainment Industry, who immediately hit the ground and started running. Asides setting up a 19- man committee, he has since sought the advice and guidance from the experience of stakeholders in the industry.
While still very active with his first love as Master of Ceremonies and Broadcaster with AKBC TV, the rib craker and actor has met with virtually all sectors that make up the industry; Disc Jockeys, Marketers, Actors except for the embattled PMAN, to hear firsthand the challenges befalling them, and seek measures to assist with long lasting solutions.
Utang Akwa Ibom has also used his office to organize crowd pulling shows that have had the entire state talking good about the present administration, giving hope to budding artistes and putting food on the table of fast rising and established ones. Some of the events to his credit includes Ibom Unity Concert, Akwa Ibom At 29 Novelty Football Match, Ibom Easter Fiesta, and most recently, Ibom Entertainers Night.
In 2016, the Nigerian entertainment industry contributed N54b (Fifty Four Billion Naira) to the Nigerian economy. Beyond the jamborees, this article seeks to openly solicit the support of well-meaning Akwa Ibomites and Corporate bodies operating in the state to consider an investment in the entertainment industry as a veritable investment that will boost their brands with guaranteed returns on investment.
Looking at the bigger picture Utang Akwa Ibom has for the industry, he said the vision is encapsulated in what he calls the ‘Ibom Entertainment Village’.
A focal point of his manifesto, being a village which will house all sectors of the entertainment industry, providing services and facilities at subsidized rates. The village is expected to have a multipurpose event centre, a shopping complex for the marketing of music CDs, dvds, and other creative works of art, also containing an Audio Recording Studio, Dance Studio and so on.
Already, Event centres are springing up in Uyo, Eket & Ikot Ekpene and top entertainers in the mainstream are not thinking twice before choosing Uyo to host world class concerts. Steps ought to be taken towards the dream, beyond the jamborees and the political promises, relevant government arms and agencies in Akwa Ibom state are expected to set up a structures to consolidate on the gains of the industry at national level, to facilitate its resultant effect on the Akwa Ibom economy.
This article does not seek to glorify him for his efforts, or to highlight his achievements which I think are numerous, but rather it is a clarion call to all practitioners, stakeholders and potential investors to partner with Utang on the establishment of an industry that will become a major income earner for the state, as Governor Udom Emmanuel foresees.
The more vibrant the industry, the events, which means more patronage Akwa Ibom talents and service providers. Foreign Direct Investment through Public-Private Sector Partnership will be the crown of all efforts, as the positive effect of tourism on the economy of the host community is always enormous.
The role of Entertainment in tourism cannot be overemphasized, same as the role of Tourism in Entertainment, Entertainment is not just a major component of tourism, or a complimentary element, it is a determining factor. For instance, Concerts attract thousands of visitors in the name of artistes, band members and service providers. Take for example the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival or Tilapia Island Resort, one is marveled by the number of visitors who troop to the state for such events, or to Abak to enjoy performances by top artistes billed to feature at events hosted at relaxation center.
These and more is the motivation behind this piece… An Akwa Ibom Entertainment Industry Beyond the Jamborees.
Nelson NseAbasi is a Media Strategist, Talent/Brand & Event Manager
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