Tasks Nollywood On Nation’s Image …Lauds Award Nominees

Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has urged Nollywood practitioners to put more professional touches into their movies in order to create a more responsible film industry.
Amaechi said this last Sunday night at the Government House, Port Harcourt, at a dinner organised for nominees of the Best of Nollywood Awards 2013.
The governor, who spoke through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nnabbs Imegwu, described the Nigerian film industry as a very important mirror meant to portray the society in a responsible way.
“Nollywood represents Nigeria both at home and overseas. It is part of our everyday life here in Nigeria and in sverseas, it is an export commodity and the world sees us through most of the movies we shoot and send out. The film industry should, therefore, be responsible in representing the country and we should always support it,” he said.
The organiser of the awards, Mr Seun Oloketuyi, said that the awards had come a long way in its five years of existence.
“We are seeking to uplift the industry and encourage professionalism among our practitioners. We will maintain a responsible industry”, he said and called for more government’s support for the Nigerian film industry.
Among the popular Nollywood actors at the event were Segun Arinze, Fathia Balogun, Adaora Ukoh, John Okafor, Foluke Daramola and Eniola Badmus.
Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has commended the Best Of Nollywood (BON) Awards Nominees for their contributions to national life and society.
Amaechi spoke last Sunday night during the hosting of the BON Awards Nominees at Government House, Port Harcourt.
“I appreciate your being here in Port Harcourt as BON Awards nominees, I wish you all a wonderful moment”, Amaechi said.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nabbs Imegwu said, the hosting of the BON Awards Nominees in Port Harcourt was aimed at celebrating creativity in nation building and promotion of leadership qualities.
According to him, “we are here to celebrate creativity and to be recognised for promoting leadership qualities”, Dr Nabbs said.
Dr Nabbs also urged the nominees of the BON Awards to use their creativity and ideas to promote issues that would foster peaceful co-existence in the current democratic dispensation.
Some of the Nollywood stars present at BON Awards include, John Okafor, Segun Arinze, Moses Iwang, Jack Matilda, Chinyere Nwabueze, Alex Ekubo, Uche Benjamin, amongst others, while highlights of the event was cultural dances, comedy and music.