Prominent academics and industry players have called on government at all levels to partner with the Rivers State International Film Festival (RIFF) to unlock the hidden potentials of the film industry and market the State to the international community.

The appeal was made at the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the festival, held recently at Ezewali Event Centre in Port Harcourt.

The festival, which featured film screenings, workshops, and discussions, aimed to promote Nigerian culture and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.

A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Femi Shaka; Mr Tobechukwu Daniel: and the Chief Executive Officer of Down Town Cinema, Mrs Nneka Clareth commended the Chief Executive Officer of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo for her efforts in promoting the culture of the Niger Delta and Nigeria through film.

According to Prof Shaka, “They are telling our stories the way nobody else will tell it. It gives them the opportunity to show the world what we have.”

He urged the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and other Governors from the Niger Delta States to support RIFF, describing it as a marketplace where upcoming stars can showcase their talents.

Mr Tobechukwu Daniel, one of the founding fathers of RIFF, expressed satisfaction with the four-day programme, which was jam-packed with activities that had a direct impact on the participants and the industry.

He emphasised the need for government partnership, stating that funding from governments, multinationals, and captains of industries is crucial for the growth of the film industry.

“The international participation in RIFF programmes will boost our economy, as they will watch our cinema, buy our films, and give our youths opportunities to showcase their talent,” Daniel said, advising actors and actresses to focus on professionalism rather than godfatherism.

Mrs Nneka Clareth, who has been in the business for 12 years, noted that lack of funding is a setback to the nation.

“I want the government to support Nollywood in totality, because Nollywood covers visibility, sustainability, culture, tourism, storytelling, and a whole lot,” she said.

The festival, which featured free medical treatment, film production, scriptwriting, and discussions on various topics by professionals, drew participants from different parts of the world.

The organisers commended Kate Ezeigbo and her team for putting together a wonderful event, urging participants to make proper use of the opportunity.

The Chairman of Hausa Butchers Association in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Alhaji Hamisu Jika, has commended the Chairman of the local government council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma for organising a successful free medical outreach programme that benefited thousands of people in the area.

The outreach, which was organised by the local government council provided free medical services to thousands of people, including the elderly, women, and children, healing many with different ailments.

Alhaji Jika described Hon Abuba as a visionary leader, who has the welfare of his people at heart, noting that he is a de-tribalised Nigerian citizen who is determined to run an all-inclusive government.

He pledged the total support of the Hausa community to the administration of the council chairman in all its programmes and policies.

According to Alhaji Jika, the Hausa community in Ahoada East is law-abiding and will continue to maintain the existing peace in the area.

“Honestly, I want to tell you that we are peace-loving people and we are solidly behind the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East in all his programmes and policies in the local government,” he said.

The chairman revealed that the Hausas and their hosts, the Ahoada people, have been enjoying a cordial relationship since they started settling in the area, stressing that the council chairman has been a good leader who does not condone evil.

He expressed optimism that Hon Abuba will improve the comfort and wellbeing of the people and transform the council area, noting that the chairman has his people at heart.

He, therefore, called on both indigenes and non-indigenes of the local government to rally round the chairman, as he needs their support to take the local government to another level.

He appealed to the chairman to look into the welfare of Hausa people and help them with soft loans to boost their businesses, noting that some of the Hausas were born and brought up in Ahoada and have married there, and there is understanding and cordiality amongst them in the area.

Alhaji Jika also called on the youths to be law-abiding and stay away from trouble, stressing that where there is no peace, there will not be any meaningful development.

It was gathered that the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma has indeed started well and is working hard to fulfill his electioneering promises, making him a charismatic leader and the man of the people.

A prominent advocacy women group in Rivers State, the Royal Ladies Association of Port Harcourt(ROLAPH), has commended Local Government Chairmen across Rivers State for what it described as exceptional grassroots governance and notable infrastructural achievements and performance recorded so far since their few months ago.

Speaking with newsmen recently at Mirinwanyi- Asa, in Oyigbo Local Government Area, President of the group, Mrs Franca Dave Ollawa, praised the Chairmen for implementing projects aimed at improving community life, strengthening local economies, and enhancing public services.

According to her, several Local Government Areas have recorded improvements in road rehabilitation, market expansion, health-care revitalization, and community electrification, curbing the excesses of flood menace in their various Local Government Areas, and regular payment of workers salaries, retirees’ entitlements, and fringe benefits, among other welfare packages.

The Association through its National President, Mrs Franca Ollawa, noted that such efforts reflect a clear commitment to public accountability, inclusive leadership, and development-focused governance.

While acknowledging the achievements, the Association urged the Chairmen to intensity development initiatives, especially in areas, such as, youth empowerment, security collaboration, and rural infrastructure expansion.

Ollawa stressed that sustained investment in community- based programmes would ensure long-term growth and stability across the state.

She maintained that from the coastal communities of Bonny to the inland stretches of Ahoada, Rivers State’s Local Government Chairmen deserves uncommon praise for their repositioning grassroots development mantra for the betterment of the masses in their respective domains.

Ollawa added that the group’s commendation reflects a broader trend of evolving governance, where local councils increasingly, take initiative, to implement tangible, people- centered projects.

“In many Local Government Areas, newly rehabilitated roads are easing transportation difficulties, while solar streetlights, illuminate previously dark neighborhoods, improving safety and extending economic activity into late hours. Markets have been renovated to accommodate expanding commercial activity, and health-care centres are receiving essential upgrades.

“But beyond the physical structures lies a more profound narrative renewed public trust.”

Meanwhile, residents in several communities say they are beginning to feel the presence of government in a way that was once elusive.

Mrs Franca Ollawa, however, emphasized the importance of continuity, pointing out that the Association’s call for more developmental projects is not merely a demand, it is a roadmap for accelerating local prosperity.

“With rising youth unemployment and persistent infrastructure gaps, Local Government Areas have a central role to play in achieving lasting progress”, Mrs Franca Ollawa submitted.

-Bethel Toby