The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has revealed that the State Government, through the Ministry, is set to support and collaborate with Funke Akindele, a Nollywood Actress and Filmmaker, on two upcoming projects.
The Commissioner disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Ministry by the renowned Actress and Filmmaker, adding that Artists tend to gain more if they collaborate with the State because of the disposition and passion of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to develop the creative sector.
While maintaining that everyone should see the State Government as a friend that means well for all, she disclosed that a lot of interventions have already been made by the present administration to uplift the sector including capacity building, upskilling, grants, support and endorsement among others.
Benson-Awoyinka averred that the Ministry supports programmes like AMA Awards, Felabration, Festivals and a host of others, just as it is also in collaboration with EbonyLife Academy, Africa Movie Academy and Gidi Creative Centre on providing film-making training to interested youths and sharpening skills of filmmakers to be able to compete globally free of charge.
She stated further that N400 million was given to filmmakers as grants and that Mr. Governor has also promised to double the funds on capacity building for the creative industry in 2024.
Earlier, Funke Akindele, the Nollywood Actress and Filmmaker, said the reason for the visit is to seek the State Government support and collaboration on two of her newly conceived projects – Movie and Reality Show.
She emphasised that it would be great to collaborate with the Lagos State Government on youth development and the discovery of new talents who will be mentored and assisted to climb the ladder of success and be shining stars of the industry in future.
In her words, “I am very aware of the contribution of the State Government to the creative sector. Since our aim and objective of developing the industry are the same I thought it would be great to collaborate with the Lagos State Government on two projects aimed at discovering and developing new talents who will be mentored and assisted to climb the ladder of success and take over as shining stars of the industry in future”.
She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration for all that has been done for the creative sector and looks forward to an effective collaboration and partnership with the State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,
Also present during the courtesy call was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja.