In fulfillment of an earlier pledge made to enhance the movie industry in the country, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has performed the foundation laying ceremony for the Bayelsa film city at the Igbogene axis of the capital city, Yenagoa.
The foundation laying ceremony was part of activities marking the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards in the State.
Governor Dickson noted that, the film city, when completed will harness and boost the state’s potentials in the tourism and entertainment industries as well as serve as an alternative source of revenue base for the State outside oil and gas.
The all encompassing edifice is expected to accommodate a business district, section for Guild activities, seminar halls, inauguration centres, collapsible set as well as a night club.
Other facilities to be housed in the proposed film city Project include a relaxation centre, helipad, police and fire service stations, village setting for films, water treatment base, power plant, Studies and a Shopping Mall.
The Governor, also used the occasion to announce the institution of the Bayelsa State Indigenous Movie Trust Fund with an initial donation of N250 million.
According to him, the Movie Trust Fund which will be used for the development of budding talents in the State, will be managed by persons within and outside the State.
While, describing the entertainment industry especially Nollywood as a major employer of labour and an avenue to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of Nigeria and a tool for re-branding the country and Africa, Hon. Dickson urged movie makers to focus more and portray the positive side of the country to the outside world.
The Governor, who alongside some special guests also witnessed a cultural display, stated that efforts will be intensified to use the AMAA awards to showcase the rich cultural endowments of the State with a view to attracting more visitors to the State on regular basis.
According to him, the relevant organs of government will be properly positioned to make new innovations and improvements to the various activities that were put together to celebrate this year’s AMAA at subsequent editions.
The cultural event featured ceremonial and war boat regatta displays, cultural dances as well as traditional wrestling with past and present State, national and continental champions in attendance.
The Eight Local Government area took part in the Boot Regatta with Nembe LGA emerging winners in the Ceremonial Category followed by Brass and Ogbia LGAs, while Southern Ijaw came tops in the war boat regatta display, with Sagbama placing second.
