As part of measures to promote the identity and cultural heritage of the Igbos, the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has disclosed plans to set up a befitting Film Academy in Owerri the State Capital.
Owelle Okorocha made this known when members of the Imo Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri.
The Governor who stressed that the Actors Guild has a duty to promote the positive identity and culture of the people through their films urged them to remain inclined to impacting positive ideals to the younger generation.
He noted that acting was a natural gift to the Igbos as over 60% of actors and actresses in Nigeria are of Igbo origin while he explained that the Imo Film Academy to be affiliated to Hollywood, will be a centre for training and developing young talents in the field as well as empower the members to showcase their talents in script writing, film shooting and other activities that make up the movie industry.
The Imo Chief Executive urged the group to invite professionals in their field to utilize the serene environment provided in the State especially the Oguta Lake as good shooting sites for their films. “I want to grow this industry. Produce good movies which future generations can benefit from;” he added.
Governor Okorocha announced the provision of office accommodation for Imo AGN at the ICAPS premises, Owerri and assured them of the quick commencement of the Film Academy while he appointed Nkeiru Sylvanus as the Ag. Director General of the Academy to do oversight functions of ensuring judicious use of finance and other logistics.
Earlier, the Interim Chairperson of the Imo AGN, Mrs. Nkechi Azubuike thanked Governor Okorocha for free education, infrastructural development and other achievements, noting that he has raised a bar of excellence for future leaders in the State.
She also thanked him for supporting the Guild and for appointing one of their members, Nkiru Sylvanus into his cabinet adding that the gesture has brought peace to the Imo AGN. ‘We are solidly behind you in the next election,’ she said.
Adding his voice, Barr. Everestus Emeka said Governor Okorocha has created jobs for over 20,000 Imolites through the beautiful and welcoming environment created in the State that have attracted shooting of films by different groups and promised that the AGN Imo Chapter will make the State proud especially through the Film Academy, when established.
Barr. Emeka assured the Governor that they will conduct a free and conducive election for the Guild soon and assured him of their total support to Rescue Mission Government.
The group used the occasion to present a book on poems titled “MIXED GRILL” written by one of them, Chief Fabian Adibe.
