Ex-Governor Daniel urges FG to take over Ososa Film Village

…says Ogun is hub of global entertainment
By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta


Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has called on the Federal Government to take over the funding and management of the film village founded in Ososa by the doyen of Nigerian theatre, late Chief Hubert Ogunde.
He said, it was important for the government to reposition the movie and entertainment industry in the country for optimal revenue generation and maximum benefits to all citizens, stressing that the creative sector currently remains an untapped goldmine.
Daniel, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Ogun East, spoke during an empowerment programme held as part of activities of his ward-to-ward tour of Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, Ogun State is the largest exporter of entertainers in Nigeria and continues to be the hub of global entertainment.
He expressed optimism that with sufficient support from the Federal Government, the film and entertainment industry would inevitably help in creating more jobs and consequently propel economic growth and development of the country.
The former governor recalled how the late Ogunde, who hailed from Ososa in Odogbolu Local Government Area, played a vital pioneering role and revolutionised the practice of theatre arts in Nigeria, adding that what is now known as Nollywood could be traced to his legendary exploits.
He said: “Ogun State continues to be the hub of global entertainment. The new sound from the other side being celebrated worldwide comes from us. While we are happy to share these talents with the rest of the world, they belong to us. Talk of Olamide, D’banj, Kizz Daniel, Laycon, Fireboy DML, Asa, Wande Coal and Reminisce, amongst others, come from here.
“As we led the 70s, 80s and 90s with the likes of Ebenezer Obey, Fela, Haruna Ishola, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Sir Shina Peters, Adewale Ayuba, Salawa Abeni, Batile Alake, Tope Alabi, so are we leading the new age. But not just in music; Nollywood today is championed by the likes of Tunde Kelani, Yemi Shodimu and numerous people from this state.
“Ogun State, therefore, should be given special consideration in the development of the entertainment industry. The National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) should take over the film village in Ososa for proper funding.”
Daniel explained that among his agenda to the National Assembly is to get the Federal Government to take interest in and support the development of the film village in Ososa.
He pointed out that Hollywood and Bollywood have generated impressive revenues for the United States and India respectively, adding that Nigeria too could make huge profits from its Nollywood through proper development of the industry.
The senatorial candidate vowed to support legislation and policies that would make the entertainment industry more vibrant and productive to realise its potential.

Daniel restated his advocacy for local government autonomy which, he noted, would make the nation’s third tier of government fully functioning and accelerate development at the grassroots.
In a related development, Daniel said the government should focus on providing subsidised inputs for farmers, saying he would use his time at the Senate to push relevant legislation to realise food subsidies.
He made the remarks while hosting hundreds of farmers in Ijebu Ode on Thursday. The Ogun East farmers association had visited him to pledge support for his senatorial ambition and table the agenda they want him to facilitate when he gets to office.
While describing Ogun State as a major agricultural hub, the former governor declared that the government at all levels should facilitate necessary investments in the state’s agriculture to increase local food production and further tackle unemployment.


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