The Ibadan International Film Festival in conjunction with the Oyo State government has mapped out a strategy to attract local and foreign investors in the tourism sector of the economy.
The strategy is aimed at boosting the Internally Generated Revenue as well as creating employment opportunities.
The Convener of the 2024 International Film Festival, Usman Olarotimi Ogunlade, disclosed this at the 3rd edition of the Festival in Ibadan.
He said the tourism sector plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic growth of developed and developing nations, hence the need for the government to invest in the sector.
According to him, “Film Festival is like a market hub for filmmakers across the globe. We realized that Ibadanland is the cradle of the Entertainment Industry in the olden days, but it seems to have lost its glory.
“There is a need for the ancient city to regain its lost glory. This can only be done with huge investment in the Entertainment Industry.
“It is sad to note that aside from Lagos State, there is no organized Film Festival in any of the states in the Southwest.
“Globally, it is of note that oil-producing countries are divesting from the oil and gas sector to the tourism sector in order to boost revenue as well as create employment opportunities.
“We are partnering with the Oyo State government to empower the teeming youths through various training in filmmaking, scriptwriting, editing, and others.
“Also, we are wooing foreign investors to invest in the state to boost the IGR as well as create employment opportunities.”
Speaking in the same vein, a renowned Nollywood actress, Jaye Kuti, advocated the support of the 3-tiers of government in repositioning the Entertainment Industry in Nigeria
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According to her, “The Entertainment Industry in Nigeria is not where it is supposed to be. We need the support of the government.”
In his contribution, a notable Film Director, Babatunde Ojogbaro, advised the government to shift its focus from the oil and gas sector to the tourism sector.
He added that aside from the entertainment aspect, the sector has the capability to create employment opportunities for over 50,000 youths annually.
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