Shooting films at tourism sites will boost economy —Mbanefo

DIRECTOR General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, has described shooting of movies at tourist sites as a good move that will contribute to the promotion of the Nigerian tourism industry.

Mbanefo said this while receiving the delegation of diaspora Nigerians of Black Tower Gong Production Limited with Odera Ozoka, led by a Nollywood veteran Mr Mahmood Ali Balogun at the headquarters of the corporation in Abuja.

She commended the foresight of Mr Odera Ozoka, producer of the movie, ‘A Forgotten Place’, in complementing government’s tourism development and promotion efforts.

The NTDC boss also commended Mr Balogun for lending his support to the movie production company for visibility to the rich cultural heritage in the country. She described the growth of the entertainment tourism in Nigeria as highly encouraging, being the third largest in the world.

The Consulting Producer and Nollywood veteran, Mr Mahmood Ali Balogun, praised Mrs Mbanefo for her visionary approach in seeing the potential of the film, and the possibilities for its worldwide success, due to the historical importance of the film.

Balogun said, “With this meeting, Mrs Mbanefo has shown that there are people who truly care for Nigerians’ interest at the top. She was quick to see the potential of this film as an international juggernaut, and in supporting this film and the young filmmaker, Odera Ozoka, she has given me hope in the system.”

The Black Tower Gong Production Limited boss in his spirited and passionate talk about the film disclosed that ‘A Forgotten Place’ movie will project Nigeria’s image, promote the tourism assets in the country and encourage international tourists to visit Nigeria.

Ozoka added that the movie, based on the Biafran war, will highlight unifying narratives at this critical moment in our nation building.