…As stakeholders eye DFI
By Muhammad Abdullahi, Abuja
As part of efforts to boost the creative industry of the FCT Administration, increase the Territory’s revenue profile as well as generate avalanche of employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Thursday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) to officially designate the nation’s capital city as the host city for Zuma Film Festival.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola who signed the MoU on behalf of the FCT Administration described the ceremony as a great day for FCT. Adding that the successful signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is a clear demonstration of effective synergy between two sister Federal Government Agencies.
Adesola who explained that the creative industry contributes a significant chunk to the Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of Nigeria, expressed optimism that Abuja will be agog with beehive of activities as the host city of Zuma Film Festival come next year.
The Permanent Secretary also used the occasion to disclose that the FCT Administration is partnering with the Voice of Nigeria to showcase the creative talents of the FCT youths in December, 2021 in a week-long event that will bring together top Nollywood Actors to Abuja to activate the creative talents of young people in the Territory.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the Zuma Film Festival provides platform to sustain the recognition of Nigerian film makers who are adding the needed value to the development of the creative art and business of film making in Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe pledged the commitment of the Corporation to deepen partnership with the FCT Administration to promote the growth of film production and cinema activities in the FCT.
Harping further on the expected benefits of Zuma Film Festival to the country at large and the FCT in particular, Dr. Maduekwe explained that the Festival will provide a strong platform for networking between Nigeria film makers, investors and international businesses from other countries of the world as well as expand the scope of film production opportunities between Nigeria and other countries. Inaddition to strategically placing FCT as a veritable investment city.
Dr. Maduekwe who went on to say that the signing of the MoU between the FCT Administration and the Nigerian Film Corporation will go a long way to make Zuma Film Festival a national and international brand, also added that efforts are ongoing to make Abuja a creative hub, just like Los Angeles, Durbai and other countries that are hosting renounced world class film festivals.
The Nigerian Film Corporation which is the frontline film agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, was established in 1979 to provide the enabling environment and regulate the practice of film making and production in Nigeria for domestic consumption and export as well as the acquisition and distribution of films industry support services, film festivals, among others.