The Lagos state government has increased funding for the entertainment and film industries by approving a special fund for filmmakers in the state.
The programme is part of the state government initiative to promote creative ideas from film and entertainment producers who are limited by financial means to turn their concepts into reality.
This was said by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, at an event on Monday on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2021 in Lagos.
The event according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was organised by the state and the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), and adopted the global theme: “Tourism and Inclusive Growth.”
Akinbile-Yusuf said that the approval of the special funds for filmmakers came with the establishment of a committee to oversee the disbursement of funds to qualified persons, adding that each of the beneficiaries can receive up to 40 million Naira as a loan for film production.
The Commissioner said, “I will not forget to remind this gathering that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in demonstration of his love for the film industry, has approved a special fund for filmmakers.
“This was with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the disbursement of this fund to qualified individuals who can access up to N40 million from the fund as a loan for the purpose of film production.’’
She enjoined Lagosians and Nigerians to visit the state’s website, which aims to educate viewers about the potentials of the state’s tourism.
She said, “The ministry’s website and promotional videos of tourism attractions and tourism potentials in Lagos State is up and running.
“I urge all our stakeholders to get acquainted with our activities, programmes, plans and policies on the website through: lagostourism.lagosstate.gov.ng and also take advantage of our various social media platforms.’’
Akinbile-Yusuf said the ministry launched the Community Based Tourism (CBT) initiative with pilot phases in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Oshodi-Isolo, Eti-Osa and Surulere in line with the state tourism master plan and policy.
She also said that the initiatives had begun to change the narratives in the film industry while emphasizing that the state is committed to investing more in the industry.
Recall that in May the Lagos state government established a committee chaired by veteran actor Richard MofeDamijo to promote tourism and entertainment in the state.
At the inauguration, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, indicated that these interventions and programs will stimulate and finance the sector most affected by the pandemic.
Related Post: LASG, Ebonylife academy produce new set of film production trainees
In the same month, the Lagos State Government began disbursing to some of the beneficiaries of the approved N1 billion seed capital for the tourism and hospitality sector by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
This is to invest in the sector to drive new growth in the industry that has been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
