NFC: Committee charges stakeholders on vibrant film industry

Photo caption: Dr. Danjuma Dadu, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), (Middle) taking committee members on a tour of NFC facilities in Jos

  By Tayo Olanipekun

The Advisory Committee on the Nigerian Film Industry has thrown its weight behind the sustainability of a vibrant film industry in the country.

The committee, after a two- day meeting in Jos, Plateau State capital, said its members were optimistic that there are better days ahead for the film industry in Nigeria if indeed all stakeholders brace up against inherent challenges and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the sector.

According to a release made available to Daily Newswatch, the Jos meeting, held on September 16 and 17, 2013 was the first since the committee was constituted last month by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the agency’s efforts towards the growth of the Nigerian Film Industry, and the committee has assured of deploring its members’ wealth of experience for the rapid growth and development of the Nigerian film Industry.

Committee Chairman, Mr. Brendan Shehu, who was the pioneer Managing Director of the NFC and has served the film industry for 35 years, said an Advisory body for the industry will help the government keep a brace with challenges and opportunities in the sector.  

He said the Nigerian Film industry is experiencing dynamic changes at all fronts and has positioned itself as a critical player in “not just the entertainment industry, but in economy, culture and diplomatic successes of the nation.”

At the inauguration of the committee, whose membership include veterans who have cut their teeth in the Nigerian Film industry, Dr. Danjuma Dadu, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the NFC, said it had become both imperative and expedient to have an advisory body that will interface with policy and practicing bodies in the industry and foster the synergy needed to move Nollywood forward. 

 Dadu hinted that shortly after he assumed office at the NFC in May 2013, his consultation with practitioners and stakeholders across the film production hubs in Nigeria has “revealed that there was a need to set up a body that will aggregate and articulate issues that the consultations threw up.”

The 13 Members of the Advisory Committee on the Nigerian Film Industry are: Mr Brendan Shehu - Chairman, Chief Tunde Oyedele, Mr Mahmood Ali-Bologun, Chief Pete Edochie (OON), Mr Victor Okhai, Chief Osita Okeke (Ossy Affason) Prince Chuwang R. Pam, Mr Yakubu Jang, Alhaji Sani Muazu, Mrs Lantana Ahmed, Mrs. Hanatu Dantong, Alhaji Ahmed Belli and Mr. Gideon Barde.