The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist Uzamat Akinbile Yusuf has reiterated the commitment of the State Government to the growth and development of the Entertainment and Tourism sector in Lagos.
She stated this while rendering an account of stewardship at a Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate one year of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in office on Tuesday.
Akinbile-Yusuf affirmed that the government will not relent in its unflinching support to the entertainment and tourism sectors, adding that the industry remains one of the prioritised pillars in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board had in the last 365 days recorded an impressive level of progress in ensuring adequate monitoring, enforcement and censoring of film production, marketing and distribution across the State.
While calling on film practitioners and other stakeholders in the industry to fulfil their obligations by obtaining necessary permits and documentation, she maintained that monitoring and enforcement are crucial in the film industry in order to curb the sale and distribution of uncensored and pirated films, saying that “This is to boost the industry by ensuring that film production is protected as intellectual property”.
She stated further in her address that the number of registered and licensed Cinemas in the State now stands at 20 with seven out of the number registered in the last one year.
Revealing that the government has designed the Film Village Concept to halt infrastructure deficit in video production, Akinbile-Yusuf said “The good news we have for you today is that we have been able to secure 85 hectares of land at Ejirin in Epe Division of the State for film production. This will serve as an avenue to build and explore the entertainment sector bringing to fore the talents and the creativity of entertainers alike”.
The Commissioner, however, made it known that the project is a long-term project and the implementation and arrangement is by Public-Private Partnership, hence, the State government is calling on interested investors to key into the worthy project.
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