Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
A Nollywood star and film director, Walter Anga, has called on stakeholders in the creative industry in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region at large to stop their entitlement mentality so as to attract the requisite investment.
Anga, who was in Bayelsa State at a symposium with other stakeholders in the creative Industry, also called for support to ensure the growth of the industry in the state.
He spoke at the maiden edition of the Sylvester Sede’s Symposium with the theme: ‘Creative Innovation and Sustainability: A Glimpse into Bayelsa’s Future’, held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, the state capital.
Anga, who was the keynote speaker, commended the efforts that have been invested in the creative industry in Bayelsa State, applauding the vision of the Convener, Sylvester Sede, who, through his Sylvester Sede Foundation, organised the event.
‘’It is a collective responsibility to build the creative industry in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta region. Niger Delta youths should get over the sense of entitlement mentality,’’ he said.
The immediate-past Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on Political Affairs, Chief Collins Cocodia, and the former Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Tonye Isenah, harped on the role government can play to stimulate development in the creative industry.
Cocodia stated that the government role is to ensure a conducive environment while the private sector is to provide the facilities that would accelerate development in the creative industry.
“The government angle in nurturing the creative industry is good policy. Once we have good policies put together by the government and the environment also contributes. There are no security issues, there is peace in the state then the creative industry will thrive. Currently, Bayelsa is one of the safest states in Nigeria.
‘’Facilities will come from private investors. Government would not build hotels for people to shoot films. Government can come up with the idea of a Film Village.’’
Isenah, who drew the attention to the frustration being faced by youths over lack of funds, called for viable projects that can attract investments from the government.
Other speakers at the first panel session with the sub-theme: ‘Harnessing the untapped potential of Bayelsa’, stressed the importance of promoting the Bayelsa Brand. The speakers, including Harry Porbeni, Boma Mac- Ake, Emma Eco and Theresa Ebi Tobuyei advocated for pragmatic resilience to build the Bayelsa brand,
While Porbeni highlighted the need for Bayelsa consciousness on positive trends to promote the state, Mac- Eke downplayed location as a factor in the success stories of various creative industry players.
Sede, who is also the managing director/ chief executive officer of Silverflame Media, said the symposium was organised to provide a vision of development for the creative industry in Bayelsa State.
‘’As we embark on this journey of discovery and collaboration, we recognise the pivotal role that creativity and innovation play in driving progress and fostering sustainable development in our communities,” he stated.
