The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that the creative industry can accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s economy if properly harnessed.
Oba Ogunwusi said this in a statement conveying his acceptance of his appointment as Royal Grand Patron of the Zuma Film Festival (ZFF) organised by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC).
Apart from economic development, Oba Ogunwusi further noted that the film industry has a crucial role to play in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and identity, hence needing a long-term development plan.
“We must be pragmatic and create the most-long term strategic approach to establishing film culture as the symbol of our national assets and the emblem of patriotism,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
He urged players in the creative industry to continue to build on the legacies of their predecessors and commended the transformational leadership of the NFC’s Managing Director, Dr Chidia Maduekwe.
Commenting on Oba Ogunwusi’s acceptance of his appointment, Dr Maduekwe said it was “indicative of his love for the nation and his avowed commitment towards nation building cutting across cultures”.
He added that it also provides a rare opportunity for the total mobilization and integration of all Nigerians towards nation-building. The official investiture of Oba Ogunwusi as Royal Grand Patron of ZFF will happen in Ile-Ife ahead of the festival scheduled for April 2 to 9.
