Ambode links entertainment industry to job creation

• Names Glover as Lagos brand ambassador
LAGOS State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has said that his government would explore the potentials that abound in the entertainment and arts industry, describing it as a viable platform to create jobs for the teeming youths in the state.

Ambode said this while receiving the cast and crew of ’93 Days’ who paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. ‘93 Days’ is a film that chronicles how Lagos contained the Ebola Virus Disease about a year ago.

The governor assured the team, led by veteran Hollywood actor, Danny Glover, that his government would give the necessary support to project the ideals of the film, stressing that the collective feat recorded will remain a milestone in the history of the state
According to him, “Clearly, what you have done to join hands with our people in Nollywood is to celebrate one of the major successes of Lagos State.

Our government will support this project. No story can be told better than in graphic from, and once you are turning this story to a movie, it means that every other part of achievement that we can put together, it’s going to be something historic, it’s happening for the very first time, apart from the fact that it is showing the way government has been able to respond to issues that relate to the society, we are also showcasing what Lagos stands for.

While thanking the crew for deeming it fit to use the film to retell the Ebola success story in Lagos, he also seized the opportunity to name Glover as Brand Ambassador for Lagos, saying that his wealth of experience would benefit the entertainment industry in the state immensely.

According to Ambode, “I can say that this is a platform to rebrand Lagos and for that reason, we would support this film and everything that has to do with it. Like I said, we would be looking forward to the premiere and I’ve told Danny that he has to be part of it and bring his experience and social-capital into it and he’ll be coming with other world class actors to do that, we would join in promoting this also.

That means a lot to us and it would also mean a lot to the entertainment industry. It would be part of the legacies that you would be leaving to us here because as much as we look forward to all the great things that you have achieved, we believe also that this would also be part the celebration for your 70th birthday next year, he said.
“As we move forward, in 2017, Lagos will be 50 years, so, Lagos at 50 is something that we are planning and the planning must start from now and it has so much to do with entertainment and things that are actually monumental and iconic. I’ve also extended invitation to Danny Glover and he would be part of that celebration come 2017,” the Governor said.

He added that his administration would continue to support the strides of Nollywood industry, expressing optimism that aside providing entertainment to the eyes, the industry has the capacity to stimulate job creation for youths in the state.

Earlier, Glover explained that that the film ’93 Days’ acknowledged the efforts of the state government in curtailing the Ebola Virus Disease adding that it was not a mean feat.

He welcomed his nomination as brand Ambassador for the state, saying he shares the vision of Governor Ambode to further project Lagos as a Centre of Excellence.
He also pledged to engage in works that will encourage upcoming artist to fully actualise their potentials.