Atiku, stakeholders laud Okowa’s contributions to creative industry

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and creative industry stakeholders have lauded Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his contributions to the growth and development of tourism in the country.

Atiku gave the commendation, yesterday, in Asaba while inaugurating Asaba Leisure Park and Film Village built by Okowa and named after the late Mariam Babangida.

He said only the PDP government could partner the creative industry to harness its potential and urged stakeholders to support the party in the coming elections.
“What makes this event special is the naming of this place after Mrs. Mariam Babangida. This is because she was a lady who introduced very historic important programmes in the lives of our women, particularly rural women.
“For those of you, who are not old enough to remember, she was the founder and initiator of Better Life For Rural Women. We want to commend her for that contribution and since she departed this life, Better Life For Rural Women and indeed other women, has been on the decline.
“About a month ago, I had a meeting with the leadership of the creative industry in Lagos. It was a very extensive meeting and I reminded them that it was the last PDP government that made available N100 billion to be accessed by the creative industry.”

He called on members of the creative industry to ensure the return of PDP to government.
“I want to pledge to you that if you elect PDP in the next election, we will go with you, so that you can access the N100 billion that would be available to you for the promotion of the creative industry.
“Therefore, I congratulate the government and people of Delta State for being pacesetters in the development of the creative industry,” Atiku stated.
Earlier, Okowa said the Leisure Park, which had facilities for recreation, and a zoo with different species of animals, was named Mariam Babangida Leisure Park in recognition of her contributions to Asaba community and the society.

He commended Nollywood and the creative industry for their inputs, leading to the construction of a Film Village alongside the Leisure Park and Zoo, adding that Delta had become the next tourism destination in the country.

Creative industry stakeholders, including Zeb Ejiro, Tony Akposheri, Ali Baba, Francis Agoda and others, expressed appreciation to Okowa for giving them an edifice to practise their profession.