Chioma Ude, Ali Baba, Joke Silva to drive Conversation

Sequel to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) at the National Theatre last Tuesday, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has appointed three representatives from the entertainment industry who will join the TEF team on the best way to engage stakeholders on the actualization of the partnership.

They include notable entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Ms. Chioma Ude, foremost comedian and actor, Mr. Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, aka Ali Baba and veteran actress Mrs. Joke Silva.

The trio, who have been identified as leaders of thoughts and independent promoters of the entertainment sector, are to work closely with the Foundation towards a wider parley, and produce a blue print on the structural support and policies needed for the growth of the creative sector.

The move is one of the public/private partnership initiatives of the Federal Government, which is expected to restructure the creative non-oil sector into a more formal economic spinner.

The Minister noted that Nigeria currently has creative industries but no creative economy; hence, the partnership will “leverage the experience of the private sector to help the creative industries retain the commercial opportunity and the financial benefits.”

Also speaking at the event, CEO of TEF, Parminder Vir, OBE, noted that the future of the creative industry in Nigeria is bright.

According to her, “Nigeria has an abundance of creative excellence, talent and cultural IP in film, television, music, fashion, ICT, performing arts and this partnership is designed to support the growth of this sector for leading businesses, facilities, entrepreneurs and institutions engaged in the fast growing sector.”