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Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (M) in a warm handshake with a member of the Association of Movie Producers during the 2008 Annual Week.


Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (M) flanked by members of the Association of Movie Producers during the 2008 Annual Week of the Association.

Speeches

Nov 26, 2008 - Formal Opening Of The Association Of Movie Producers (Nigeria) Week

Let me start by first congratulating the National President, Mr. Paul Obazele and the hardworking members of the Association of Movie Producers (Nigeria) for the phenomenal achievement they have recorded in transforming the movie industry to the enviable position it occupies today not only in the continent but also in the entire world. Today, it is a fact that this growth that was achieved within few years has earned Nollywood the recognition of being the third largest in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood.

Nollywood has become a great Ambassador for our country, and continues to elicit interest from countries who want to understudy it. These interests were conveyed to His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN Governor of Lagos State by the Governor of Bahia State on his recent trip to Brazil. They also formed part of the discussion between the Governor and the President of Germany when the latter visited Lagos.

It is therefore a great pleasure for me to be in the midst of very distinguished Nigerians whose sacrifice, commitment and dedication have taken the industry to the height it is today, on this occasion of the Association of Movie Producers Week with the theme “Movie Producers in Nation Building”. The achievement we are celebrating today is a testimony to the doggedness, ingenuity, creativity and ability of the ordinary Nigerian to overcome challenges and excel in his or her chosen area of endeavour.

It is a fact that the growth of the film industry has impacted positively on the nation’s economy particularly the provision of employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians either directly or indirectly. The celebrity status that has been attained by star actors and actresses both locally and internationally is something every Nigerian is proud of due to the positive impact they have continued to exploit in the international community.

As professionals engaged in the business of film making in a developing economy such as ours, it is not unexpected that you will face challenges ranging from inadequate infrastructure and funding among several others. The direct implication of these challenges, I believe more often than not affects the quality of some of the movies and does not reflect the best the industry can offer.

Just like any other professional, you have a role to play in the ongoing process of nation building. Apart from the entertaining aspect, movies are a powerful medium of communication. The hallmark of every movie is the central message that is being passed across to the viewers, the quality of its production and the level of professionalism displayed in the acts. This is where, I believe, the role of a producer as a stakeholder in the process of nation building cannot be over emphasised.

At this stage of our development, one of the key issues we have to address is the need to change our orientation and imbibe the right values of honesty, decency, dignity, hard work among others. We must explore the power of movies as a potent tool in shaping/influencing opinion, behaviours, conducts and perceptions to promote those values, celebrate the goodness in our culture and promote the spirit of patriotism in the citizenry. While not being unmindful of the fact that you are in the business of film making with the natural inclination for profit making, I strongly believe that professionalism and promotion of good value system must not be sacrificed on the alter of money making.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I believe the ongoing infrastructure renewal programme being implemented by the administration of His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola is in the best interest of everyone including film makers/producers.

I am aware that the provision of a film city is one of the projects under consideration. I believe the movie industry will be the major beneficiary of this project given the fact that most of the movies are shot in Lagos which also is home to most of the practitioners including ace producers, writers, directors, actors and actresses. I therefore urge you to partner with the government and contribute in your own little ways to the realisation of this goal.

Once again, I congratulate you on this occasion of the formal commencement of your week. I also thank you for inviting me. It is an opportunity for me to share my thoughts with you.

On this note, it is my pleasure and honour to declare the Association of Movie Producers (Nigeria) week open. I wish you a very successful and highly rewarding week.

God bless you all.

 

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
The First Lady of Lagos State