Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday said the government would explore the potential in the entertainment and arts industry to create jobs for youths in the state.
The governor stated this during the visit of some members of cast and crew of 93 Days ─ a film which chronicles how Lagos was able to contain the Ebola Virus Disease in 2014 ─ to the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
Ambode assured the team, led by a veteran Hollywood actor, Mr. Danny Glover, that his government would give the necessary support to project the ideals of the film.
He said, “You have joined hands with our people in Nollywood to celebrate one of the major successes of Lagos State.
“Our government will support this project. No story can be told better than in a graphic form, and once you are turning this story to a movie, it is going to be historic. It is happening for the first time. Apart from the fact that it shows the way government has been able to respond to issues that relate to the society, we are also showcasing what Lagos stands for.”
The governor, while thanking the crew for deeming it fit to use the film to recount the Ebola success story in Lagos, also seized the opportunity to name Glover as Brand Ambassador for Lagos State, saying his wealth of experience would benefit the entertainment industry in the state.
He said, “This is a platform to rebrand Lagos and for that reason, we will support this film and everything that has to do with it. We will be looking forward to the premiere and I have told Danny (Glover) that he has to be part of it and bring his experience and social capital into it.
“That means a lot to us and it will also mean a lot to the entertainment industry. It will be part of the legacies that you will 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 of the celebration for your 70th birthday next year.
“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 monumental and iconic. I have extended invitation to Danny Glover and he will be part of that celebration in 2017.”
The governor said his administration would continue to support the strides of Nollywood, expressing optimism that aside providing entertainment to the eyes, the industry had the capacity to stimulate job creation for youths in the state.