Anambra as Destination: Entertainment, Film Making, Integral Parts of Soludo's Agenda - Mefor

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has expressed Governor Chukwuma Soludo's commitment towards ensuring that Anambra regains its grip in the entertainment industry, particularly filmmaking.

Mefor, who said that film making is an integral part of making Anambra a tourism destination, spoke at the ongoing film training session in Anawood Film Village, Awka.

The Commissioner visited the participants with his colleagues in the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba, and Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji.

Describing entertainment and filmmaking as integral parts of Soludo's agenda, Mefor observed that the participants are on a mission with both cultural and historical significance as Anambra is losing its grip in the nation's film industry.

He said: "Your mission is a mission for self-discovery. You need to reposition Anambra in Nollywood. Again, Governor Soludo has a big vision for Anambra State. He is into the real deal, which is what Anambra should be. It's not what Anambra is, and trying to make it look better. That is palliative governance. He is worried about what Anambra ought to be, and entertainment and filmmaking are integral to it. He is talking about reversing the trend.

Now, Anambra is like a departure lounge. If the state is allowed to go on in this manner, people can only think of Anambra either in terms of coming home to be buried or married and for Christmas.

It shouldn't be so. Anambra should be a destination. People should plan to come to Anambra. It's not just Ndị Anambra; the world can come here. That's what Soludo is constructing, and it's already taking shape across the board. I can mention a lot of things that are already shooting up, and you are one of the structures the governor is constructing.

The oldies like Pete Edochie and others will come to mentor you. You have the foundation, you have a willing government, and you have a working governor who is putting all the necessary structures in place. So, take this opportunity seriously. Fame and fortune can smile on those who can endure."

The principal of the school and managing director/chief executive officer of Anawood Film Village, Mrs. Chinyere Ozoh, who conducted the Commissioners around the village, appreciated them for the visit and thanked the governor for the opportunity and interest in the film industry.