African Youth Urged to Consider Motion Pictures Sector Career

By Khalifa Hemed
Published May 4, 2017

A Nigerian governor has charged the youth of his state to consider moviemaking as a career.

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Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, the Governor of Imo State, made the call in the north-eastern Nigerian state capital, Owerri, during the opening session of a three-week hands-on training for young people in movie directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, production management, makeup, script-writing and acting.

Running April 25-May 10, 2017, the training is organised by Africa Film Academy (AFA) that organises the annual Africa Movie  Academy Awards (AMAA) and Imo State Government with the support of Diamond Bank and Africa Magic.

“The film industry has [not only] become the biggest cultural export out of Nigeria [but has also become] . . . a money-spinner for those who are serious and ready to make it,” he said. “We are supporting this initiative as part of our youth-empowerment programmes. This training is to introduce you to the careers you can pursue in the movie industry.”

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Uche Ugwumba, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, harped on discipline as the bedrock of success in life to the more than 100 youth participating in the training.

Urging the youth to take the training seriously as, he said, it would take their interest to a higher level, Ugwumba said, “You cannot achieve anything in life without discipline. The state government is paying for this training for every one of you because we believe in the potential that exists in entertainment and movie industry for job-creation and career-advancement.’’

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“After this investment by the state in you,” Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the founder of AFA, while thanking the state for investing in the future of the youth, observed, “you will no longer ask the question what will my state do for me. It will now be what you will do for the state.’’