The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the creative industry, saying that his Government will do all that is possible to ensure that the sector thrives in the State.
The Governor stated this during a virtual meeting with members of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria, CEAN and other key stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry.
Stressing that Government is mindful of the economic impacts of the covid-19 lockdown on the entertainment industry particularly the cinema sector, Governor Sanwo-Olu promised to work with the association to achieve a win-win situation.
During the meeting which was moderated by filmmaker and television host, Mosunmola Abudu, popularly called Mo Abudu, representatives of CEAN expressed concerns about their sector, appealing to Governor Sanwo-Olu to reopen the cinemas and open up the sector for business, with a promise that they would adhere strictly to the laid down Covid-19 safety guidelines.
The association also requested that the Governor set up a film office which will serve as a liaison with foreign investors and a major hub for the film industry in Lagos.
A film maker and one of the participants, Omoni Oboli appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu for tax waivers, as those in the sector have not earned any revenue in the past six months.
Governor Sanwo-Olu promised to look into all the requests made and return to them in due course.
Ibukunoluwa Temitope
