Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state, on Thursday, urged stakeholders in the film and television industry to collaborate and be innovative for the development of the sector.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Nigerian International Film and TV Summit, (NIFS), held in Ikeja, Lagos.

The governor, who was represented by Adebukola Agbaminoja, executive secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, advised stakeholders in the Industry to harness technology and new platforms, to reach wider audiences.

“Together we can elevate our industry to new heights and showcase the richness of our narratives to the world.

“The Lagos state government stands ready to partner with you, listen to your needs, and to celebrate your successes.

“Let us work to create a thriving ecosystem for film and television in Lagos and beyond,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu commended the organisers of the summit for their commitment to the development of the creative Industry, particularly film and television in Nigeria and globally.

According to him, the summit is an important event that brings diverse and talented individuals, who share a passion for storytelling and the art of visual communication together.

The governor expressed the state government’s commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures talents, supports innovation, and encourages collaboration.

He said the Lagos state government had initiated various programmes aimed at empowering filmmakers, providing grants, and investing in state-of-the-art facilities.

“Your presence here signifies the importance of our collective efforts in shaping the future of film and television, not just in Nigeria but across the globe.

“Lagos is not just a city, it is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and talents. It is a place where narratives take flight, and where the magic of cinema thrives.

“We believe that by investing in our creatives, we are investing in the future of our economy and our culture.”

Earlier, Ijeoma Onah, chief executive officer of NIFS, reaffirmed dedication to the summit’s mission of fostering collaboration, innovation and growth in the Nigerian film and TV sector.

“Our goal has always been to provide a platform for industry practitioners to exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and discover new opportunities for growth.

“We are committed to ensuring that this summit continues to be a cornerstone for industry development in Nigeria, and in fact globally.”

She said tne important milestone among others of the 2024 summit was the deliberate involvement of colleagues and partners from Ghana.

“As you know, Ghana is our natural neighbour and we share so many things in common including our cultural heritage and other values that bind us together,” she said.

Also, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Ghanaian minister of tourism, arts, and culture, lauded the organisers of the summit for their resilience and steadfastness over the years.

He expressed appreciation for the invitation to the event and the opportunity to present Ghanaian perspectives of the film industry to Nigerians.

He called for robust partnership between his country and Nigeria in the development of the film industry in both countries.

“Today, we convene not just as representatives of our individual nations but as custodians of a shared cultural heritage, heritage that has the power to transcend borders, influence global narratives, and foster unity across our great continent.

“African cinema has come a long way, evolving from local storytelling traditions to becoming a force on the global stage.

“Our stories are now being told not just in our languages but in the universal language of film, a language that is understood and appreciated by people from all walks of life.

“Nigerian cinema, popularly known as Nollywood, has led this charge with its prolific output, creativity, and resilience, making it the second-largest film industry in the world,” he said.

Mr Mercer advocated for a Nigerian and Ghanaian partnership in film development and advancement of the industry, to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster cultural exchange.

“To fully realise this potential, we must embrace collaboration across our borders, Ghana and Nigeria,” he said.

(NAN)