Governor Baba-tunde Fashola of Lagos State has said that in the next couple of months the state government, in collaboration with Nollywood, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Brazilian Government to teach Brazilian artistes movie production.
Governor Fashola made this known in Alausa during a courtesy visit by Nollywood actors and actresses under the aegis of Lagos Artistes for Fashola, LAFF, led by Mr. Segun Arinze who are championing the campaign for Fashola’s second term in office.
His said: “There is an offer on the table from the Brazilian government which the state government is yet to harness. The last time I visited Brazil, the Brazilian Minister for Tourism asked that they will like to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Nigerians to teach Brazilians on how to produce home videos.
“That offer is still on the table and we are yet to harness it because we are yet to have this type of forum where we can work out the necessary modalities. As soon as the artistes are ready, I will re-establish the contact and open up the network.”
so that whatever benefits comes from the contract, the credit goes to the country and the movie industry.”
Fashola, however, commended the artistes for their support during the 2007 electoral campaign and urged them to promote the ideals that would better the lots of the people in the society.
The Governor said: “By sheer deed of commitment, you have found a way where there seems to be no way. You have helped to address youth restiveness and unemployment.”
adding that lots of youths had not been harnessed in the area of cinematography.
“How many Nigerian universities offer courses in cinematography? I champion this course that Nigerian universities should offer courses in such area. Many of you were probably forced into acting out of necessities.”
He appealed to the actors and actresses to use their movies to shape and fight the ills in the society rather than negative exposure, citing several cases were Police were portrayed in bad light in movie scenes.
He said: “Maybe you may not pay attention to the values you portray, but I do. Your work is influential and you can use it to promote the image of this country. For instance, our Police are doing well.
“Any time you produce movies and you get to a police scene, they are always portrayed as badly dressed, that is the image you are sending out.”
Speaking earlier, Arinze also commend Fashola. He said: “Governor Fashola had done tremendously well and is an actualiser. And that is the reason why I have gathered my colleagues who have made impact in the movie industry in the state to come together to support your Second term bid.
“We have come together for the actualization of your second term. I don’t care whose ox is gored. We will stick with you throughout the campaign period until the victory is won,” he said.
Arinze added that the artistes would release album, jingles and the rest to sensitise the people and ensured that they voted for the governor next year, stressing that “there is now a brand called ‘BRF.’
“We will go to the grassroots to mobilize the people, we will support you; you will get our backing and support,” Arinze said.
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