A Bill to establish the Delta State Film and Censorship Board has been sent to the House of Assembly, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has said.
The governor dropped the hint while declaring open the 2024 Delta State Creative and Entertainment Summit.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the setting up of the Film and Censorship Board has become necessary following the recognition of Asaba by the United Nations, Education and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) as a creative city.
The governor, who noted as germane the theme of the summit, “Advancing Delta State Economic Growth through the Creative Industry,” expressed his administration’s satisfaction in identifying with the concept of the summit given the number of Deltans who are in the entertainment industry and are doing well all over the country and beyond.
He said, “A summit of this nature will offer good opportunities for learning to improve performances and move higher.
“This administration is entertainment-friendly; our attitude as a government is based on the conviction that entertainment creates wealth for all, reduces stress and provides relief at times of challenges; it also has the potential for social and political mobilization.
“Let us acknowledge that attempts towards advancing the State’s Economic Growth through the creative industry requires firm and decisive action hence the government has been able to build a state-of-the-art film village, which is fully equipped, in Asaba.
“This action has earned the State the United Nations, Education and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) recognition of Asaba as a creative city. In addition, a Bill is already on the way for the establishment of Delta State Film and Censorship Board.”
The governor noted that the State has been able to create an enabling environment for the production of creative works ranging from film production and concerts, adding that these were proactive measures the State had put in place for economic growth through the creative industry.
“Delta State is naturally endowed with abundant creative talents; there is no community In Delta State that lacks talent in creativity. This administration desires to further harness this potential and I want to appeal to our people, especially the youths, to embrace digital technology in the propagation of their arts as it will project them beyond their localities for economic gain and prominence.
“The attendant increase in fame and acceptance by society gives you, your family, the State and country, immeasurable pride. I urge our youths to take the discussions and outcomes of this summit very seriously. The level you are starting from does not matter; what is important is the level and height you envisage and are determined to attain,” Oborevwori added.
Earlier, in his address, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Darlington Ijeh, noted that the summit, which was the first of its kind, was geared towards making sure that the entertainment industry in Delta gets the boost it deserves.
