The Ibadan International Film Festival in conjunction with the Oyo State government has mapped out strategy to attract local and foreign investors in tourism sector of the economy.
The strategy is aimed at boosting the Internally Generated Revenue as well creating employment opportunities.
The convener of the 2024 International Film Festival, Usman Olarotimi Ogunlade disclosed this at the third edition of the festival in Ibadan.
He said tourism sector plays pivotal role in the socio-economic growth of the developed and developing nation, hence the need for the government to invest in the sector.
According to him, “Film Festival is like a Market Hub for film makers across the globe. We realised that Ibadanland is the cradle for Entertainment Industry in the olden days but it seems to have lost its glory.
“There is need for the ancient city to regain its lost glory. This can only be done with huge investment in the Entertainment Industry.
“It is sad to note that aside Lagos state, there is no organized Film Festival in any of the state in the Southwest.
“Globally, it is of note that oil producing countries are divesting from oil and gas sector to tourism sector in order to boost revenue as well create employment opportunity.”
“We are partnering with the Oyo state government to empower the teeming youths through various training in Film making, Script writing, Editing and others.
“Also, we are wooing foreign investors to invest in the state to boost the IGR as well creates employment opportunity.
Speaking in the same vein, a renowned Nollywood actress, Jaye Kuti advocated the support of the 3-tiers of government in repositioning the Entertainment Industry in Nigeria.
According to her, “The Entertainment Industry in Nigeria is not where it supposed to be. We need the support of the government.
In his contribution, a notable film director, Babatunde Ojogbaro advised government to shift its focus from the oil and gas sector to the tourism sector.
He added that aside the entertainment aspect, the sector has the capability to create employment opportunity for over 50,000 youths annually.