From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Managing Director,First Generation Mortgage Bank, Limited (FGMB), Dr Young-Toby Ekechi has appreciated the role of Nollywood industry in the reduction of unemployment which is one of the country’s major challenges.
Dr Young-Toby who spoke through Jimoh Akpata at the 2022 awards night for Nollywood friends held in Abuja yesterday,said the industry has employed more than one million people.
He described the industry as a rising pillar in the socioeconomic development of the country, adding that it has integrated Nigerians like tthe National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) .
“Nollywood’s contribution to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria goes beyond its financial contribution to individuals and the nation, it has also been used as a tool to launder the image of the country amongst the nations of the world.
“The job creating potentials inherent in the industry cannot be overstated as the industry currently employs over 1 million people, making it one of Nigeria’s largest employers. Its capacity to employ a large number of people has been applauded by the World Bank, who acknowledged the job creation potentials of Nollywood.
“The industry has therefore also served as a viable tool of cross pollination of various Nigerian Cultures, thus bringing with it an improvement in cross cultural relationships and cooperation across cultural lines. This feat is indeed laudable.Nollywood has integrated Nigerians culturally almost as much as the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), he said.
He, therefore called for more training for the upcoming actors and actresses to put  more life and originality into their roles.
“The end of some movies can be told within few minutes of watching. In view of this, I call on firm producers to go more into investigative firms whose outcome would not be easily predicted. We need to suspend people and arouse their curiosity while watching Nollywood firms.
Chairman Organizing Committee, Steve Eboh in his welcome remarks said it was a day of appreciating those that have stood by the industry despite criticism by various bodies.
He added that the award was  part of the closing sessions of the Nollywood Technology & Security Summit that was held on 14th & 15th of November at the same venue, where stakeholders gathered to brainstorm on issues that bother on the dynamic nature and impact of technology in the movie industry.
The awardees include  Dr Young Toby Ekechi, MD/CEO First Generation Mortgage Bank,Senator Samuel Anyanwu,National Secretary PDP,Chief David Eikhomun, MD/CEO Alabama Hotels,Abubakar Abdullahi Kure, MD Nirsal Microfinance Bank
IG of Police, Chief of Air Staff AVM Isiaka Oladayo Amao, Chief Christian Igbokwe,President Chris Igbokwe Foundation,Princess Adejoke Adefulire, SSA to the president ,Barr Uju Kennedy, APC only female presidential aspirant
Minister of Communication & Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami,His Royal Majesty King Obukowho Monday Arthur Whiskey, Udurhie 1, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom  and
His Royal Highness Eze Uche Egenti, Ezeudo 1 of Abuja