From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A renowned Nollywood actor, especially in the Yoruba genre, Odunlade Adekola has called on governments at federal and state levels to support the indigenous film industry, which according to him can provide jobs and foreign exchange opportunities to the country.
Adekola made the call, while speaking with newsmen at the sideline of the maiden award, tagged ‘Odunlade Adekola Films Production (OAFP) Award 2022’, held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The ace actor, who acknowledged that the movie industry is also affected by the current economic crunch in the country, equally appealed to private organisations as well as financial institutions to invest in the movie industry.
He explained that if government, private and financial institutions could invest very well in the movie industry, it would go a long way in bringing large financial foreign exchange earnings into Nigeria and also reduce unemployment.
“As you can see, we are not doing badly and we are improving everyday. We can even do better with assists from the government and other stakeholders.
“Aside from relaxation and entertainment through comedy, through movies, we also bring out life lessons and knowledge. We greatly impact society and this is a good means of communication through which advertisers can reach their targeted audience”, he pointed out.
The Ekiti State born movie maker said that apart from acting, he is involved in training of people who have interests in acting, film production, directing and other aspects to impact knowledge, share experience and drive the industry to a world renowned through his film production outfit
On the award, Adekoa disclosed that the OAFP Award 2022 was conceptualized and organized to reward and encourage production crews in film industry, especially those behind the scenes and those that had distinguished themselves.
While saying that the awardees went home with cash prizes ranging from N300,000 to more, the actor promised that the award would be an annual event, where talents would be honoured to promote the industry.
At the ceremony, Segun Ogungbe, who won the Best Director of the y
Year award; Tokunbo Oke emerged as the Best Producer of the Year; while Monday Abiose, received ‘Best Director of Photography of the Year Award.
Others awardees are Best Editor of the Year, Olakunle Olabode; Best Sound Recordist of the Year, Hammed Obafunmilayo;
Best Gaffer of the Year, Nifemi Ezekiel; while Afeez Sanyaolu went home with the Best Set Designer of the Year Award.