Business
Gov AbdulRazaq Excited As Kwara Sugar Film Factory Takes Shape
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday inspected the trendy sugar film factory, one of the administration’s iconic projects which seeks to refocus the state’s economy for job creation, youth empowerment, and improved standard of living.
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Designed to make Kwara a major hub in the last mile movie production and creative industry in West Africa, the facility earned its name from the nostalgic Tate and Lyle Sugar Factory which collapsed in the 1990s, in what underscored the Governor’s rich sense of history.
The project is one of those being funded from the bond the state accessed in 2021.
In a brief interview with reporters at the project site, AbdulRazaq noted that the contents of Nollywood are increasingly dominating the world but that efforts must be geared towards improving production quality for them to compete with Hollywood and Bollywood.
“Our huge investment in the creative industry is to expand the economic base of the state and deepen the creative industry. That’s the way to go. Everyone sees our state as a civil service state. We want to change that. We want to make this state a destination for high-quality movie production,” he told journalists shortly after he was conducted around the facility by Project Manager Kamaldeen Abolarin.
“It is about thinking outside the box. You’ve seen how Nigeria’s music has dominated the world. You’ve seen how Nollywood has dominated the world. It is important for Nollywood to move from what some may call videos to cinematography. It is about expanding the quality of what we produce.
So that Nigerian movies can feature more on the international scene. We have very rich content, but we need to invest in the quality of our production. Our facility offers this.
“Gradually, we are getting there. You’ve seen our films on Netflix and other global platforms but we want more of our films there. What India has done is to improve the quality of films, that’s what we want to offer here in Kwara.”
He expressed satisfaction at the progress of work done, hoping that the contractor will deliver it for operation in the next few months.
“So far, so good. I am impressed. More equipment is coming in. Very soon, we will start film production in the state, and people will be coming in from outside the state to do the last-mile production of their movies in the state. And that means a great boost to the economy,” he added.
“We are open to partnerships, and we, of course, invite film producers and others in the creative industry to work with us.”
The facility, which is the first phase, has been furnished to taste as contractors commence the installation of different high-tech gadgets and world-class sound stages and studios.
The film factory, specifically, is equipped with a cyclorama studio; 2 TV production studios; a large independent film production studio; Green Rooms; makeup facilities; training rooms; photography studios; co-working offices; buildings suites; and a large canteen.
Like the innovation hub, international conference center, industrial park, garment factory, and others, the sugar film factory is carefully linked with the visual arts center whose components include a Dolby-fitted studio, indicating an emerging local economy built around creative industry, innovation, and enterprise, and dominated by young people.
Business
Lawmaker Donates N70 Million To Farmers In Ebonyi
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South federal constituency, Hon Chinedu Ogah has distributed a cash grant of N70 million and 200 bags of 25kg rice seeds to rural farmers in the constituency to ensure food sufficiency and end hunger in the area.
Read Also: Kwara State Governor Approved the Appointment of 16 LGA Development Officers
Hon Ogah who is the House Committee chairman on Reformatory Institutions said that he has also procured 30 bags of fertilizers to be distributed to the rural farmers in the constituency to ensure a bumper harvest.
The lawmaker who made the distribution at the Edukwu-Edu playground in Item Amagu Community in Ikwo local government area of the state said that the rice seeds will be distributed to the 31 wards in the constituency.
Hon Ogah said that the rice seeds are not for consumption but for planting and warned the farmers against consuming the rice seeds.
“Let me sound a note of warning that the seeds are only for planting; it is not for consumption. Please no matter the level of hunger, don’t cook it to eat,” he said.
He maintained that to end the high cost of food items and commodities in the country, there is the need for all to go into farming.
“The small farm or garden in our backward and compound can provide some of the food items we purchase from the market. There is the need for us to go into farming,” he stated.
Business
NEMA Distributes Grains To Vulnerable In Kebbi
Director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar has distributed assorted grains from the federal government to the people of Kebbi State.
Read Also: Katsina State Government Approves 200 Million To Tackles Malnutrition
While distributing the grains yesterday at Bulasa government grains stores in Birnin Kebbi alongside with Governor Idris the DG NEMA, Zubaida Umar said the gesture from the federal government was aimed at reducing poverty amongst the less privileged in Kebbi State.
Umar added that the grains would be distributed across the 21 local government areas of the state to the vulnerable persons in the grassroots.
Governor Nasir Idris while commending the federal government for the gesture said, the initiative underscored the government’s commitment in supporting those in need especially in this challenging time.
He said the gesture is an act of kindness and generosity of APC led-administration towards making a real difference by impacting the lives of those facing hardship and uncertainty in the state.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the federal government under the able leadership of our dear President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response and unwavering commitment in providing relief to the most vulnerable members of our society,” he added.
Business
NNPCL Committed To Nasarawa Oil, Gas Initiative – Kyari
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said it is committed to partnering with the Nasarawa State government in the area of oil and gas development.
Read Also: Federal Government Vows To Expose Fake Certificate Holders
The group managing director of NNPCL, Engr. Mele Kyari, who disclosed this during the second day of the Nasarawa Investment Summit yesterday in Lafia, said Nasarawa is blessed with substantial natural gas reserves.
Represented by the executive vice president (Gas and Power), Olalekan Oguleye, the NNPC boss said the state has the potential to power industrialization that would drive economic growth to improve the lives of its citizens.
He noted that the company is more than willing for further collaboration that will unlock the full potential of the state’s natural resources for the benefit of the state and the country at large.
Kyari appreciated the bold steps the state government has taken towards building its economy in the area of solid mineral and energy.
He said the state has become a home not just for mineral resources but also for agriculture and energy.
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