The telecommunications sector is the first genuine platform that has taken over virtually every aspect of human development since the revolution began via the Digital Mobile Licences 2001, according to Dr. Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The EVC who hosted MTN Music Ambassadors in his office in Abuja recently, said the musicians themselves have become a standard for the youth of the country. “You have made the country proud by your creativity, you have shaped the entertainment industry”.
“Through the effective oversight of the Commission, the industry has been able to engage the youth through the promotion of the entertainment industry by way of Talent Shows which have seen the emergence of artists who have become role models for the teeming youth, adding that your shows have enriched lives significantly”.
The EVC told his guests that Nigerian entertainment industry has gone beyond our shores. He cited an example of his visit to Atlanta, Georgia, USA recently with some Nollywood producers and actors to attend a seminar where Professors and other experts from the USA and Canada came spefically to understudy, analyse and talk about the growing entertainment industry in Nigeria and the influence on other sectors and cultures.
He said the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in collaboration with George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia and Howard University hosted the seminar with a view to providing global best practice in marketing and distribution of movies, training on digital movie production and editing among others.
The NCC is in the vanguard of doing the best for the entertainment industry including Nollywood adding that a studio is being built in Oshodi, Lagos to cushion the practice of Nigerian entertainers.
Okechukwu Itanyi, executive commissioner, Stakeholder Management, also told the visitors that the telecom industry is a platform for propagating the ideals of entertainment through video streaming, SMS and Caller tunes.
“The industry has ensured the success of these platforms, it has empowered Nigerians and the NCC is looking forward to the emergence of more stars who will reach out to the younger generation and show good example through mentorship of the younger generation”.
Tony Ojobo, director, Public Affairs, said that until his appearance on a radio programme recently to explain the link between telecoms and the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), many people did not know that the ATMs were linked to telecoms networks.
Ojobo said the entertainment industry has made Nigerians both home and in the diaspora proud.
He cited the advent of Project Fame as part of the telecoms industry’s intervention to improve the standard of the entertainment industry and empower the youth.
Ojobo cited his encounter at an event in JFK Arts Centre in Washington DC where youth of all nationalities came specifically to savour Nigerian artists and learn about the culture of the people of Nigeria displayed through music, drama and the arts.
The musicians including Sir Shina Peters, Chidinma, KCee, Praize and Nyanya also visited other Directors of the Commission including Ms Josephine Amuwa (Director, Policy Competition & Economic Analysis), Mrs Maryam Bayi (Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau) and Ms Ayo Sofolahan (Director, Projects). CommunicationWeek
