Nigeria is very proud of the arts and entertainment industry, where talented Nigerians continue to show and exceed world-class performance standards, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said.
Osinbajo made the assertion on Friday at the Presidential Villa, while receiving the cast of Wakaa: The Musical.
Wakaa: The Musical, a production of BABS Productions, is a play about the trials, successes and experiences of six young graduates with varied backgrounds, revealing the struggles and challenges of young Nigerians at home and abroad.
According to Osinbajo, the industry has indeed proved clearly that without anybody, even government coming to their aid, they can hold their own.
He said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration would lend its support in “whatever way we are able” to the industry.
Osinbajo, while recalling that he had seen some of the performances of the group, said, “it is absolutely amazing; extremely professional”.
He commended the works of Nigerian actors, artistes and performances, especially in the creative industry, saying, “we don’t even need to compare ourselves.
“The Nigerian entertainment industry is in a class by itself, absolutely incredible, real talent. There is no real comparison of what our people are doing.”
Earlier, the Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the Wakaa Musical performance, which had been staged in several places including London, “is writing the name of Nigeria in gold, all over the world”.
The Wakaa cast was led by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the Producer and Director and Bimbo Manuel, an actor.
In her remarks, Austen-Peters commended the vice-president for receiving the group at the Presidential Villa.
She said that such a gesture at short notice was very encouraging, “it shows we are doing something”.
The crew also invited the vice-president as the Special Guest of Honour at a Command Performance of Wakaa on Oct. 2 during the grand finale of the 9thday performance of the musical in Abuja. – NAN.
