By Fredrick Njoku, Owerri
The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality, and Culture, Barr. Jerry Egemba, on Thursday, January 23, hosted the first-ever “Imo Creative Industry Stakeholders Meeting.”
The event, which took place at the Imo State Council for Arts & Culture, was attended by prominent figures from the entertainment industry; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir TUC Nwokonkwo, and heads of various departments. The Director of the Arts Council, Eze-elect Eke Jude Chijioke was also present.
In his address, Barr. Egemba emphasized the importance of the gathering, which aimed to bring together stakeholders in the entertainment sector for a collective discussion on the industry’s future.
He stated, “The essence of this meeting is to bring all those involved in the entertainment industry together, to interact, discuss, and examine matters concerning the industry and the welfare of the people of Imo State under the leadership of His Excellency, Dist. Sen. Dr. Hope Uzodimma, CON.”
The Commissioner also shared his experiences from attending various film festivals, such as the Imo Film Festival, Imo International film Festival, Eco Film Festival, the Igbo Film Festival, and Steph Nora Okere’s Show, “Ijenwe Imerienwe” between 2024 and early 2025.
He reiterated his commitment to continuing to engage with the industry at such events.
Furthermore, Barr. Egemba noted that the meeting creates an opportunity for the people of Imo State to benefit from the entertainment industry, particularly through the satisfaction and joy it brings to their wellbeing which is directly linked to the health benefit of longevity. He referenced Governor Uzodimma’s statement at the Imo Youth Fiesta held on January 2, 2025, where the year 2025 was declared as “Imo Year of Entertainment Braggadocio Extravaganza” signifying the governor’s dedication to supporting the entertainment industry as a key partner in the state’s development.
The Commissioner also encouraged the stakeholders to be good ambassadors of Imo State and the present government and urged them to work together in creating a unified platform for the celebration of ” The Imo Entertainment Day”. This, he explained, would enable the government to provide the necessary support for the industry’s growth.
Bob Michael, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment, reassured the gathering that the Governor, a fun-loving leader, was committed to the growth of the entertainment sector. He appealed for patience and emphasized the government’s willingness to address the industry’s challenges. Michael further promised to ensure that the Governor is fully briefed on their concerns of industry practitioners and also proposed solutions.
The Chairperson of the event planning committee, Lady Nzeogu Adaeze, Director Culture and Head of Creative Arts Unit of Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture expressed her gratitude to the Commissioner for his support and dedication towards making the event a success. She highlighted the caliber of attendees and thanked everyone for their participation.
On his own, the Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Imo State Chapter, Dr. Francis Nwafor also thanked the government for organizing the historic event, while highlighting the challenges facing the industry. This sentiment was echoed by the representative of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Hon Sonex Oguike, while Lady Steph Nora Okere of Nollywood ellaborated on the potential benefits of the forum, emphasizing the positive outcomes stakeholders expect from the meeting.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the forthcoming South East Creative Economy Summit, Mr. Victor Nwokocha informed that the Summit would hold in Owerri within the first quarter of 2025, and a date would be made public soon. He said that the choice of Owerri as host city for the Summit was informed by the positive disposition of Governor Hope Uzodinma towards the development of the creative industry. While thanking the Hon. Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture for the support of the Ministry towards a successful hosting of the Summit, Mr. Nwokocha said that the Summit is themed: ‘Intellectual Property, Entertainment Technology and Wealth Creation: Imperatives for Enhancing the South East Creative Economy’.
The Imo Creative Industry Stakeholders Meeting marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the government and entertainment professionals in Imo State, with the shared goal of advancing the local entertainment industry.
The event attracted the presence of top dignitaries, including Nollywood veterans, Mr. Madu Chikwendu and Lady Steph Nora Okere; leaders of various creative industry guilds and associations, senior civil servants, top comedians and media executives.
