US envoy tasks Nigerian film makers on creativity

By Benjamin Njoku

THE United States Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington has urged the Nigerian creative sector to endeavour to relay stories that put Africa in a positive light.

                                      US envoy with film makers

He also pointed out that intellectual property and not oil or gas remains the true strength of the Nigerian economy.

The US envoy spoke, weekend, while in a meet and greet session with key stakeholders in the country’s entertainment industry.

He said,

“I have travelled the length and breadth of this great country, from Maiduguri to Lagos, from Kebbi to Calabar, and there are fantastic stories to tell. You are all in a unique position to carry the torch for this continent.”

Organised by leading talent agency, Temple Management Company (TMC), the event held at the US Consul-General’s private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Temple Management CEO, Idris Olorunnimbe, gave a vote of thanks in which he acknowledged the US Consul General’s foresight in recognising the increasingly influential role of the burgeoning creative sector. “This has been a fruitful evening,” Olorunnimbe said. “Many of the ambassador’s words foreshadowed the reasons why Temple was set up in the first place. We simply have to tell our own stories.”

In attendance were actress Joke Silva, Eddie Lawani, musician Ade Bantu, BBN runner-up Bisola, actor OC Ukejie, rappers Falz and Phyno, actresses OmotolaJalade-Ekeinde, RukkySanda and Yinka Davis, playwright (Heartbeat) and screenwriter (The Wedding Party). Others were, TosinOtudeko, singers Iyanya, Darey Art-Alade, Jeff Akoh and Sound Sultan, Comedian Bovi; beauty entrepreneur, Lola OJ, screen darlings Mimi Onalaja and Bolanle Olukanni and several from the visual arts community, Logor and Tennis sensation, MaryLove Edwards.