The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has described entertainment and tourism industries as becoming one of the most profitable ventures in the country that no government can ignore or despise in its economic survival policy.
Oyebanji said it was in recognition of the quantum of revenues and immense benefit inherent in the sectors that he makes Arts, culture and tourism one of the pillars of the policy-thrust his administration is determined to expand and develop.
The Governor said this in Ikere Ekiti, on Wednesday, during the commissioning of the first Private digital Television Station established by Aremo Global Broadcasting Investment, owned by Amb. Oluwole Alaba Akomolafe.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Christianah Monisade Afuye, said available statistics revealed that entertainment industry contributed a staggering sum of N239 billion into the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2016, representing 1.4% of the Nigeria’s economic base.
A statement on Wednesday, by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Victor Ogunje, quoted the Governor as saying that the industry also generated an aggregate of $22 million into the Federal Government’s coffers in 2021, which he said can’t be disparaged by any government.
He commended the industrialist for establishing the media outfit in Ekiti, assuring that no efforts will be spared to partner the private investors to expand the scope of the state’s economy for more revenue and employment generation.
Oyebanji expressed the preparedness of his government to provide every impetus that will drive investments in the state to fortify the economy and propel human capital development as a strong pillar of his cardinal objectives.
“Available statistics indicated that the entertainment industry generated a total of $22m into the federal government’s coffers in 2021, with a projection to raise the financial figure to $73m in the future.
“This is why the Government of Biodun Oyebanji is fully committed to develop Ekiti’s Arts , Culture and Tourism sector to boost our economy and make it stronger in terms of employment generation and revenue drive.
“We are really happy that we are having the first Private digital television station being commissioned in Ekiti today. This establishment I learnt is also having a radio station. The multiplying effects can’t be quantified.
“As I appreciate the founder for his dream and focus, don’t let him forget to be effective in making sure that this establishment plays its Corporate Social Responsibility role very effectively, so that the community and the entire state can savour its benefit to the fullest”.
The founder of the Media outfit, Amb Akomolafe, said Aremo Global Television being the first Private digital television in Ekiti State would desperately need the patronage of the public to thrive and sustain.
Akomolafe added that this can come in terms of sponsorship of programmes on the television that would be viewed on SATVIEW Decoder Channel 505.
He said; “This outfit will offer wide range of services like Television and Radio production , film production and music recording and production.
“We need government’s support and your patronage in terms of programme sponsorship and advert patronage for constant maintenance of facilities and broadcast airspace”.
Also speaking at the event, the President, Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria(TAMPAN), Mr. Bolaji Amusan, pledged the support of the body for the survival and sustenance of the outfit, so that its focus won’t be derailed.
The renowned film maker and theatre Practitioner, appealed to the Ekiti State Government to partner the station to grow the economy and develop the state’s human capital resources.
The highly elated Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti,Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, described the initiative as lofty and impressive, expressing joy that investment in the town is growing in bounds and leaps.
“Not long ago, an indigene of this town, Chief Wole Olanipekun established the first Private radio station in Ikere Ekiti, this will add to it. I am particularly happy that we are having the first Private television station here in this town.
” This is a call and challenge to all Ekiti indigenes to be coming home to partner government in developing our dear state. Government can’t do it alone, it should be a collective responsibility”.
Other dignitaries at the event included the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola(SAN), Ajero of Ijero, HRM Oba Joseph Adewole, former Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola Eleka, Theatre Practitioners across the country, Independent Broadcasters, among others.
