Dr. Ali Nuhu, on Tuesday, officially assumed duty as the new and seventh Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) with a pledge to fast track the growth of Nigeria’s film industry to be predicated on commitment, vigor and determination.
At the brief but memorable handing over ceremony, witnessed by Film Stakeholders, NFC Management and Staff, as well as top –government officials at its headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Nuhu said he is determined to deploy his vast experiences in further shaping the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian film industry.
The NFC’s new Chief Executive was emphatic about the expectations of the Federal Government, film and other stakeholders and the good people of Nigeria on the role the agency should play within the national and global creative ecosystem and assured that despite the weighty responsibilities and mandate, he is determined in steering the NFC towards unprecedented excellence in service delivery that will be timely, beneficial, measurable, sustainable and impactful.
The task of harnessing the potentials of Nigeria’s creative sector, particularly the realm of filmmaking, to advance the objectives and policies of the federal government in fostering national growth, Nuhu said, will be driven on the wheels of NFC’s service charter of “powering possibilities”. Charting new frontiers for the NFC as the beacon of excellence within the national, continental and global film landscape will be given the attention it deserves. He listed the formulation and implementation of robust film industry policies and regulatory frameworks; upscale in training and capacity-building initiatives to nurture talent and enhance professionalism; development of film production infrastructure to bolster industry growth and competitiveness; visibility of Nigerian films within the country and abroad; partnerships with strategic public and private sector agencies and organisations, as well as international stakeholders – to foster innovation, attract investment, and facilitate film co-productions.
Dr. Nuhu expressed his profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (GCFR) for his appointment, just as he appreciated and also pledged to support policy initiates of Barr. Hannatu Musawa Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in developing the film sector.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Edmund Peters, NFC’s Director, Production and Industry Support Services said that the Corporation has recorded significant achievements since its establishment in 1979. He expressed the confidence of Management and Staff in the ability of Dr. Nuhu to lead the Corporation to greater heights. The new Chief Executive, he said “is privileged to inherit dedicated staff who are ready to support you as you begin this new journey” of the optimal utilization of NFC’s capacity to serve as the central agency for the overall development of the film sector.
Dignitaries at the event included Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha – Executive Director, Kano State Film Censorship Board, Barr. Ezra Jinang SSA – Creativity & Entertainment to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Alhaji Sani Muazu – veteran Kannywood Actor, Producer; Sir. Eward Fom – Association of Movie Producers (AMP). Alfred Mgbejume, Achor Yusuf, and Umar Tanko – representatives of the national presidents of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) respectively, as well as several filmmakers were also in attendance.
