27th June, 2017
The Borno Government on Tuesday pledged to support the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), towards actualising its dream of establishing a film production centre in the state.
Dr Muhammad Bulama, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, stated this while receiving the Executive Members of the association on a courtesy visit in Maiduguri.
Bulama said that the centre when established would assist to show case the numerous endowments in the state.
“It is a known fact that Borno is endowed with many creative writers and talented youths that can compete with their counterparts anywhere in the country.
“I believe that the planned set up of a film production centre in the state is a good step in the right direction,” he said.
The commissioner said that actualising the project would be of mutual benefit to the association and the state.
“We have lots of Borno indigenes helping to sustain the film industry in other places through their superlative performances and I see no reason they cannot do same at home “.
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He said that the centre would also help correct the negative impression created by the senseless campaign of the Boko Haram insurgents.
“Let me add that our amiable Gov. Kashim Shettima has always signified his intention to support any cause that would help in allowing our youths use their talent to create job opportunities to generate sustainable income for themselves and the state.
“I want to say once again that we are ready to partner with you in the interest of the state,” Bulama said.
Earlier, Malam Ibrahim Amarawa, the chairman of the state chapter of the association, who led the delegation, said that the visit was aimed at solidifying relationship between the state and the association.
Amarawa said that the state chapter of the association was established in 2007 but could not operate fully due to the Boko Haram insurgency.
“But with the relative peace in the state we are set to go places,” he said.