Nollywood actress, Joke Silva and comedian, Ali Baba, have been appointed members of the Lagos State Government post-COVID-19 Review Committee.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, who inaugurated the committee on Thursday, said the members are expected to suggest ways to help the tourism and entertainment sectors of the state bounce back after the coronavirus pandemic.
She said, “The situation in the world today was not pre-determined. This is where we are and this is what we have seen happening to us. The tourism sector is one of the worst-hit sectors by this pandemic because, on a daily basis, Lagos records new cases and we must not shy away from the fact that COVID-19 is still with us.
“Everywhere is shut down. The airline operators are not operating, there is nothing like Art exhibitions, and hospitality businesses have been put on hold. So, we want to find a way to sustain our economy and the industry, even with the pandemic and see how best we can continue to improve on the creative sector.”
Joke Silva, who is to head the committee, expressed optimism that the committee will indeed help the State emerge stronger after the pandemic.
“I am very lucky to have intelligent people as members of the committee because they are men and women who are very knowledgeable and passionate about the industry. I know that our collaboration will result in good recommendations. The creative industry has been greatly affected by COVID-19, but we will get through it”, she said.
Other members of the committee, which has two weeks to submit its report to the government are Patrick Donald Lee, Adun Okupe, Oyenike Okundaye and Gbenga Sunmonu.
Ali Baba already heads the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Creative Industry Committee.
