Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday inaugurated filmmakers, Joke Silva and Kunle Afolayan, into the board of arts and culture, urging them to go all out and explore private sector support to nurture new talents and generate events for a sustainable development of the creative arts sector in the state.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the inauguration of the board at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja said that though the state government in the last 23 months has covered a lot of ground in terms of design and structure of the arts and entertainment sector, so much still needed to be done if it must realise its goal to become a global hub for music, theatre and film.
“The commitment of our administration to harness the huge creative talents that abound in the state in the fields of arts, culture, entertainment and sports has never been in doubt. The ultimate goal is to use all of these to drive tourism, create employment and increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to the state’s gross domestic product.
“The Council for Arts and Culture which we have just inaugurated has a huge responsibility to translate our vision in this regard to reality,” the Governor said.
Ambode said the board would among other things, be expected to ensure the sustainable management of arts and culture facilities and infrastructure in the state and create a sustainable framework for the sector.
The governor Ambode said that in recognition of the enormous responsibilities the board would be saddled with, his administration ensured that only seasoned professionals, notable and respected personalities were chosen to serve on the council.
Members of board include, arts enthusiast, Mrs. Polly Alakija as chairman, with veteran thespian, Joke Silva, multiple award-winning actor and movie producer, Kunle Afolayan, influential visual artist, Mr. Kolade Oshinowo, and foremost artist and designer, Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye, as members.
Other members include Mobee of Badagry, High Chief Patrick Yodenu Mobee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Adeyemi and Director of Culture at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Saidat Otulana.
He said the inauguration of the board, coming on the heels of the 50-day event countdown of the state’s golden jubilee celebration, showed the total commitment of his administration to put the arts and culture sector in the right perspective.
