The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for the growth of the entertainment industry, promising greater support for practitioners in the arts, culture and creative sectors.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, gave the assurance in Ibadan on Thursday while receiving members of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) on behalf of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Arulogun said government recognised the economic and social potential of the entertainment industry and would continue to explore ways of strengthening the sector as part of efforts to expand the state’s economic opportunities.
He described TAMPAN as an important component of the state’s socio-cultural landscape and pledged that the ministry would work with practitioners to improve the environment in which they operate.
“The state government sees TAMPAN as an integral part of its socio-cultural existence and will do everything to add value to its operating structure and environment,” he said.
According to the commissioner, government was also prepared to intensify the fight against piracy, which he identified as one of the major challenges confronting the entertainment industry.
He disclosed that the ministry would establish an entertainment industry support desk within weeks to improve communication between government and practitioners and facilitate mutually beneficial collaboration.
“We are poised to be in the lead in the fight against piracy and the structuring of the entertainment industry. In a matter of weeks, an entertainment industry support desk will be available in the ministry to facilitate the much-needed win-win relationship between government and the entertainment industry,” Arulogun added.
He also pledged the state government’s support for TAMPAN’s 2016 Theatre Week, assuring the association of government’s participation in the programme.
Earlier, the leader of TAMPAN in Oyo State, Mrs Rose Odika, said the delegation visited the ministry to inform the government about the association’s annual Theatre Week and seek its support and participation.
Odika also announced the investiture of Governor Abiola Ajimobi as the association’s Grand Patron.
She expressed appreciation to the state government and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism for their support and cooperation with members of the entertainment industry.
The meeting underscored the growing interest in strengthening collaboration between government and creative-sector practitioners in Oyo State, particularly in areas capable of generating employment, preserving culture and contributing to economic development.
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