The Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Cinematography, Chief Offu Aya, has lauded His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade for being the first and the only State Governor who has created a Ministry to carter for the needs of cinematographers in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interactive session with the world renowned CALLYWOOD Board Chairman, Shan George, alongside some indigenoous cast and crew in the movie industry, Chief Offu Aya informed that His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, is passionate about humanity, climate change, migration and Africanism which are themes that should form the basis of films to be produced by the State, with originality, uniqueness and total local content.
The Commissioner while appreciating the indigenous cast and crew members for their commitment and passion to develop their talents, urged them to effectively utilise the platform offered them by the State Governor to showcase their talent to the world through Cinematography, adding that soon, the sector will be fully regulated in the State for effective and efficient coordination of the sector.
He also charged them to encourage others who are yet to key into the available opportunities and Cinematography platform to do so as the Government has already made provision for a state-of- the-art- equipment required for proficiency.
In her remarks, the CALLYWOOD Board Chairman, Shan George stated that the indigenous cast and crew were put together by her in order to harness their talents and launch them to the world, adding that the State is blessed with abundant talents that can compete favourably with their counterparts in Nigeria and beyond, if identified and properly groomed hence the need to look inwards.
On their part, some cast and crew members thanked the Cross River State Government for their effort which will undoubtedly create jobs for the teaming unemployed youths and also appealed for more support.
Also present during the interractive session was the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports and Cinematography, Prince Edward and Directors from the Ministry.