Tag: CULTURE COMMISSIONER

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo  :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, has said that Anambra is prepared for shows aimed at promoting tourism and enhancing the state’s appeal. He emphasized that improvements in road infrastructure have been made to facilitate easy navigation.

Commissioner Onyenji made these remarks during a courtesy visit from members of the Entertainment Industry Stakeholders at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka. 

He said, “Roads, which have been one of our major challenges in the state, are now becoming a thing of the past, thanks to our esteemed Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who is working to build new roads and maintain existing ones. Furthermore, with the ongoing street lighting in the capital city and several major towns, Anambra will stand out and become remarkable”.

He also mentioned other significant projects underway, such as Solution Fun City, which will serve as a hub for entertainment, relaxation, and exciting attractions once completed. “As our Governor often says, we want to make Anambra a destination hub, not just a departure lounge.”

Earlier in the meeting, Udeagbala Chukwubuikem, the coordinator of the Entertainment Industry Stakeholders, thanked the Commissioner for their warm reception. He explained that their visit was to discuss their upcoming ‘Unboxed Party,’ which is the largest monthly entertainment event for young people in the Southeast and the Niger Delta.

He noted that they hosted over 10,000 youths for the Unboxed Party experience in Awka last December and are now planning a stadium edition, requesting government permission to use the Awka Township Stadium for the event.

“This show will showcase Anambra State as an entertainment-friendly destination, attracting young fun-seekers and stimulating economic activities. The number of attendees will not only include our locals but also visitors from outside the state, which will benefit local businesses,” he added.

He further said that the event would unlock the potential of the creative industry in the state and improve its security narrative. Additionally, he expressed hope that granting permission for the stadium would inspire other event organizers, demonstrating that the Anambra State government is open to hosting events in its facilities to support the local creative industry.

He concluded by appealing for the presence of Governor  Soludo at the event to motivate and inspire them.

*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, says the Solution government acknowledges the potential of the creative industry, which encompasses arts, tourism, entertainment, and culture, by repositioning, developing and transforming the state into a tourism destination hub through the ongoing construction of projects such as the Solution Fun City, Agulu Lake Resorts, others.

The Commissioner made these remarks during a courtesy visit from the executive of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Anambra State Chapter, in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka.

He emphasized that the creative industry is a leading source of global employment, highlighting that the filmmakers have a significant role to play in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and nation’s growth.

“The message we pass through films is very critical. We must always use film to market our state, promote our core values and cultures to the world. Again, this government recognizes your guild by appointing a known face to be part of the government,” he added.

He congratulated the new executive, encouraging them to use their films to highlight the developmental progress occurring in various sectors of the state.

The State Chairman of AGN, Anambra Chapter, Mrs. Anyaegbunam Chinyelu expressed gratitude to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for the massive development going on in the state and to the Commissioner for the warm reception accorded to them. 

She expressed that their visit was to felicitate and present the new executive of the AGN to him as well as declare their interest in promoting the Ministry’s projects when beckoned. 

She said, “We need government recognition and support in accommodation and logistics just like our counterparts in other states enjoy from their government, to enable us to function effectively and have a strong filmmaking hub”.

*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji has urged the staff of the ministry to aim for the top in their profession, be efficient and outstanding in discharging their duties.

Mr Onyenji who stated this during a meeting with his staff in Awka explained that talents not nurtured or used will go to waste. “People are using their talents to create wealth and job opportunities. So, utilize yours and be outstanding in what you do. Initiate constructive ideas in your various departments that will boost the ministry.

“Have a vision of getting to the top by upgrading yourselves regularly. This ministry is a creative industry where you can showcase your skills and excel. So, task yourself to be relevant,” he posited.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Jerome Ilokwu charged the staff to improve themselves in the service and be of good conduct, noting that it will yield good results.

“Comport yourself and respect your superiors as stipulated in the civil service rules. Be computer literate if you do not know about it because the world now, revolves around the use of computers,” he noted.

He then encouraged them to learn one or two skills in line with their various departments to promote themselves and the ministry and as well be efficient in their duty post.

In their various responses, Offor Nwafor, a Senior Cultural Officer and Basil Igwemma, a Senior Tourism Officer expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for scheduling the meeting. They expressed that the ministry has capable and professional staff who can create and project the state to the limelight when given the opportunity.

* Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *