The Bank of Industry (BOI) has extended a financial lifeline to Kannywood, local movie producers, and other entertainers in Northern Nigeria. Dr. Dahiru Bala, BOIโs North West Regional Manager, announced this commitment at the 6th Kaduna International Film Festivalโs closing ceremony.
The event was a star-studded affair featuring notable actors like Ali Nuhu, Frances Duru, and Rabiu Rikadawa, who received lifetime achievement awards.
Dr Bala urged Northern creatives to apply for funding, emphasizing the creative sectorโs potential to stimulate job growth and bolster the economy.
โBOI is a national bank and as much as it is a national bank, we want to spread our support in the country. So, those in the North and Nigeria at large will be supported,โ he stated.
Audu Kashim, the founder and Executive Director of the Kaduna International Film Festival, acknowledged the challenges facing the Northern entertainment industry, including communication barriers and lack of funding. However, he expressed optimism, stating,
โWe will not relent despite all the setbacks we encounter in the industry.โ
Editorial
The Bank of Industryโs pledge to financially back Northern Nigeriaโs entertainment sector marks a pivotal moment for an industry often overshadowed by its Southern counterpart.
This commitment not only validates the creative talents in the North but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth.
The creative industry is a multi-billion dollar sector that has the potential to create jobs, stimulate economic activities, and even serve as a soft power tool for the country on the global stage.
However, the BOIโs pledge should not be an isolated initiative. It must be part of a broader strategy that includes skill development, market access, and the creation of a conducive environment for creativity to thrive.
The government should also look into easing the bureaucratic hurdles that often stifle creative endeavours.
The Kaduna International Film Festival serves as a beacon, highlighting the untapped potential in Northern Nigeria.
Itโs high time other stakeholders, including state governments and private investors, join forces with initiatives like these to elevate the Northern entertainment industry to new heights.
Did You Know?
- Kannywood is the film industry based in Kano, Nigeria, and it primarily produces movies in the Hausa language.
- The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, is the second-largest film industry in the world by volume.
- Ali Nuhu, a notable actor mentioned in the article, is often referred to as the โKing of Kannywood.โ
- The term โsoft powerโ was coined by Joseph Nye in 1990 and refers to the ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction.
- The global creative industry is estimated to be worth over $2.25 trillion, according to a report by the United Nations.
