The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled an ongoing creative academy in the state, urging youths to be meaningfully engaged for their individual good and that of the state.
Addressing a 10,000-Man ARISE City Walk by Akwa Ibom entertainers in front of Government House, Uyo, he said money is a reward for value and urged youths to strive for value addition.
Eno, who was impressed by the turnout of a large number of entertainers in the state, commended his Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, Mr. David Sergeant, for galvanizing the entertainment industry.
The governor also made reference to Rev. Osondu Ahirika, who was recently appointed Senior Special Assistant on Social Orientation, stressing that his show of gratitude and committed support for the ARISE Agenda were commendable.
“Let us leave behind this sense of entitlement. Nobody owes you anything. Seest thou a man diligent in his job? He shall stand before kings and not before mean men. I like to tell our young people, let us live beyond this entitlement attitude,” he said.
“This government has encouraged and celebrated our talents and so, I would like to see something bigger. The creative industry is a multi-billion naira industry. We need to encourage our people. You’re the next generation. Nobody will give room for you until you are able to show your talent. When you show your talent, people will look for you.”
The governor recalled that even before his political debut, he had supported and provided platforms for some entertainers.
“For this association, I want you to grow it, I want you to nurture it. My support for you should not scatter this group. You can start something, train your people. The state is building Ibom Creative Academy and I pray that by this time next year, we should be able to launch it, and I believe that all of you shooting films should be able to use it. We are expanding it to make it something you would be proud of. We want to deliberately make Akwa Ibom the tourism haven of this country,” he added.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Udofia, Mr. Sergeant, and Chairman of the planning committee, Mr. Godfada Uko, appreciated the Governor for creating time to grace the event, for investing in the entertainment industry, and for appointing entertainers into his administration, assuring him of their continuous commitment and support for the ARISE Agenda.
