Date: February 11, 2025
The Entertainment Practitioners Association of Rivers State, in collaboration with representatives of media houses, held a meeting to discuss the progress, achievements, and challenges faced by the entertainment industry in Rivers State.
Rivers State, known for its rich cultural heritage, has been a hub for creative expression, music, film, theater, fashion, and arts. However, the industry has experienced a decline in growth due to limited government support, lack of local talent development, and insufficient collaborations with national and international entities.
*Key Achievements and Objectives*
1. *Increased Government Support*: The Rivers State Government aims to provide substantial support to the entertainment sector through investments in infrastructure, grants, and funding for creative projects.
2. *Promotion of Local Talent*: The government will continue to promote local artists, filmmakers, and producers, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents nationally and internationally.
3. *Cultural Festivals*: Rivers State will host various cultural festivals, film screenings, and music concerts to attract tourists, media attention, and investors.
4. *Infrastructural Development*: The state will establish new theaters, art spaces, music studios, and venues to provide practitioners with world-class facilities.
*Challenges Facing the Association*
1. *Limited Funding*: Insufficient funding remains a significant challenge, particularly for emerging artists and filmmakers.
2. *Piracy and Copyright Infringement*: Piracy continues to affect the revenue of local practitioners, necessitating stronger copyright enforcement.
3. *Infrastructure Gaps*: Despite some development, the industry still lacks adequate infrastructure to support large-scale productions and international collaborations.
4. *Fragmentation of the Sector*: The industry remains fragmented, with practitioners working in isolation, limiting cross-industry innovation and growth.
*Recommendations for Future Progress*
1. *Enhance Collaboration*: Prioritize collaborations between government, private sector, and entertainment practitioners to support cross-disciplinary projects.
2. *Support Talent Development*: Increase support for training and mentorship programs, integrating entertainment industry studies into institutional curriculums.
3. *Create Funding and Grants*: Establish targeted funds and grants for entertainment practitioners, particularly emerging artists.
4. *Strengthen Copyright Protection*: Combat piracy and enforce copyright laws through enhanced security and monitoring of digital platforms.
5. *Creation of Entertainment News and Segments*: Establish platforms for entertainment news and segments to promote local talent and industry developments.
Conclusion
The entertainment sector in Rivers State has made significant progress, but challenges persist. The Entertainment Practitioners Association of Rivers State calls on stakeholders to collaborate and create an ecosystem that nurtures creativity, innovation, and sustainable growth.
A platform will be established for participants to share information, correspondence, and events.
Signed,
Tekena Iyalla
Coordinator
Timi Dare
Director of Admin and Publicity
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