Veteran filmmaker, Adebayo Salami, aka Oga Bello, and a good umber of his colleagues are in high spirits as the Lagos State Government has granted 37 of them N200m interest-free loans.
It is in fulfilment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s promise to fund the creative industry, upon which he raised a committee of stakeholders.
Salami has commended the governor, saying the practitioners would cosnientiously handle the funds.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, during the presentation of cheques to the 37 beneficiaries at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, said the initiative aims to address financial challenges that inhibit quality film production in Lagos and Nigeria.
He said, “this Initiative and presentation of cheques being done today is a testament to our commitment to ensure the potentials of the entertainment industry are realized.
“I congratulate the beneficiaries of this Initiative who are receiving their cheques. I am without doubt that your proposals and plans must have been really compelling and convincing to the committee.”
Sanwo-Olu admonished the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the loan and payback at the stipulated time to enable others to be empowered also.
Another beneficiary, Tunji Ojetola, who gave his testimonial at the presentation, said the exercise was devoid of favoritism and that the application process is seamless and the screening was thorough and professional.
In his words “this is the first time a Government policy is well executed and the commendation should go to Mr. Governor and the Ministry.”
