Just In: Investment In Entertainment Industry Will Improve Lagos GDP – Ambode

Jennifer Akamanu

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has said that the state government’s huge investments in arts and entertainment industry are aimed at growing the economy and positively engaging the youths.

Ambode who disclosed this while speaking at a public forum in Lagos said the sector remains a veritable platform to improve the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state and Nigeria.

The governor explained that since the inception of his administration, conscious efforts had been made to invest in the arts and entertainment sector in view of its strategic importance to the country if the potential were properly harnessed.

While describing the sector as the future of the state, the governor said the investment so far made was geared towards using the industry as a springboard to plan for the burgeoning youth population in the state.

“Obviously, I am a lover of arts and as a government; we have invested so much in culture, entertainment and so on. The real GDP of Lagos is in entertainment and arts because that is where the future is.

“The population dynamics of Lagos is like 65 per cent below the age of 35 and you have to start to find somewhere to actually fill in that gap to grow the GDP of Lagos and that is why we have decided that we would promote a lot of things in arts, culture and entertainment and that is just the right way to go,” Ambode said.

The governor, who also commended the creativity and versatility of the cast and production crew of the stage play in coming up with a wonderful show, assured that he would continue to support the sector whether in government or out of government.

“I just want to say that I have enjoyed myself thoroughly and this is one of the Christmas gifts to me. Sitting down here and watching for one and a half hours, you know that there is a big future for this country and for everybody that has actually taken part in this stage play, I say God bless you.

“When I see younger people and the sense of creativity around them and the energy, it brings that sense of hope in this country and whatever support I can give in and out of government, I will do it without hesitation,” he said.