Governor Emmanuel Sues For Creativity, Unity Among Entertainers
Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel has called on entertainers in the State to promote harmonious and peaceful coexistence where their potential and innate talents will thrive and engender growth in the industry.
Governor Emmanuel was addressing the entertainers who led a carnival float to Government House, Uyo to appreciate the Governor on his benevolence to the state entertainment industry as well as announce to him the forthcoming 2023 Ibom Entertainment Week Season scheduled for May 19-21, 2023.
The governor, who acknowledged the tremendous growth in the entertainment industry in Nigeria over the years, commended Nigerian musical artists for becoming global sensations with thrilling releases, urging Akwa Ibom entertainers comprising singers, actors, presenters, dancers, musicians, painters and comedians to coexist harmoniously without rancour, leveraging on the conducive environment created by the government to make a sustainable impact in the society.
“Let this organisation grow from strength to strength devoid of rancour, devoid of problems, don’t host this event this year, then subsequent years no more, this is a major problem in Africa.
“Most times we cannot maintain strength because there are some organisations founded in the 17th century still standing, I pray let Ibom Entertainers stand strong, there must be unity”.
“I am waiting for the day you will make me a grand patron for life, once you do that, anytime you have a problem instead of fighting each other come and meet me, we should be able to resolve that, even when you are not happy, don’t go to social media. Something one gives a gift instead of appreciation they will go on social media to disapprove, this is pure ingratitude, and there is nothing that brings down a person like ingratitude”, he advised.
The Chief Executive commended his Special Assistant on Entertainment, Mr David Sergeant, for organising the three-day event, Ibom Entertainment Week, from May 19 – 21, 2023, tagged ‘Gratitude’ which will bring the entertainment world to Akwa Ibom State, and also celebrate talents among our youths as well as growth within the industry.
Underscoring the importance of initiating the programme, Ibom Entertainment Week, the governor sued for the continuity of the event, emphasising keeping legacies that will last generations by making it sustainable.
Governor Emmanuel thanked the entertainers especially the 31 coordinators in the State for supporting the government and expressed optimism that the next administration will improve on the foundation and structure the industry has built.
In a vote of thanks, Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Mr David Sergeant, popularly known as ‘Utang Akwa Ibom’ thanked the Governor for setting a new record in the entertainment industry in the state, saying that the state government has given about 136 young and upcoming artistes opportunity to perform at the Ibom Unity Concert and pledged their determination to contribute their quota in showcasing Akwa Ibom to the world.
Highlights of the Entertainment Week according to Mr David Sergeant include Gratitude Road Walk and Celebrity FAM Tour, Recognition/Award Nite and a Thank You Concert.
