The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Enugu State and most favored by far to clinch the seat, Frank Nweke Jr, has reiterated that entertainment, fashion and sports constitute key parts of his Economic plan to totally transform Enugu State and restore its pride of place as the capital of the old Eastern Region.
Nweke made the statement in his address at a Town Hall Meeting organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Friday for all the gubernatorial candidates in Enugu State.
Speaking on his economic transformation plan, Nweke pointed out that beyond agriculture and other traditional sectors that form a key part of his administration’s plans, he would also focus on other emerging sectors in the state such as entertainment, fashion and sports.
“Beyond the social impact of entertainment, fashion and sports, we will use these sectors to stimulate the economy of our State for exponential growth.
“We will restore inter-school and intra-state sports, immediately creating demand for sports clothing and accessories. We will work with private investors to revive Rangers FC and facilitate infrastructural development at the State and local level” he said.
Also recall that a week prior at the Eastern Nigerian Film Festival, Nweke addressed a cross section of young aspiring entertainers and industry stakeholders that included the Founder of the Festival, Ujuaku Akukwe, Emeka Mba of Afia TV, Kene Mkparu of KomWorld Cinemas, actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu and a host of others, about his plans for the entertainment industry in Enugu State.
“Our people are highly talented and gifted. We will deliberately, through policy, mobilize action in the entertainment and creative sector.
“We will deploy the convening power of the office of the governor and host an annual Entertainment Week and an annual Fashion Show to showcase the hospitality, beauty and uniqueness of Enugu and promote people with competence and character in addition to their skills. That is what we will sell to the world.”
Noting that Enugu used to be the home of Nollywood, Nweke vowed that “We will return Nollywood to Enugu.”
Nweke’s plan in the industry includes mapping out N1 Billion Enugu Creative Fund and establishing the City on the Hill Art Centre to cater to budding talents across the creative value chain.
Also in the plan is an ongoing strategic partnership with creative innovators and entrepreneurs for practical policies that serve the sector, amongst others.