The Founder/CEO, Nigeria International Film and TV Summit (NIFS), Ijeoma Onah, has restated her commitment to the development of the Creative Industry, particularly Film and TV, in Nigeria and globally.
She stated this at the opening of the 2024 Summit held at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including the Ghana Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Nollywood actors, film producers, marketers, financiers, students, and international personalities and institutions.
In her opening remarks, Onah reaffirmed her dedication to the Summit’s mission of fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in the Nigerian film and TV sector.
“Our goal with NIFS has always been to provide a platform for industry practitioners to exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and discover new opportunities for growth,” Onah said. “We are committed to ensuring that this Summit continues to be a cornerstone for industry development in Nigeria, and in fact, globally.”
One important milestone, among others, of this year’s Summit is our deliberate effort to involve our colleagues and partners from Ghana. “As you know, Ghana is our natural neighbour and we share so many things in common including our cultural heritage and other existential profiles.”
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The first day of the Summit was packed with insightful discussions and speeches from key industry figures, academics, and policy makers. Onah says that, “Today’s discussions have been enriching, offering fresh perspectives and practical solutions. NIFS is committed to fostering an environment where ideas flourish and collaborations are born,” she said.
The Ghanaian Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, applauded the organisers of the 2024 Summit for their resilience and steadfastness over the years. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the invitation to be at the event and the opportunity to present Ghana perspectives of the film industry to Nigerians; and called for robust partnership between his country and Nigeria in the development of the film industry in both countries.
For him, the gathering of the leading stars of the film industry in Nigeria – a city that resonates with the vibrant hub of Africa’s creative industry – and across the world is a testament to the robust creative spirit of our continent.
He advocates for a Nigeria and Ghana partnership in film development and advancement of the film and TV industries to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster cultural exchange which cannot be overstated. But to fully realise this potential, we must embrace collaboration across
our borders. Ghana and Nigeria, he said “share a long history of cultural exchange, and our film industries have been intertwined for decades. Many Ghanaian actors have found fame in Nollywood, and vice versa, highlighting the seamless synergy between our two industries. This collaboration must not only continue but also deepen. By working together, we can pool our resources, share our expertise, and collectively push the boundaries of African cinema.
For our industries to thrive, we must invest in talent development and infrastructure. The young, creative minds that drive our film and TV sectors need access to quality training, mentorship, and opportunities. Our governments, in partnership with the private sector, must prioritise the establishment of film schools, production studios, and distribution networks that can support the full value chain of film production and distribution. Furthermore, we must create environments that are conducive for filmmaking; environments where creativity is nurtured, where intellectual property is protected, and where filmmakers can access the financial resources they need to bring their visions to life.”