Zuma film festival will boost tourism in FCT – Minister

Zuma film festival will boost tourism in FCT – Minister

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, has said the forthcoming Zuma film festival will boost tourism and strengthen investment opportunities in the nation’s capital.

Aliyu stated this while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, ahead of the 12th edition of the festival slated for May 1 to May 7.

She said the administration would leverage on windows of cooperation with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) to harness the opportunities created by the festival to develop abundant local talents in the city.

The minister said that Abuja was rapidly garnering a reputation as a pleasant tourist destination with its rich cultural mix, beautiful sights and a bustling entertainment industry.

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Represented by Mr Samuel Atang, Director Operation and Strategy Office of the Permanent Secretary FCTA, Aliyu said that the FCT administration intended to use the programme to ensure sustainable development of the indigenous film industry.

“We intend to sustain using the Zuma Film Festival as a springboard. We will use the programme to develop our indigenous film industry with the ultimate aim of making Abuja, the film and creative hub for Africa using the festival as a catalyst.

“The collaboration between the FCTA and the NFC will not only ensure a bigger and better Zuma Film Festival but will also provide residents of Abuja investment opportunities in the nation’s creative economy,” she said.

On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NFC, Dr Chidia Maduekwe, said the collaboration between NFC and FCTA would bring total transformation of the film, cinema and tourism activities of the nation especially within Abuja.

“At the NFC, we are resolved to deepen and develop the Nigerian Film industry within the broad and specific mandate of developing the Nigeria film industry, NFC remains committed to engaging its key partners at all levels.”

The managing director said adequate security measures have been put in place for the safety of visitors within and outside the country, for the seven days festival.