Information Minister Storms NFC to Lay Foundation StonesBy Fred Iwenjora
Published: December 16, 2007
Print The Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. John Odey recently laid the foundation stone of a multi-purpose building that will enhance film training and research at the nation's premier film institute, the National Film Institute, Jos.
The project is the construction of an ultra modern Cyber-café, Canteen and Bookshop which when completed will boost research activities at the NFI, as well as staff and student welfare.
The Honourable Minister soon after the foundation laying undertook an inspection of other on-going construction projects which includes the ultra modern NFI Sound Stage Studio and Photo Laboratory complex.
He was conducted round the projects by the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Afolabi Adesanya. The Managing Director told the Minister that the completion of the two projects will basically serve the production and post-production needs of NFI students, and enhance professional training and capacity building especially on the SHOOT! plat form.
Mr. John Odey expressed satisfaction with the projects and reiterated Federal Government's commitment to step up her support for the Nigerian Film Corporation, National Film Video and Sound Archive, and the National Film Institute.
He pointed out that the parastatal is piloting affairs in an industry that has brought so much awareness to the socio-political and cultural existence of Nigeria as a nation and her people.
The Honourable Minister who was accompanied on the inspection by the Minister of State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, Senator Sylvester Anyanwu, Senate Committee Chairman on Communications, Mr. Earnest Ndukwe, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Commissioners of Information and Communications from Ogun, Bauchi, Nassarawa, Rivers, Katsina, Osun, Anambra, Jigawa, Plateau and Benue states, as well as the permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications, also visited the National Film and Video and Sound Archive (NFVSA) Jos.
The Minister was equally impressed with the archival collections of film and video equipment, and other materials deposited at the Archive. He encouraged the workers not to rest on its oars as the repository of the film industry.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian Film Corporation was established in 1979, with the mandate of evolving and sustaining sound government policies and development of the Nigerian Motion Picture industry, aside the provision of a conducive environment for the film training and capacity building.
To this end the National Film Institute, Jos, established in 1995, has always been at the fore-front of providing film training for the burgeoning filmmakers and practitioners in the industry. In addition to its Certificate and Diploma programmes, the Institute offers a Degree in Bachelor of Film Arts (B.A. Film Arts) in affiliation with the University of Jos.
..As NFI diploma programmes set for accreditation
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