Ambode reassures Lagos' artistes, promises special assistance

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that his leadership will establish grants for artistes and producers if elected.
Ambode made the pledge in Lagos on Sunday when he was hosted by the Eagles Club, Surulere.
Amid songs and witty cracks, the club’s chieftains, including Ayo Adelami, told him that they organised event to sound him out on the programmes he had for the people.
Among other promises, the APC candidate said he realised that Lagos was the hub of entertainment sector in Nigeria and that he would build on present gains to make it the hub of entertainment in Africa.
According to him, tourism and entertainment constitute a big business and are big earners in countries such as the US, UK and South Africa.
He said Lagos had served the Nigerian film and music industries and others such as the theatre and visual arts.
Ambode, however, explained that business models in the sector had to be redefined and reinvented with a view to empowering practitioners to undertake bigger projects and build structures that would enhance profitability.
He said, “We will showcase our distinct and diverse Lagos culture and traditions through the establishment of museums and heritage centres. We will make Lagos the hub of entertainment and arts in Africa by providing grant to producers in the movie and music industries so that they will be able to standardise their operations.”
While Adelami noted that the club organised the session for members and others to engage Ambode on his plans, the candidate said his vision for a non-discriminatory Lagos was in tune with that of the club, which, he said, accommodated people from different ethnic and professional backgrounds