By Omuboye Sukubo
Port Harcourt – Funky 4, a Port Harcourt-based entertainment group on Friday called on the Rivers State Government and the private sector to support the industry to enable it develop rapidly.
Funky 4 Director of Finance, Mr Tekena Iyalla told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that the entertainment industry needed a lot of encouragement aid its growth.
According to him, the industry in the state has actually nosedived to the level where it does not even have a role in what is going on in the sector.
“The reason is obvious. We need support from government and the private sector because entertainment is no longer a joking matter.
“It is an investment. It is a money-raking business. So, any business like the entertainment industry needs support,” he said.
Iyalla said that there were only few comedians, musicians and others in the state presently, adding that it was very discouraging.
According to him, Niger Delta states are not investing in talents compared to states in the western part of Nigeria, like Lagos.
“We have the quality in Niger Delta, but the governments in the region do not recognise and invest in talents. So, whatever we have is dying with us.
“If it is in Lagos, you will see everybody coming up to embrace talents. The quality we have in Rivers is second to none, but we do not have the support,” he said.
The director said it was only in Rivers that there were many people doing one-man band, singing and at the same time playing keyboard.
“If it were in Lagos, you will see companies hiring musicians, comedians and so on as their brand ambassadors, and paying them good money.
“You can’t see such support in the Niger Delta. That is why most of our colleagues are moving to Lagos where they can earn a living,” he said.