Buhari orders BoI, NEXIM bank to give working capital to entertainment industry
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate provision of working capital to members of the nation’s entertainment industry by the Bank of Industry and the Nigeria Export–Import Bank.
The president stated this when he received members of Motion Picture Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
He expressed the hope that the capital, when provided, would unlock some of the trapped potentials in the entertainment industry and lead to growth.
On funding, I have already directed the Bank of Industry and the Nigeria Export–Import Bank to engage your sector by providing affordable working capital.
“This funding will unlock some of the trapped potentials in the entertainment industry, leading to growth.
“Furthermore, I am tasking the Minister of Finance and Governor of Central Bank to ensure that these financial institutions immediately commence the engagement,’’ he said.
The president assured that his Administration was fully committed to supporting all sectors that would create jobs for the citizens while positively impacting on communities.
He, however, frowned at situations where few trouble makers had been using various media platforms to propagate negative and divisive messages.
Buhari, therefore, challenged members of the MOPPAN to use their positions as entertainers and educators to counter such negative narratives, and to propagate positive messages to their audience.
Nigeria today is a clear example of how a few trouble makers are using various media platforms to propagate negative and divisive messages.
“In some instances, these mischievous acts have led to lives being destroyed, homes broken and communities divided.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that entertainers, regulators and censorship boards do the right thing by insisting on observation of cultural norms and protection of national interest,’’ he said.
The president also noted with delight the progress being made in the promotion of cultural ties between the Nigerian entertainment industry and their Moroccan counterpart.
