Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate has lauded the efforts of the Delta State government in boosting tourism through the creative industry.
The PDP standard bearer made the commendation within the week while inaugurating Asaba Leisure Park and Film Village built by the government.
Atiku argued that it was only a PDP government that can tap the creative energy of the movies industry.
He therefore urged the stakeholders in the creative industry to vote for PDP so that more good things would come to the industry.
Said Atiku: “What makes this event special is the naming of this place after Mrs. Mariam Babangida. This is because she was a lady who introduced very historic important programmes in the lives of our women; particularly, rural women.
“For those of you who are not old enough to remember, she was the founder and initiator of Better Life For Rural Women. We want to commend her for that contribution and since she departed this life, Better Life For Rural Women and indeed other women, has been on the decline.
“About a month and half ago, I had a meeting with the leadership of the creative industry in Lagos. It was a very extensive meeting and I reminded them that it was the last PDP govermnment that made available N100 billion to be accessed by the creative industry.
“I am not sure now that the money had been accessed by the industry since the PDP left government. So for the creative industry to make progress, they need to have a partnership that believes in the future and the contributions of the industry to our economy.
“I would therefore like to draw the attention of the leadership and members of the creative industry that your best partner in the development and advancement of the industry is a PDP-led government.
“So, let me call on you again and your members to make sure that this opportunity that would be available to Nigerians next month, that you play active role, to make sure of the return of the PDP to government.
“I want to pledge to you that if you elect PDP in the next election, we will go with you, so that you can access the N100 billion that would be available to you for the promotion of the creative industry.
“Therefore, I congratulate the government and people of Delta State for being pacesetters in the development of the creative industry,”
Earlier in brief remarks, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa maintained said that the Leisure Park had facilities for recreation and a zoo.
He explained that the facility was named after Mariam Babangida for her contribution towards women development in Nigeria.
He appreciated Nollywood for their input towards the realization of the film village.
Okowa explained the mission of the film village :
“We decided to name the Leisure Park after our great mother, the late Mrs Mariam Babangida because of the impact she made on humanity and the Asaba community and I am glad that her son, Mohammed Babangida, is here today to witness this inauguration of the facility named after his beloved mother.”
