By Abdulwarees Solanke
It was a case of promising partnership for promotion of Nigerian and African culture and heritage when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe led his entire management to Voice of Nigeria to seek collaboration with the nation’s external service public service broadcaster.
On the high power delegation all the way from Jos, Plateau State where the NFC has its headquarters were Director Finance and Supply Alhaji Sambo Sanusi, Head Industry Support Services and Production Mr. Edmund Peters, Head Public Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Mr. Brian Etuk , Head, Lagos Zonal Office Mr. Ademiju Taofik Aderoju.
Receiving the delegation, the Director General, Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu was enthusiastic about the prospect of the collaboration which he described as historic.
Okechukwu who was represented at the meeting by VON, Director of News, Austin Elewodalu said it was important that synergy exists among all stakeholders in the propagation of the authentic values of integrity and cultural Renaissance in Nigeria.
He said as agencies under the same ministry, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, there was much to gain in sharing resources and joint capacity building in the age of media convergence.
As he explained, film and broadcasting serve the same purpose of cultural transmission and behavioural change.
Dr. Maduekwe had reiterated the same essence as he said the visit of his team to VON was to deepen the existing relationship between him and VON Director General as “we were in the trenches” together.
In particular, he said it was to see how VON and the film corporation work harmoniously in joint production of documentaries and short films.
The acting Deputy Director, Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, Voice of Nigeria, Abdulwarees Solanke said VON is in similar relationship with the Centre for Black & African Arts and Civilization which culminated in the joint hosting of International Mother Language Day held every February 21.
He expressed optimism that with NFC coming on board to join the two organizations this year, the celebration will be richer.