Nollywood Pays Pres. Jonathan Thank You Visit

President Jonathan in a group photograph with members of Creative Professionals of Nigeria

Nollywood stars, under the aegis of Creative Professionals of Nigeria (CPN), recently paid a courtesy visit to President Jonathan at the State House, Abuja, to thank him for his support of the creative industry in Nigeria. The President, who reiterated his government’s resolve to continue to support the industry, acknowledged that “the creative industry in Nigeria has been a catalyst for change and has been in the forefront of promoting our core values as Nigerians as well as putting our Nation in the world map”. 

CPN President, Segun Arinze, led top stars like Ibinabo Fibresima (President, Actors guild of Nigeria, AGN) and Monalisa Chinda as well as popular journalists, Azuh Amatus and Chris Keyinde Nwandu, on the visit. Other top members of the group in attendance included Abu Yakubu (secretary, AGN), Prince Ifeanyi Dike (chairman, AGN’s BOT), Zeb and Chico Ejiro, Emeka Ossai, Emma Ogugua, Fidelis Duker, Sunny McDon, Teco Benson, Fred Amata, Ralph Nwadike, Keppy Ekpeyong, Chike Bryan, Victor Okhai, Kingsley Ogoro, Lancelot Imasuen, Grace Amah, Kate Okunnu, Toyin Aimakhu, Fathia Balogun, Gideon Okeke, Joseph Benjamin, Charles Novia, and Sammie Okposo.

CPN leader Segun Arinze and AGN President Ibinabo Fiberesima present autographed portraits to President Jonathan

Pres. Jonathan acknowledges cheers from the Creative Professionals, standing beside him are Azuh Amatus (in hat), CKN,
Victor Okhai, Keppy Ekpeyong and Teco Benson, far right

L-R: Francis Onwochei, Azuh Amatus, Keppy Ekpeyong, Monalisa Chinda, AGN President Ibinabo Fiberesima, Kingsley Ogoro, Ifeanyi Dike, Segun Arinze and a pal

Text of the speech delivered by Segun Arinze follws below:

"Your Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonanthan, GCON, President and Commander in Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, all other protocols respectively observed.

Never in the history of Nigeria has any president given the creative community the attention you have given us. Never in the history of Nigeria has any leader given us the respect you have given us. Never in the history of Nigeria has any leader given us the support you have given us.

Today, as one we have come to say a big thank you. Your uncommon transformation has seen many of us travel to the best film schools around the globe to receive training we could only have dreamt about. We have received grants to make better films whereas we could not previously access loans.

Under your administration many of our members have received national honours. Under your government many of our members have gotten political appointments.

Under your leadership many of us are now venturing into politics, something never before heard of for artistes in these parts.

Your Excellency Sir, it is because of your love for us that we can shine, it is the reason we can venture, it is the reason we can say we are, because of who you are.

We are not unmindful Sir, of your giant strides in other sectors of the economy.

We know that because of you, many almajiris in the north will have an opportunity to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, politicians and great people tomorrow instead of street urchins and beggars through the special schools you have built for them.

We also know that because of your administration, every geopolitical zone now boasts of a federal university that will not only train future leaders, but also transform the surrounding communities socio-economically. We can rest assured that we will rule the world when the first class graduates you are sending to the best universities in the world for further training come back to transform this country.

We know for sure that tomorrow we shall have better harvests and food security through provision of better seeds and access to fertilizers because of your transformation in the agricultural sector.

The thousands of graduates employed through Sure-P, those your administration has empowered with loans and grants for their business will form the bedrock of future Dangotes in Nigeria and will provide employment for millions more for generations to come.

Under your administration Nigeria has received unbelievable foreign direct investments and it has grown to become the largest economy on the continent.

Aviation, rail, roads and bridges all have benefitted from your uncommon transformation.

We understand the challenges you are currently facing with security in the northern part of the country. As a people we are resolved with Your Excellency that evil will never triumph over good. We also salute the courage of our armed forces. We urge you to remain focused and continue with the good works you have been doing.

We all can testify that press freedom and indeed freedom of speech has never been this good in the history of Nigeria. We salute you for your maturity in the face of unfair opposition, tyranny and cynics.

At a time like this, as you prepare to come back and seek the mandate of Nigerians for another term, you can rest assured that we are with you. We will support you. We will be there for you, just as you have been there for us.

Goodluck and God Bless Nigeria.

Thank you."