Gov. Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) to grow the state’s creative economy.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation’s director, public affairs, Brian Etuk, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Etuk quoted the governor as saying this when Ali Nuhu, the managing director/chief executive officer (CEO) of NFC, paid him a courtesy visit in Gombe.

The governor commended the corporation for its regional, continental and global feats recorded across the film production value chain.

He emphasised his administration’s unwavering desire, determination, and commitment to position the state as a creative hub, by sustainably harnessing the great creative potential that abounds in Gombe.

“The north eastern region of the country, through what can be described as institutionalised partnership and collaborative mechanisms, to boost training, capacity building, youth empowerment and job creation”.

“As major ingredients for sustainable development, the government of Gombe has, within the past six years, initiated and actively supported the establishment of innovative creative enterprises to boost the state’s economy,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Nuhu commended the Gombe State administration’s insightful, intentional and well-thought-out socio-economic developmental programmes and projects.

According to him, the programmes highlight the capacity of creative enterprises in boosting the accelerated growth of Nigeria’s economy.

The NFC boss said the state has the capacity to benefit from enhanced growth through partnership initiatives.

He said such would be achievable through the implementation of vibrant creative economic blueprints, with the capabilities of promoting her rich cultural heritage.

”NFC is capable of effective delivery, as well as supporting the growth of local talents.

 “The construction of a Mega Cinematography Centre in Gombe serves the State as well as contiguous states within the North East Zonal Operations of the NFC.

”The training and retraining of youths and capacity building in film and creative enterprises, especially the exploitation of digitised content creation and monetisation, cannot be overemphasised,” he said.

(NAN)