Otu To Bankroll Calabar Entertainment Conference From Next Year
By Edem ITA
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River state has pledged the readiness of his administration to provide the enabling environment to encourage talented youths in the state to showcase their individual prowess in the entertainment industry.
Otu gave the assurance when he flagged off the 2023 edition of the Calabar Entertainment Conference, a pet project of the pioneer private Radio Station in Cross River, the Hit Fm held at the main bowl of Cultural Center complex in Calabar.
He contended that government interest in the project is meant to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to support any engagement targeted at building the youths in the state.
Senator Otu, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, commended the CEO of Hit FM Calabar, Mr. Patrick Ugbe and Crew for the innovative vision and sacrifices tailored towards sustaining the event in the past seven years, noting that entertainment contributes to the socio-economic development of any state especially as it has to do with building the youths of the state.
According to Rt. Hon Odey, “Anything to do with the people of Cross River State, count us first, because we want the vaccine people of Cross River State to be first”
While acknowledging the entertainment stars of Cross River State origin who graced the event, he expressed confident that the conference will birth more stars in the music and movies industry.
Given the lofty ideas behind the concept,the state government will partner with Hit FM for next year’s event because it is evident that Entertainment is an avenue to invest in young people and take them off the streets as well as off criminal activities and engaging them where they will be productive and contribute to the society.
In his welcome address, the Chief executive Officer of Hit FM Calabar, Mr Patrick Ugbe said this is the first time since the event started that there is a formal presence of government. He noted that the gesture goes to show the commitment and love this administration has towards youth development and indeed, the season of sweetness is upon us.
The Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC) is an annual youth engagement event which floated with the believe that the creative industry is the fastest way to get young people out of poverty and crime into gainful engagement. It is also aims at grooming and developing young talents to fast track growth of the entertainment sector in the south -south region of the country thereby making it viable and sustainable for the practitioners.
Mr. Ugbe noted that the impact of the concept has been huge, with an upsurge of entertainment events in Calabar, Cross River State and neighbouring states. He thanked all the sponsors and partners such as the United States Consulate General Office in Lagos, Multichoice, Leven Energy, Black house media and a host of others.
