he Nigerian creative sub-sector within the entertainment and tourism industry has matured significantly in its contribution to the Nigerian economy and the consolidation of its global gains for further growth has become imperative, veteran Nollywood actor, Nonso Diobi has said.

Diobi noted that it has become imperative to harness the full potential of the Nigerian creative sector considering its contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the years.

According to Diobi who is the Ambassador for the 10th International Film Festival & Awards (INIFFAA) organized by Inside Nollywood, scheduled to take place in Abuja from February 15-17, 2024, the event’s objective of enhancing the creative economy and fostering Federal government intervention.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, during which the festival’s theme, ‘Celebrating 10 years of original expression,’ was discussed, Diobi emphasized that the festival provides a platform to exhibit and endorse the talent and potential of the Nigerian film industry on a global scale.

Additionally, he highlighted the festival’s role in solidifying the global achievements Nollywood has accumulated over the years.

According to him, the festival and awards would help create a fertile ground for the Federal Government to develop and promote the creative economy,

He said: “We are creating grounds for the government to come in, the most important thing is how to get the government to understand what we are doing and with this festival.

“The festival is all about the celebration of original expression and with that, we have created a path for the government to come and make available facilities that will ensure the growth of the creative Economy.

“We have been seen by the world because we have been telling our story and we have inspired the world and I believe it’s time for us to sell out our business to the wider world.

“We are bringing people from all over the world because we have proven to the world that we are great people.

“We are not doing this for self-aggrandizement but for the growth of the industry and to take the industry to the next level in terms of the creative economy, it’s our time we have a platform that will encourage everyone to be involved.

“It’s an entertainment summit and I guarantee you that the international world is ready for us. I’m so hungry to see us go to the next level. This festival is going to open up the creative economy in Nigeria”.

On his part, the founder and convener of Inside Nollywood, Muoma Obina, said the idea behind the festival is to maximize our coming of age of Nollywood.

“It is 10 years of original expression, promoting original content, and analyzing the quality of production across Africa and Nollywood as a whole.

“It is not just about a movie festival but a celebration of our achievement in changing Nollywood. We have attracted investors that are ready to invest in Nollywood projects. The awards are in three categories; Hall of Fame,

practitioners award and Festival award”, he added.