In a bid to empower emerging creative talent, Senator Ned Nwoko has pledged N200 million to support a talent hunt initiative focused on young Nigerian artists.
The Delta North lawmaker made this announcement during the inauguration of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) multi-purpose Super App and its new office in Abuja.
Speaking as the Chairman of the AGN Board of Patrons, Nwoko emphasized the importance of nurturing a new generation of filmmakers and actors through investment in high-quality television series. He urged stakeholders in the industry to look beyond short-term gains and focus on creating lasting cultural legacies.
Drawing comparisons to global benchmarks, Nwoko cited iconic series from countries like the UK, United States, and Australia that have endured for decades due to their storytelling and cultural relevance. “A well-produced series can serve generations continuously,” he noted.
To jumpstart this effort, the senator committed a personal contribution of N200 million, aimed at creating platforms for young creatives to showcase and refine their skills. “This fund is for our young creatives to take advantage of and build something truly remarkable,” Nwoko said.
He also lauded Nollywood’s growth, expressing pride in how far the industry has come. “You have done well as an industry, but beyond institutional support, you deserve individual backing from those of us who believe in your potential,” he stated.
Beyond financial investment, Nwoko revealed plans to sponsor a bill seeking to formalize the Actors Guild of Nigeria as a statutory professional body, comparable to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).
Highlighting his broader vision, the senator referenced Asaba’s identity as a key hub for Nollywood. “Whenever I talk about the creation of Anioma State, I always emphasize Asaba not only as an oil and gas region but also as the home of Nollywood,” he said, urging creatives to aim for global standards.
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