The Ogun State Indigene Entertainment Professionals Forum have condemned in total terms the N5million naira and a house gift to the 2020 winner of the BBNaija show, Olamilekan Agbelesebioba known as Laycon.
The entertainers in a press statement jointly signed by Prince Dele Odule, Barr. Tunji Bamishigbin and Kehinde Soaga viewed the governor’s gesture as ill-advised and a misplacement of priority to the entertainment sector of the state.
The group said the state which prides itself as foremost in quality firsts in Academics and other professions including the entertainment should not be seen promoting irrelevance TV show such as BBNaija.
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It said the youth ambassador honour on the BBNaija star does not represent the value and aspiration of the state entertainers and well meaning Indigenes of the state.
It further stated that, while entertainment practitioners in the State are still under the Covid 19 Pandemic where the Governor ordered total closure of entertainment centres, the Governor doles out five (5) Million Naira of Tax payers’ money and a House to an individual who has brought no cultural, traditional or social value to the State.
The statement read “The Ogun State Indigene Entertainment Professionals Forum have condemned in total terms, the 5 Million Naira and a house gift to the Current winner of the BBN Competition.
“We view this gesture as ill-advised and a misplacement of priority for the Entertainment sector of Ogun State. It is difficult for one to evaluate the relevance of BBN achievement as inspiration for our Youths.
“The state has produced entertainers, creative and sports personalities than any state in Nigeria. The youths can be inspired by Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Ebenezer Obey, D.Banj , Salawa Abeni, Jossy Friday, Falilat Ogunkoya, Anthony Joshua, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Kenny Ogungbe and Crew, Tunde Kelani, Prof. Femi Osofisan, Bode Sowande and many more.
“The Entertainment Industry in Ogun State has over the years enabled the State economy through job creation for Artistes and Crew. It is on record that 70% of Yoruba Films are made in Abeokuta, attracting artistes from far and near to the State yet this administration has not deemed it fit to interface with key stakeholders and members of this industry as done by past administrations.
“At a time when the Entertainment sector is still shut down by this government with no consideration and Palliative consideration for the sector as graciously done by most states in Nigeria.”
They therefore called for immediate reopening of all entertainment centers with Covid 19 directives for entertainment professionals to go back to their legal engagements.
