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It was a well-attended event when Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, executive secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, on Monday in Abuja lauded Nollywood for putting the country in the big leagues on the international filmmaking scene.

Speaking at the launch of his book entitled “Trends in Nollywood’’, Ayakoroma said Nollywood’s achievements encouraged him to write the book.
“As a teacher and scholar in the performing arts, I am encouraged to make this humble contribution to tell the story of how it all started and the path to where we are today. The nation’s positive image is tied to its film industry,” he said.

He commended the industry for “showing that the Nigerian people can earn a decent living by working in this global industry, a growing multi-billion industry.”

Speaking at the event, Kingsley Kuku, special adviser to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, noted that Nollywood had come of age and had been making significant contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“This performing arts sector is also contributing to the nation’s employment drive with the engagement of our youths and creating a positive image for the country,” said Kuku, who was the chairman of the occasion.

He urged guests at the launch to donate generously to support the drive and energy of the author in documenting the evolution of the industry for posterity.

In his remarks, chief host, Dr A.J Turner, the Obigbo Mikimiki 1 of Opume Kingdom in Bayelsa, also noted that Nollywood contributed immensely to the revenue profile of the country.

“Between 2003 and 2007, Nollywood was adjudged the largest film industry in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood.

“Recently, UNESCO also affirmed that Nollywood is the second biggest film industry in the world after Hollywood and its implications are very clear to us all.

“It is therefore imperative for stakeholders to harness the available human resources in the industry to fully exploit its potential,’’ he said.

Prof. Emeka Nwabueze of the department of Theatre and Film Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka, who reviewed the book, described it as an excellent piece.

According to him, the book is unique, comprehensive, factual, and was written with a powerful combination of passion and balance.

“This book carefully demystifies the erroneous conception about Nollywood; it does not delve into unnecessary repetitions and polemics.

“It is written with astonishing energy of mind and delicacy. It is therefore an important resource for anyone interested in the exigencies of contemporary life,’’ he said....