Alexx Ekubo: Entertainment is the only industry doing well in Nigeria

Alexx Ekubo, a Nollywood actor, has called on the federal government to make budgetary provisions for the nation’s entertainment industry to improve quality and attract revenue.

Ekubo made the appeal in an interview with NAN on Thursday in Abuja.

“The federal government should have a specific budget for entertainment sector every year, especially movie and music,” he said.

“They should also believe in the sectors, because when you believe in something, you will definitely support it and want to see it grow and succeed.

“Hollywood is where it is today not just because of the support they get from the government but corporations and well-meaning individuals who believe in entertainment.

“From my own point of view, the only sectors that are doing well in Nigeria today are the music and movie industries.

“When the sector is supported yearly with government budget, support from corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals, it will grow bigger and generate revenue for the government.”

Ekubo is playing the role of Zamani in a northern movie, ‘Zero Hour’, that is currently being shot in Abuja.

He said every movie comes with peculiar challenges, “even on this particular one because we are trying to achieve a world-class production with limited funds and we are doing the best possible”.

Nollywood, he said, would soon move from the global ranking as the third largest movie industry in the world to second or probably first position.

“Within the next five years, I see tremendous support for the industry; more investors, corporate bodies sponsoring production of movies and more worthy individual supporting the industry.

“With those, I also believe will take our ranking to the next level. However, I am also working on a couple of projects; and in due time, I will let the cats out of the bag,’’ Ekubo said.