Top Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, has spoken on her appointment as a special assistant to the governor of Akwa Ibom state, Udom Emmanuel, on tourism. In this interview with news men she talks about her journey epiphany and other issues.
A lot of positive recognition has greeted your appointment as the special assistant to the governor on tourism; do you think your career as an actress will continue to get the same level of acceptance in Nigeria?
I want to believe so, because since my appointment to serve my state, I have had so many calls from producers, actors calling to extend their hands of fellowship in building the Nigerian project.
Again, I have been invited to play different roles in the movie industry. Do you think your appointment will impact Nollywood?
”I think it is a plus to the producers and actors that one of their own has a government appointment again; I am not the first to be so appointed in Nigeria. Other notable movie actors had been appointed and they contributed their quota to the development of the industry and this is what I aim to do.”
How will you describe your work in government?
”My work in government is basically to assist my state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, in the area of tourism development. This entails how as a state we can harness the rich tourism potential into a world class money-making venture that will also attract direct foreign investment into the state and increase tourist traffic into Akwa Ibom State.”
Is there any challenge combining it with acting?
”Certainly, nothing good comes easy but I still try to do my work religiously and I put in my very best to uphold the confidence reposed on me having been so appointed to serve my state.” She said.
Are you expecting a huge partnership with corporate bodies on the project?
Yes, Ibomfest is expected to be a public private partnership driven project as such we call on all corporate bodies in the country to come and be part of it by way of sponsorship or partnership to make this vision a reality.
Already some corporate organisations are beginning to make enquires while some have indicated strong interest to participate.
What legacy do you plan to leave behind after your appointment?
By God’s special grace, I plan to build the Ibomfest Heritage Festival to be self-sponsored, attract tourist traffic yearly to the state, increase the IGR and create employment and partner development agencies and government to develop tourist sites in Akwa Ibom State.
What nuggets of wisdom will you want to share with budding actors in Nigeria some of whom your career has inspired?
The primary advice I will offer any budding actor is that selling yourself for roles to a producer to get ahead does not work in the long run, not as well as hard work and talent.
Develop your craft and always give everything in depicting any roles you accept to play whether big or small. That’s what gets you noticed and that’s what wins awards.
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