Manny Ita –
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Naanlong Daniel, has reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to initiatives that promote development and positively project Plateau State. He made the remarks while receiving the National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), Queen Blessing Ebigieson, during a courtesy visit to the Assembly Complex in Jos.
Daniel said the Assembly remains open to partnerships and programmes capable of stimulating economic growth and improving the state’s image through the creative industry, noting that the film sector holds significant potential for youth empowerment, innovation, and enterprise development.
He described Governor Caleb Mutfwang as a listening and youth-friendly leader who supports initiatives that create opportunities for young people.
The Speaker stressed the need for Plateau people to tell their own stories, describing film as a strategic tool for correcting negative narratives and showcasing the state’s cultural heritage.
He also encouraged filmmakers to explore community cinema initiatives to deepen grassroots engagement and strengthen cultural identity, assuring the delegation that the Assembly would examine possible areas of legislative and institutional support for the creative sector.
Earlier, Ebigieson said her visit was part of a nationwide tour aimed at strengthening collaboration with governments at all levels to empower young people through the creative industry and expand opportunities in film production.
She noted that Plateau State’s tourism assets and natural landscapes make it a suitable destination for film production and creative investment.
She appealed for government backing and institutional collaboration to revive film activities in the state, saying such support would help project Plateau positively, attract filmmakers, and create sustainable jobs for youths.
Ebigieson also called for grants for local filmmakers to enable them to produce positive, value-driven content capable of projecting the state in a favourable light and countering negative narratives, explaining that such productions are often not purely commercial and therefore require government support to achieve broader developmental impact.
