Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has called on performing Artistes and others in the entertainment industry to deploy their art to foist peace and unity in the state and the country.
He noted that promoting harmonious and peaceful coexistence with their potential and talents would engender growth in the industry.
The governor was addressing entertainers who led a carnival float to Government House in Uyo to appreciate him on his benevolence to the state’s entertainment industry, and to announce the 2023 Ibom Entertainment Week Season.
The governor who acknowledged the tremendous growth in the entertainment industry in Nigeria over the years, commended Nigerian musical artistes for becoming global sensations with thrilling releases, urging Akwa Ibom entertainers comprising singers, actors, presenters, dancers, musicians, painters and comedians, to coexist harmoniously without rancour, leveraging on the conducive environment created by government to make sustainable impact in the society.
He said: “Let this organization grow from strength to strength devoid of rancour under a sustainable manner because if you don’t host this event this year and subsequent years, no more. This is a major problem in Africa.
“Most times we cannot maintain strength because there are some organizations founded in the 17th Century still standing, I pray let Ibom entertainers stand strong, there must be unity.
“I am waiting for the day you will make me a grand patron for life, once you do that, anytime you have a problem instead of fighting one another, come and meet me, we should be able to resolve that, even when you are not happy, don’t go to social media. Sometimes one is given a gift instead of appreciation they will go on social media to disapprove, this is pure ingratitude, and there is nothing that brings down a person like ingratitude,” he said.
He commended his Special Assistant (SA) on Entertainment, Mr David Sergeant, for organizing a three day event from May 19 – 21 tagged ‘Gratitude’.
