The Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs, Prince Dele Obaitan, underscored the importance of ongoing training for staff in light of emerging innovations.
His remarks came during a one-day training session organized by the Edo State Council for Art and Culture in conjunction with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs.
Themed ‘Equipping the Performing Artiste for Modern Day Service Delivery’, the training took place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City.
Addressing the audience, Prince Obaitan highlighted the comprehensive nature of film-making, encompassing the various stages involved in bringing a cinematic creation to life.
“The process of creating a picture or a film, from its conception to its release in theaters or on your preferred on-demand services, is referred to as film-making.
“It involves numerous phases, ranging from conceptualizing the basic plot to crafting the screenplay, hiring actors, filming, recording, pre- and post-production, and attending to numerous minor and major aspects in between.”
“As an Art Council, we understand the difficulties you face. The Permanent Secretary, myself, and other team members will collaborate to devise the optimal course of action to address the obstacles. The MEGA Agenda continues to give Arts, Culture, and Tourism top priority, and the Edo State Arts Council will not be excluded, according to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.” he stated.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Art Council and reassured the participants of the government’s commitment to exploring solutions. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s unwavering support for Arts, Culture, and Tourism initiatives under his MEGA Agenda was reaffirmed, with a promise of continued priority given to the Edo State Arts Council.
Obaitan urged the Art Council to leverage the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub for producing compelling films and dramas capable of achieving international acclaim, hinting at the upcoming Edo State film festival scheduled for September 1-4, 2022. He encouraged active participation from all stakeholders.
Guest speakers at the event included Mr. Ossa Earliece, whose expertise in editing, directing, filmmaking, and screenwriting enriched the discussions on scriptwriting, acting, and directing. Professor (Mrs.) Josephine Ngozi Mokwunyei, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Benin, elaborated on the essence of acting in portraying fictional characters through movement, gesture, and intonation.
The workshop saw the presence of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Iryn Omorogiuwa Esq., alongside Directors and other esteemed guests, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and skill development in the arts and culture sector.
