Entertainment
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, May 13, 2018 (NAN) Dr Obiora Okonkwo, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of The Dome Entertainment Centre, Abuja, says that the entertainment industry, if adequately harnessed, will boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Okonkwo said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
He said that the centre, which was shut 10 years ago, was officially reopened by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on May 11, 2018, with performances by a South African music group, Mafikizolo.
He added that “Nigeria’s entertainment industry can offer a whole lot to the country’s GDP if properly supported.
“If the potential and opportunities are harnessed, the industry can boost the country’s economy.
“Government should support the industry in form of finance and waivers to boost inbound tourists and inevitably the country’s GDP.
“In many countries of the world, 80 per cent of their national income comes from entertainment business.
“We must not allow anything of this nature to pass us. Government can generate huge income from VAT and other charges in the entertainment industry and I want to say ` The Dome has come back for the good of all.”
Okonkwo said the reopening of The Dome by the vice president was an indication of the importance the present government attached to the industry.
“This shows that government is positively committed to diversifying the economy to the benefit of all Nigerians: all the sectors need support from government.” (NAN)
CMY/JPE/HA
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Edited by Joseph Edeh/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu