The Jamaican and Nigerian governments have announced plans to collaborate in pursuit of joint ventures in the film and animation industries.
Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Lincoln Downer, made the announcement during a visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja. In emphasising the strong relations between the two countries, Mr. Downer highlighted the existing creative industry exchanges and made a point of his enthusiasm for expanding on the collaborations.
According to a statement by Nneka Anibeze, Nigeria’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the country has supported Jamaica through the technical eco-programme, which has seen prominent exchanges in areas like Batik, entertainment and jewellery-making. Some of Nigeria’s leading entertainers, like Burner Boy and WizKid, have been seen in Jamaica in recent months.
“There is a lot of scope for collaboration, particularly in the areas of film and animation,” High Commissioner Downer said.
“We are looking forward to these sorts of exchanges between both countries, and to see how we can establish a framework for deeper collaborations. Nigeria has supported Jamaica over many years in the creative industry through the technical eco-programme, where artisans have been dispatched to Jamaica for exchanges in areas of Batik and jewellery-making.
Marking 54 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Mr. Downer went on: “We are interested in future collaborations with Nigeria because we recognise the country as not only the cultural hub of Africa, but of the globe. With our rich culture, we are fully interested in forging a stronger alliance”.
“We hope that sometime in the future, these collaborations can be expanded, says the High Commissioner. “Nigeria and Jamaica are in very close relations when it comes to entertainment”.
