The Bayelsa state Council Nigeria Union of Journalists has advocated for endowment funds to encourage and promote the entertainment sub-sector of the state’s economy.
The NUJ said such funds could be leveraged upon by the abundant budding talents in the state, adding that such funds could be used to address societal menaces like fraud, prostitution and drug abuse that is ravaging the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
The chairman of NUJ, Bayelsa state Council, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha who was represented by the his vice, Dr Inaberaton Preye stated this during a courtesy call by the organizers of the Beauty of Africa International Pagaent ( BAIP ) of Nigeria.
He said ” A well developed entertainment Industry can significantly address societal ills and foster development of the entertainment industry in Bayelsa state”.
He urged the Beauty Pageant organization industry , BAIP, to ensure that it will be merit based selection devoid of nepotism,favouritism that hitherto has charactersised such events,and partner with stakeholders such as oil and gas companies to sponsor entertainment industry,s programmes.
The NUJ, Bayelsa state Council also pledged its supports for BAIP’s initiatives and commended the organizers for bringing the event to Bayelsa State to boost the entertainment industry.
Earlier, the president of BAIP, Nigeria, Mr Daniel Opuene had expressed his delight at the warmth reception and proposed partnership to promote the entertainment industry and informing that the upcoming event’s grand finale is scheduled to hold in Bayelsa state at the Chief DSP Alamieyesegha Memorial Banquet Hall,Yenagoa on September 7th ,2025.
Opuene, the Nembe-born entertainer who has spent over eighteen years in the industry, extolled the media’s role as critical that without the media nothing works.
He further noted the challenges in securing sponsorship, particularly from Lagos, the hub of entertainment, adding thst partners are hesitant to invest in Bayelsa state due to concerns about visibility and financial returns on investments in the sector .
On credibility, Opuene affirmed BAIP’s commitment to high standard.
He decried international oil companies lack of interest in sponsorship of entertainment events.
Also speaking ,the Miss Perpetual Ukadike,the 2024 winner of the BAIP , Nigeria and the regnining Miss Nigeria International lauded NUJ, Bayelsa State Council for it’s hospitality and encouragement.
” We are committed to implementing your wise counsel and to ensure that our event succeeds, ” she said.
