The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah last week took to memory lane, to explain to the Musical ambassadors of telecom giant, MTN Nigeria, who visited him, how telecommunications sector became the first genuine platform that has taken over virtually every aspect of human development since the revolution began after the Digital Mobile Licences in 2001.

NCC boss, Juwah

Juwah told the artistes including Sir Shina Peters, Chidinma, KCee, Praize and Iyanya that through the effective oversight of the Commission, the industry has been able to engage the youth through the promotion of the entertainment industry by way of Talent Shows which have seen the emergence of artistes who have become role models for the teeming youth.

The EVC told his guests that Nigerian entertainment industry has taken the country’s culture beyond the shores, creating an opportunity where other countries come to understudy how Nigeria uses telecom and entertainment to mainstay the economy. He cited an example of his visit to Atlanta, Georgia, USA recently with some Nollywood producers and actors to attend a seminar where Professors and other experts from the USA and Canada, came specifically, to understudy, analyse and talk about the growing entertainment industry in Nigeria and the influence on other sectors and cultures.

He however admitted that the musicians themselves have become a standard for the youth of the country, charging them to always ensure their talents influences the youths positively

Explaining several ways the commission has benefitted the entertainment industry, Juwah recalled that the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in collaboration with George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia and Howard University recently hosted a seminar with a view to providing global best practice in marketing and distribution of movies, training on digital movie production and editing among others.

He revealed that in its quest to cushion the effects of high cost of production in the industry, the commission was building a studio in Oshodi, Lagos to leverage the practice for Nigerian entertainers.

Also, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi assured the visitors that the telecom industry is a platform for propagating the ideals of entertainment through video streaming, SMS and Caller tunes.

“The industry has ensured the success of these platforms, it has empowered Nigerians and the NCC is looking forward to the emergence of more Stars who will reach out to the younger generation and show good example through mentorship”.