After an open-letter written to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and his Lagos State counterpart, Babatunde Raji Fashola recently, by Chief Eddie Ugbomah, protesting over the attitude of their aides who were frustrating his moves to meet with them in connection with the celebration of his 50 years as an entertainer, the veteran filmmaker can now sleep with his two eyes closed as his state government has agreed to bankroll the celebration.

Hosting the embattled film maker to a grand reception at the Government House, Asaba, last week, Governor Uduaghan promised to throw his weight behind Ugbomah’s celebration of his 50 years on stage as well as his 74th birthday anniversary.

“On behalf of my cabinet, I hereby welcome you to Delta State. We are proud of you and your achievements. You have inspired millions of youths and no doubt your name rings bells. Let me congratulate you on the celebration of your 50 years on stage and your 74th birthday.”

According to Uduaghan, Ugboma’s movies are thematic and most especially, his Black Gold keys into the state’s Beyond The Oil project. “The message in that movie is in line with the vision of the state’s Beyond The Oil project. The objective is to kicks-start a new age in the state where we look beyond our oil.

Tourism, agriculture and of course, the creative industry are industries that have potentials to move our state to the next level by creating jobs and empowering our youths. An oil economy is not sustainable and we must begin to diversify. Our strongest area is not oil but human resources.”

Commenting on plans for Ugboma’s 50 years on stage and 74th birthday celebra­ tions, Uduaghan said: “We are going to support you and throw our weight behind your celebration of your 50 years on stage and your 74th birthday.”