Produce local cartoons, make money, Issa-Onilu urges Nigerian animators
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency, (NOA) Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu on Thursday engaged with animation professionals, explaining the content of the new policy on cartoons, it’s implications for the industry in the next three years, urging them to benefit from the money-making opportunities made available.
The NOA boss spoke at the 8th season of the Lagos International Festival of Animation at the Alliance Francais, Lagos.
Mallam Issa-Onilu, who was the guest of honour at the event, informed the 248 members of the group about the business opportunity provided by the recently approved policy of localising Cartoon Content in Nigeria, with a target of 70% domination in 3 years.
Cartoons, he said have become a significant tool for government communication, especially as it targets the more than 75 percent youth population of our country. Issa-Onilu explained that Nigerian animators could use this opportunity to tap into the huge budgetary allocation for communication by government at various levels across the various MDAs, noting that the Agency is ready to work with animators as facilitators.
The DG said the Agency already prioritises cartoons as part of its tools for Value and Social Orientation as it continues to work to achieve its mandate.
The Director General also educated the community on the National Identity project, part of which is the National Value Charter (NVC) which he described as a critical medium enabling reciprocal commitment towards Nation-building. He also informed them of the completion of the primary school curriculum for the recently approved Citizenship study, and the approval for the start of the Citizens Brigade volunteers’ enlistment across primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.
Earlier in the day at the children’s segment of the festival, the Director General commended participating pupils and teachers from the Beautiful Beginning School, Magodo and Pillars school, Ikorodu for their flawless recitation of the national anthem and their good conduct.
The founder and festival director of LIFANIMA, Mr. Muyiwa Kayode in his opening remark explained that the festival began in 2016 after the launch of his brand “Turtle Taido” in 2015. Over the years, the festival had successfully gathered African animators across several African countries and galvanized support from other stakeholders including Bank of Industry, Checkers custard, French Embassy in Nigeria. He expressed happiness that the NOA was joining as a major sponsor for this year.
