Punuka Annual Lecture: Chief Idigbe SAN To Govt; Review Laws On Entertainment Industry

This year’s Punuka Annual Lecture marked the firm’s 71st years Anniversary as a Law Firm and the unveiling of its new logo. This year’s theme was “Building Sustainable Businesses in film, Television and Music Sectors: Challenges for the industry and Government”. Punuka’s Senior Partner; chief Anthony Idigbe SAN in his welcome remarks said that this year’s theme was borne out of the fact that statistics show that the creative industry particularly film and music contributed immensely to Nigeria’s GDP. The industry was said to have contributed N54bn. Chief Idigbe SAN further advocated that more attention should be paid to the industry that shows such much promise by reviewing the policies and laws that govern it. In his remarks, the immediate past registrar, APCON Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, reiterated the need for reforms within the industry and called for more investments in the sector. The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr. Abimbola Olashore, a financial expert with various experience in banking and investment. Mr. Olashore sadly observed that the industry was not well structured as a result, investment in the industry was a risky one. Notwithstanding, he agreed that there has been significant growth in the entertainment industry and Nigeria has become an exporter of entertainment material in the last few years. He observed that the internet had overtaken traditional media platforms such as TV, Radio and Print media, hence the need for a proper structure to enhance the capacity of the industry. Senator Ben Murray Bruce gave a brief history of the private TV and cinema industry in Nigera, explaining the challenges he faced personally because of inadequate laws and policies in the sector. He noted that we need to improve our standards as Nigeria will soon overtake the world in the quality of talents that are in the industry today. He encouraged government to invest more so also should the private sector. Other speakers include Obi Asika, Dr, Ese Owie, Michael Dale Williams, Don Omope, Angela Anukam, Chinedu A. Chukwuji and Isioma Idigbe. The speakers agreed that a well structured, funded entertainment industry will bring tremendous growth to our economy and create more jobs for the youths The Annual lecture was well attended by personalities including Segun Sebanjo, Mr. Tunde Falasinu, Mr. Omoruyi Edoiiawerie, (Representing Mr. Donald Duke), Chief Sonny Kuku; Prof. Oni Idigbe, Chief Phillip Asiodu, P.O. Jimoh Lasisi, SAN, Tunde Busari, SAN, Ngozi Augusta Chibututu, Chief Sena Anthony, Mr. Rotimi Fashogbon, Mr. Segun Jegede, Company Secretary\Legal Adviser, FAAN, Dr. Clifford Omozeghian; Mrs. Nonye Ofuogbu, Chief James Odubanjo, Chief Don Ezeh, KSM; Mr. Mike Igbokwe, SAN and Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju. Others include Dr. Austin Izagbo, Mr. Henry Onyemem, Mr. Ige Asemudara, Mr. Tochukwu Onyinka, Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Juwah, Prof Ernest Ojukwu, SAN, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, Mr. Akintunde, SAN, Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN, Treasurer, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria [ICC], Mrs. Dorothy Ufot, SAN, Secretary General, ICC Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, Mr. Nnamdi Uwaezuoke, M.D, Thisday Newspapers, Mr. Eniola Bello, Lead Partner; Associated Attorneys, Eze Okorocha; CEO, Debics Consulting, Mr. Chike Mokwunye and Company Secretary, Royal Exchange, Sheila Ezeuko.]]>