Nollywood Actress Kate Henshaw Advocates for Youth Empowerment in Bayelsa’s Entertainment Industry
In a bid to bolster the budding talents of young Bayelsans in the movie and entertainment sector, renowned Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has lent her voice to the cause. Speaking at a one-day seminar organized by the Azaiki Foundation in Yenagoa on January 12, 2024, Henshaw passionately called on the Senator Douye Diri-led administration and well-to-do Bayelsans to throw their weight behind creative youths seeking to make their mark in the industry.
Describing Bayelsa as a state brimming with creative potential and boasting a picturesque environment ideal for film and movie production, Henshaw spotlighted the achievements of Patrick Marcus Dauduokumor, a young director and producer from the state. She highlighted his short film, “With Love From Bayelsa,” which not only made it to the final stage of an international film festival in Lagos but also clinched an award at the United States of America Student World Impact Film Festival.
Emphasizing the need for government and private sector support to nurture and elevate talents like Dauduokumor and lead actor Teme Aranka, Henshaw reiterated her commitment to backing their endeavors. She urged the Diri administration to intensify efforts in encouraging talented youths to pursue their dreams of stardom in the industry.
Furthermore, Henshaw underscored the importance of establishing training institutions and conducting regular workshops in Bayelsa to equip actors and other creative talents with the necessary skills. She envisioned Bayelsa evolving into an entertainment hub capable of attracting both entertainers and tourists, stressing the pivotal role of government and private sector stakeholders in fostering the growth of the entertainment industry in the state.
In response, Senator Douye Diri expressed gratitude to Henshaw for her insightful lecture and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained and share it with others. Representing the governor, Commissioner for Education Dr. Gentle Emelah commended the Azaiki Foundation for organizing the seminar and affirmed the government’s commitment to human capital development across various sectors, including entertainment and tourism.
Chairman of the opening session, His Highness (Dr.) Ephraim Faloughi-Spiff, and Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tonye Esenah also lauded the initiative of the Azaiki Foundation and encouraged Bayelsa youths to leverage entertainment and the internet to attain self-reliance. They applauded the strides made by Bayelsa youths in the creative and performing arts and advocated for collaborative efforts between the government and industry stakeholders to actualize developmental policies.
The seminar, part of the Azaiki Foundation’s public discourse series aimed at contributing to the development of youth in the state, received accolades from Prof. Steve Azaiki in his welcome address. The event served as a platform for constructive dialogue and strategic planning to harness the immense potential of Bayelsa’s burgeoning entertainment industry.
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