Knowing how entertainment and tourism has put Imo State on the map, Gov. Hope Uzodinma will still pass as the worst governor in that sector according to a number of practitioners.
Entertainers say they have been in the forgotten class since the inception of the Governor Hope Uzodinma who has made two ‘crisis’ appointments with nothing to show for it.
Just like his predecessor Hon. Emeka Ihedioha who opted for comic Nollywood actor, Charles Awurum and gospel music singer Nonso Aniche, Gov. Uzodinma made the same mistake with Nollywood actor Bobby Michaes and Chinonye Agugbuo who for more than a year were on the news for more negative reasons.
With the dissolution of most of the appointments in the state, Bobby Michaels was moved to Arts and Culture while entertainment directly was left for no one to coordinate on the side of the government.
“Even when entertainers are encouraged to look beyond what the government can do for them, it is also expected that we will have a government who has plans for a sector that has obviously employed a good number of youths” an entertainer who spoke to OtownGist said.
“We’re not so important, I know that. We have seen a supportive government in the past. We have seen them creating enabling environment and support system for us to thrive, but it is different here because instead of giving you, they will want to take from you”
“They have reasons; first it was Covid-19, now they will mention insecurity, which does not affect their events. It is so sad to note that after all these, there are still praise singers among us who will collect a few thousands and say what the governor has never dreamt of doing”, an artist K9 Blaze said.
Another group believes that there will likely be an appointment in 2023, stating that it will simply be for someone who will mobilize entertainers for the governor ahead of the elections in 2024.
“Look around and tell me how many entertainers who made it big in 2022. Everyone is struggling to find their feet and even if you have an idea to execute, the platform is never there”, another said.
