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The National President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), Amb. Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, has urged the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) to partner with her organisation in a bid to transform Benue State into a major centre for film and creative industry activities in Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to BIPC’s management team, Ebigieson praised the warm reception and commended the noticeable developmental strides and growing peace in Benue in recent years. Born in Makurdi but having left at the age of nine, she expressed deep personal affection for the state and a strong desire to see it actively participate in the booming creative economy.
“Benue is dear to my heart, and I do not want the state to be left out in the growth of the creative industry,” she stated.
The AMP leader highlighted the significant contribution of Nigeria’s entertainment sector to the national GDP and stressed that Benue, often celebrated as the Food Basket of the Nation, cannot afford to remain sidelined as the creative economy continues to expand. Citing a World Bank ranking that identifies the creative industry as the second-largest employer of youths after agriculture, she emphasised the urgent need to project Benue positively to attract filmmakers, investors, and artists.
Ebigieson proposed concrete areas of collaboration, including the integration of BIPIC products into movie productions as part of a mutually beneficial arrangement. She also advocated for the establishment of a film village in the state, arguing that Benue is richly endowed with abundant raw talent that, if properly harnessed, could draw diaspora investment and position the state as a thriving destination for movie production.
In response, BIPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakakaha, CFA, welcomed the AMP delegation and affirmed the company’s readiness to collaborate in alignment with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia. He underscored the critical role of the non-oil sector in driving economic growth, especially in the face of past national economic challenges, and noted that current indicators point to a national revival.
“To grow the economy, the non-oil sector is critical. Anything that will grow the economy will receive our support,” he declared.
Dr. Asemakakaha pointed to Benue’s population of over seven million and its annual graduation of more than 16,000 students without matching job opportunities, emphasising the need to expand sectors like the creative industry to absorb young talents and reduce unemployment.
“Our doors are open for new ideas. Give us a checklist so we can collaborate effectively. BIPC is ready to work with the Association of Movie Producers,” he added.
Theresa Abeda, also speaking during the meeting, welcomed the AMP members and assured them that the engagement would yield tangible results. She pledged that BIPIC would develop clear, upright policies to strengthen the proposed partnership.
The discussions signal a potential shift toward greater investment in Benue’s creative economy, with stakeholders hopeful that structured collaboration between AMP and BIPIC could unlock new opportunities for youth employment, tourism, and overall economic diversification in the state.
