By Dianabasi Effiong

Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, on Thursday, unveiled the Asaba UNESCO Creative City of Film.

He also unveiled the logo of the Creative City at the occasion where he was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.

The governor said that Asaba was designated as a UNESCO Creative City because the city was renowned for making Epic and contemporary films (Nollywood).

He said that it was also in recognition of the vast potential of the state in the creative arts through the construction of the ultra-modern Maryam Babangida Film Village and Leisure Park that Asaba was designated as a UNESCO Creative City.

Oborevwori said, “I welcome you to Asaba, the Capital City of Delta State on this special occasion of the unveiling of Asaba Creative City of Film and Logo as a prestigious member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN); without doubt, this is a remarkable milestone for Delta State.

“You will recall that Asaba was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Film and Logo in October 2023, on UNESCO World Cities Day.

“The recognition of Asaba as a Creative Cty makes it the 2nd UNESCO city of such in Nigeria, the first being Bida Creative City of Folk Arts and Craft in Niger State.

“The Creative Cities Network currently comprises 350 member cities from more than 100 countries and across creative fields, namely Architecture, Crafts and Folk Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media, AI, arts, and Music.

“UNESCO designated Asaba as a Creative City of Film because the city is renowned for making Epic and contemporary films (Nollywood), which formed a comparative advantage for the success of our application.

“In recognition of our potential in the creative arts, Delta State Government constructed ultra-modern Maryam Babangida Film Village and Leisure Park. This flagship project helped to earn Asaba the recognition we are witnessing today.”

The governor also expressed his appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM), the Nigeria Office, and the creative arts practitioners, Asaba branch, for their contributions to the success story of Asaba Creative City of Film and Logo.

The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Darlington Ijeh, in his remarks, said that the formal unveiling and designation of Asaba as a Creative City was a testament to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ‘s delivery on his M. O. R. E . Agenda to the State, stressing that the creative industry y has received a boost.

Dr Olagunju Idowu Lateef, Secretary-General, Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM UNESCO), in a goodwill message, said that he was happy with the formal unveiling and designation of Asaba as a Creative City of Film in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

He said that the contributions of Asaba to the Nollywood industry were a significant factor that contributed to its Creative Economy and Cultural endowment and enlistment as a UNESCO Creative City, saying that the city stands to benefit culturally, historically, and socio-economically.