By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The creative industry in Nigeria has received a further boost after Ecobank Nigeria reaffirmed its support for the sector.
The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, said the lender will continue to nurture African talents and provide the right resources for them to dream and thrive.
Mr Akinwuntan gave this reassurance at the premiere of a new flick, The Wait, produced by Yewande Zaccheaus, a former ‘Ecobanker’ and directed by Yemi Filmboy Morafa and Fiyin Gambo.
The movie is inspired by the popular book by the renowned lawyer and entrepreneur titled God’s Waiting Room. It chronicles the journeys of different characters, as they await the manifestation of their dreams.
At the premiere of the suspense-filled drama held on April 10, 2021, in Lagos, several dignitaries were present, including the wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, amongst others.
Mr Akinwuntan, while speaking, applauded the producers for creating an impressive piece and confirmed the bank’s status as the partner of choice for the creative industry in Nigeria and across Africa.
“I encourage all SMEs in the country, including those in the entertainment industry, to avail themselves of the opportunity to partner with us to grow their businesses.
“As a pan-African bank, we have a collective vision of promoting the African culture to reinforce and celebrate our heritage.
“For us, it is beyond banking, we are constantly seeking ways to project the African continent in a positive light. We currently have partnerships with key industry players such as Bolanle Austen- Peters Production (BAP) and recently sponsored the African Music Awards (AFRIMA).
“We are also the lead sponsor of the widely acclaimed business reality show, Lions’ Den, which will soon hit the airwaves,” the bank chief said.
The Wait is a film that boasts of a star-studded cast like Nse Ikpe-Etim, Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Deyemi Okanlawon, Meg Otanwa, Jimmy Odukoya, Ini Dima-Okojie and Chimezie Imo.
The movie is a topical, yet superb visual with dramatic expressions that aptly capture the human experience of waiting. It is beautifully written to depict how interconnected the different characters are, as they wait for the fulfilment of their varying desperate desires.
The makers of The Wait movie assure audiences that it will excite them and impact lives nationwide, as people from all walks of life connect with the storyline.
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