By CHINYERE Nnaemeka

The member Representing Onuimo State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. James Esile has presented a Bill seeking for the establishment of a Film Village in the State.

The bill which fully reads: “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Imo State Film Village, Umucheke Okwe and for other related matters”, has been read the second time during the House plenary on Wednesday.

It has also been committed to the House Committee on Culture and Tourism for further inputs, and for them to report back to the House on April 18, 2025.

Presenting the bill, Esile pointed out that the bill when passed will be of great benefit to the people of the state, as it will create room for employment, curb insecurity, boost the state’s tourism industry whereby more investors will be attracted into the state.

He reiterated that It will place Imo State on the world global map of tourism destination, thereby hiking up the economy of the state, as the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR will skyrocket.

He continued, “It is in line with the 3R Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma of creating jobs for Imo people, and making available to the people, especially our youths an avenue to harness and showcase their talents.

“The Entertainment industry is one of the biggest industry that is thriving, and so when the state keys into have such a structure, it will bring lots of benefits to the people. It is diversification of economy which every state needs at this point in time to resuscitate our economy.

“It will reduce crime in the society as many youths through it will be taken out of the streets. The gain is enormous and can’t be overemphasized. Where the film village will be sited will not be an issue as there is a vast land for it in the Umucheke Okwe community and the indigens of the community are elated over such development coming into their area. They have also promised to protect it from being vandalized,’Esile stated’.

The Bill was overwhelmedly supported as it was co-sponsored by 14 other lawmakers: Hon. Bernard Ozoemelam, Hon. Henry Agbasonu, Hon. Ikenna lhezuo, Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, Hon. Johnleoba Iheoha, Hon. Kelechi Ofurum, Hon. Samuel Osuji, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu, Hon. Samuel Ogbunikpa, Hon. Okechukwu Ernest Udeze, Hon. Princewill Amuchie, Hon, Chigozie Nwaneri, Hon. Johnson Duru, and Hon. Clinton Amadi