A $35,000 prize fund has been promised by Governor Godwin Obaseki for the Edo State International Film Festival.
This will serve as a buffer for the state’s creative sector.
He made the promise on Sunday in Lagos State when he delivered a keynote address at the festival’s industry mixer.
The Edo governor promised to continue to support the creative industry. He also declared the state’s interest in competing with Lagos as a creative hub in Africa.
On the stolen artifacts from Benin, Governor Obaseki said they all do not have to be repatriated, but their ownership has to be returned to Nigeria even if they are still displayed abroad.
During the event, Obaseki also met with creative and Nollywood practitioners ahead of the festival later this year.