Nollywood: Gombe expresses worry over ‘juju’ scenes in Nigerian movies
Gombe Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, has expressed worry over what he termed excessive depiction of black magic in Nigerian movies.
Jatau said the movies portrayed the ethnic group as entirely dependent on magic, stressing that there are important aspects they could showcase other than what he described as ‘juju’.
The deputy governor who is a fan of Nigerian movies, made this disclosure on Tuesday, while receiving newly inaugurated Executive Council of Igbo Community Gombe State Chapter who came to seek collaboration with the Government during their tenure.
According to him, the believe in dignity of labour and strong believe in culture has made the Igbos to adapt easily and positively disposed to contributing meaningfully in all areas of human endeavour, ranging from building materials, automobile parts etc, both in Gombe State and every where they found themselves.
Jatau said, “There is need to save the dwindling cultural values amongst the youths whom have recently started deviating from the cherished cultural heritage by attacking and killing even strangers in their land under whatever guise against the valued norms and traditions.
“We’re concerned with the way the film makers portray the Igbo culture as purely dependent on ” juju” activities, Elders of the land should help to change the narrative towards further changing the mindset of the youths to embrace good ideas about their traditions.”
The Deputy Governor however expressed delight that the Igbos in Gombe State have shown commitment to peaceful co-existence and development of the state, assuring them of continued partnership for a vibrant Gombe State devoid of ethnic and religious affiliations.
He further explained that the Igbos are also very industrious and models of mentoring others who, would be empowered to continue from them.
He said, “Igbos are well known as models of unity as seen in their peaceful co-existence and unions they have everyone they are domicile.
“A typical Igbo man detests laziness and believes in hard work before eating, teach these good virtues to other ethnic groups to avoid laziness and for overall development of the society.”
He appealed for support, advice and even constructive criticism towards ensuring that Gombe State is developed for the benefit of all people resident in Gombe State.
Speaking earlier, the President General Igbo Community, Gombe State Chapter, Dr. Egwu Wabs informed the Deputy Governor that they were in his office to introduce the newly inaugurated Executive Council Members that would steer the wheel of leadership for the next tenure.
He said, “Out of honour to the government in the state, they have also come to seek partnership with the government knowing fully well that Igbos, as entrepreneurs and wealth creators stand to contribute immensely to the growth of the state.
“Igbos are willing to continue to partner with government and people of Gombe State for the state to be taken to greater heights.”
The President General commended the efforts of the government in maintaining peace and unity in the state, making it the most peaceful in the region and the country.
He lauded the Governor Muhammadu Yahaya’s led administration for the appointment of one of their own, Chief Chukwudubelu Ewuzie as Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Community Relations, noting that given more opportunities they would do more to propel Gombe to greater heights.
On his part, Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Community Relations, Prince Chukwudubelu Ewuzie thanked the Deputy Governor for granting them audience in spite of tight schedules and short notice.
He assured the Government of unalloyed support of the Igbo Community in the state for overall socio-economic development.
