By Anietie Akpan
Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed her commitment to youth empowerment and human capacity development through strategic partnerships that align with the ARISE Agenda
The Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, who stated this at the graduation ceremony of students trained in film cinematography, direction, acting, scripting, and content creation by the FACE Initiative in Uyo on Saturday, pointed out that this training programme falls inline with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Amanam Hillary Umo-Udofia, PhD, he described the graduation as a direct manifestation of the “R” component of the ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes Rural Development, Human Capacity Development, and Economic Expansion.
He stressed the importance of mentorship in navigating life’s path, sharing from his personal journey.
”Essentially, I want to emphasize on the issue of mentorship aside from all you have been told this evening. There is nothing you are going to do that is really new, but that mentor will always show you those steps you can do to make yourself better. And most importantly, mentors will give you access to opportunities.
“You are now part of a growing creative force. The content you create and the stories you tell will speak not just for you, but for your generation and for our state. So you must stay focused and authentic.”
“Clearly this programme is a shining example of the Governor Umo Eno’s vision in action — equipping our young people with relevant, practical skills that prepare them for the creative economy. The market is very open. The opportunities are endless, make good use of it.”
As a further demonstration of support, Dr Ndueso announced that the best graduating students from the programme have been offered internship opportunities at the Documentary Team of Government House Press Centre to expose them to real-time media operations and mentorship.
Speaking at the event, the guest speaker, Mrs. Benedette Fred, charged the graduands to embrace consistency, integrity, and continuous learning, while placing their trust in God.
“Content is the new oil. It pays and it pays in dollars. The last time I came, I said, it’s good to have talent, but talent is not enough. You need to be coached. You need to be tutored. You need to be mentored. You need to work with someone who has gone ahead of you. You need to learn, unlearn, and relearn.
”Believe me, filmmaking is evolving every time. And we keep learning. There are new equipment to learn with”.
She said, “in this business, you keep learning. You unlearn and you learn back. As the industry keeps evolving, you learn. Also you must remember, you have to stay focused. You must ask yourself, why am I undertaking this training? And what do I want to get out of it? That is what will keep your head in the game.
”You must be consistent in season and out of season. Even when it is looking like it’s not going to pay, even when it’s looking like the reward is taking too long, do not give up. Keep at it.
”Have integrity. Your yes must be yes and your no must be no. And please, don’t feel bad when you have to say no. Say it and mean it. Don’t be a double character such that, people cannot trust. You must have integrity in what you can give. Put God first and you will make it.
”You will never regret it. I know that when you put God first, as He did for me, He will do so much more for you. He will take you places that you never, ever dreamt of.”
Fred who represented the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, encouraged the graduands to register with the guild to ensure they are protected against exploitation.
”As an actor in Nigeria, there is a platform that covers you – Actors Guild of Nigeria. We meet every last Thursday of the month at Discovery Park. Any of you that is interested should meet me after now and get a contact info. You should register with the group, so that if anybody hurts, exploits or does you any harm, you know who to go to and who to report to.”
In her address, the organizer of the FACE Initiative, Amb Ekaette Frank, described the graduation as a launchpad for the students to confidently explore the creative industry.
”This is not marking the end of FACE Initiative in Akwa Ibom State, it’s actually a beginning of a fresh start for all participants.
”As you’re walking out of the door today, walk out bold, be confident, be courageous, knowing that your five weeks at the Ibom Metropolitan wasn’t a waste. It’s a real beginning for each step into the world as the creator, as the voice that we need in this society. It’s a fresh start to show the world what you have to offer.
”FACE Initiative 2025 is Akwa Ibom State, the closing ceremony means the opening door for more opportunities. It’s an opportunity for you to network. It’s a place for you to step into a greater platform that can put food on your table.
”I urge you today to grab this opportunity you’ve gotten. This is a beginning of more connection, more opportunities, more collaboration amongst yourself, the facilitators, the organizers.”
Highlights of the event included, presentation of certificates and medals to the graduating students, movie screening, where Group B emerged as the top team with their captivating short film titled “Life No Balance”, awards of recognition presented to dignitaries in appreciation of their support, and cash grants of ₦500,000 each to four outstanding students for their exceptional performance.
