The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has charged actors in the Kannywood entertainment industry to use their movies to support the efforts of the federal government to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other challenges facing the country.
Senator Barau made the call when he received the leadership of the Kannywood Guild of Actors in his office at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
In a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau stressed the importance of the industry in promoting peace and unity in the country.
For the government to succeed in tackling banditry, kidnapping and other challenges, he said stakeholders must support the efforts, including those in the entertainment industry.
“In the industry, there are an uncountable number of self-employed people who are also employing others. This is commendable and a significant contribution to the nation.
“You have a crucial role in promoting peace and unity. Use your movies to support the government’s efforts to tackle the security challenges facing us in the North.
“Through your movies, you can persuade the bandits and kidnappers in the bush to drop their weapons, repent and turn a new leaf. This is what should be our priority now. In whatever you do, avoid anything that goes against the teachings of our religion, Islam,” Senator Barau said.
While reiterating the commitment of the National Assembly to promote the entertainment industry across the nation, he accepted to be the patron of the association as requested by the actors, promising to continue to support them to excel.
Earlier, the actors described Senator Barau as a great pillar, saying he is a father to the Kannywood industry.
Speaking through their Chairman, Alhaji Alasan Kwalli, the actors said, “You are a great pillar; you have been supporting us for many years. We congratulate you and appreciate what you have been doing for us.”
Also, the Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Shehu Hassan Kano, assured the Deputy President of the Senate of their readiness to partner with the government to promote peace and unity in the country.
