The Edo Government on Thursday premiered a movie to enlighten the public on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues and push for a zero incidence in the state.
Addressing newsmen at the event, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, the Chairman, Edo Gender-Based Violence Management Committee (Edo-GBV), said the movie, titled “We will not be silent”, was to kick off the four-day international film festival.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival is being organised by the state government in collaboration with private sector partners.
Obaseki, the First Lady of the state, asserted that the movie debuted the maiden international film festival in order to complement the state government’s effort in achieving a violence-free society.
The theme of the film festival, which is “Edo to the world”, she said was geared towards projecting the rich cultural heritage and history of Edo to the international community.
“This is a day we have been looking forward to, and I am very proud to be part of this unfolding the renaissance and rebirth of our heritage, our rich history and culture that has been in coma for several decades.
“I am particularly happy today because the film that will be premiered to kick off this festival happens to be the one I am part of.
“It got borne out of the work we have been doing in Edo State in gender-based violence.
“I happen to chair the gender-based violence committee in the state.
“We had support from the Ford Foundation and they gave us a grant in Edo State among three other states to help us develop our capacity and mechanism to fight this menace in our country.
“We expect that the history, culture and the lives of Edo people of past centuries till date will be exhibited to the world. Indeed, it is Edo to the world,” Obaseki said.
On his part, Mr Bamidele Obaitan, the state Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, said under Obaseki, the state was leveraging its rich culture, history and exemplary talents.
“We are really undergoing a renaissance of sorts under the leadership of Gov. Godwin Obaseki.
“Edo to the world is happening now. This is another first for Edo State under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki. This is a first of its type in Edo.”
Earlier, Lancelot Imasuen, a Nigerian film director and Chairman of the festival committee, expressed gratitude to the state government for taking interest in the creative sector.
He noted that over 1,500 film entries were received from 95 countries around the world. (NAN)
