While cutting a surprise birthday cake presented to him by Imo State based artistes, the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha had just a simple line of appreciation, “You ain’t seen nothing yet”.
Gov. Okorocha who got the special treat on early hours of Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Imo International Convention Center, few days after his birthday further made a plea to artistes and imolites in general to always love one another. He hailed the efforts of efforts of everyone who came out en masse to grace the event, adding that trends like that will develop the state.
Having kicked off a plan to revamp the entertainment industry of the state, the governor then urged Imolites to support and appreciate home based artistes as it is the only way, the industry can grow.
Also speaking after the event, Imo Laff Session, the SA to Governor Okorocha on Entertainment and Protocols, Hon. Iruno Chukwunonye who is also the president of Imo Based Artiste League, the organizers of the event, hailed the governor’s efforts in revamping the entertainment industry in the state adding that there are still more packages for artistes in the state.
“It’s always good to begin with God almighty because Jesus started with prayers and ended with prayers. Now that we have brought God into what we are doing, it simply means that every other thing we will be doing will go fine. Hip-hop is next, bongo and then actors. On Tuesday (September 27, 2016), we will be gathering again as Imo Youths will be celebrating the Governor and artistes will also be part of it.
On the birthday cake, he said “He (Gov. Okorocha) never saw it coming, he saw it from the rare.
“What we did today excited him and he has already expressed his interest to help the industry grow. Already he has made approval of one hundred million naira which is to be pumped into the entertainment industry. He wants us to create an entertainment market in Imo State; have entertainment village and make the state the center of gravity of entertainment in the sub-Saharan Africa” Hon. Iruno said.
On existing structures like Bongo Square and Freedom Park, the prolific master of ceremony said the government will not abandon them, adding that they will be working on improving what is on ground. He describe Nze Dan Orji Bong Square as the temporary entertainment headquarter in the state, adding that the entertainment sector will not be left behind as the Rescue Mission government is building infrastructures for general development.
He then hailed Imo State based artistes for their efforts in seeing to the success of the event and for turning out en mass to cheer up their colleagues.
Imo Laff Session, a comic-gospel event featured top comedians like Gordons, Banana Mouth, Dan De Humorous, Two Can Talk, MC Egbeigwe Apama amongst others. Gospel music heavy weights like Chinyere Udoma, Tonnel Avo, Deac. Chike Okafor, Joseph Adesoji amongst other groups and choirs featured at the event anchored by Broda Boss Man.
