By KACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has said that his administration will support the entertainment industry to enable the teeming talented youth in state to tap into the opportunities in the sector.
Soludo made the promise at the premiere of ‘Dis Naija’ an 8-track album by Shedrack Nnanna popularly known as SheddyJoe De Entertainer in Awka.
Represented by Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, his Chief of Staff, the governor who described SheddyJoe De Entertainer as a bundle of talent who had done well for himself and contributed constructively to his administration.
Soludo who unveiled the album said he was impressed by the songs, their messages and stage performance of the artiste.
He said SheddyJoe already had an automatic slot to perform when the Solution Fun City and New Government House which were at advanced stages would be inaugurated.
“SheddyJoe was not just living his dream or entertaining his audience but serving as inspiration to others and contributing to the growth of the entertainment and tourism industry which this government is paying serious attention to,” he said.
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The event was graced by top members of state executive council, traditional rulers, businesses community and friends.
Before the unveiling, SheddyJoe the audience intermittently with songs from the album like “God I Praise You, Love Your Neighbour, My World, Swim Like a Fish, “Dis Naija”, “Uri Oma” and concluded with “Jump Reggae”.
Special appearances were made by
Ichie Oku, aka Chokey Man de Comedian, *Samthio and DJ *Jekky B* who sent the arena into a frenzy with his Amili track.
Speaking to journalists, Don Onyenji Commissioner Culture, Entertainment and Tourism said the album launch resonated with what his ministry was doing to position the sector as a major economic driver.
Onyenji said the state government was building a massive one stop shop film village which would make Anambra the most preferred destination for shooting location in the country.
He said SheddyJoe enjoyed full support of the state governor and his colleagues in government, noting that, that was a testimony to the commitment of Soludo led administration to supporting creative minds.
Alex Ogbodo, a broadcaster anf friend of SheddyJoe said the artiste had always had flair and passion for entertainment back in the late 1990s as a student.
Ogbodo who was a schoolmate of SheddyJoe at the Enugu State University of Science and Technologyhe said he was happy to be part of the history after of two decades when SheddyJoe started nursing the idea
“We were in the Mass Communication department in ESUT together and I know as a star waiting to shine because he is a man of immense talent.
“So, I am not surprised that he did this beautiful songs,” he said
On his part, SheddyJoe said he was fulfilled that his dream of decades had come true.
He called on upcoming artistes to face their future with courage and determination as there would always be challenges
He said his vision was to see Awka become the entertainment hub of Southeast while calling on the private sector to key into the opportunity by supporting talented youth among them.
“I want to see more youths taking this route, I want to see more album launch, more shows, more beans endorsement and more people becoming economically stable through entertainment.
“That is why I want to hsnk my principal, Prof. Soludo for his passion to develop the tourism Sector in Anambra, the Solution Fun City which is going to be the largest park in the Southeast which he is building is nearing completion.
“He supported me and assured me that through the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, the industry will be well supported,” he said.
SheddyJoe is an Indigene of Anaku in Ayamelum Local Government Council, he is a comedian, musician, civil servant and presently Senior Special Assistant to Gov Chukwuma Soludo on Events and Protocol.
