The iconic movie producer, Emem Isong, has opened another branch of her Royal Arts Academy in Uyo, state capital of Akwa Ibom.

In an address delivered by Dr. Geroge Akpan, represented by Imo Bassey, for Inoyo Toro Foundation, the astute filmmaker has been praised for her contributions in the advancement of education and building of the first film academy in the state.

See full speech below

REMARKS AT THE LAUNCH OF THE ROYAL ARTS ACADEMY, UYO CAMPUS DELIVERED BY MRS IMO BASSEY ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRUSTEES INOYO TORO FOUNDATION—-DR. GEORGE AKPAN.

PROTOCOL

I wish to start by sincerely thanking the Royal Arts Academy, especially its founder, Mrs. Emem Isong Misodi, for the effort that has gone into bringing to fruition the first ever film academy in Uyo. The commencement of activities at the Academy is a product of months of planning, consultation and collaboration. The Inoyo Toro Foundation (ITF), having keyed into the lofty visions of the Academy, is proud to be a part of this epoch making event.

Our Foundation, in pursuit of its vision, has intervened in the education sector and has impacted, in the course of its 13 year history, teacher motivation while providing a platform for the mentoring of students in most of the 262 public schools which dot the Akwa Ibom State landscape. In doing so, ITF has been consistent in rewarding teachers and mentoring students, to the end that they can more positively confront the many issues which have over the years affected the teaching and learning environment.

Our partnership with the Royal Arts Academy is borne out of the need to affect the lives of Akwa Ibom youngsters in a whole new way. The Foundation, having been aware of the latent and untapped gifts that lie in our youths, had found a new avenue in providing opportunities within the creative and performing arts industry. Away from conventional educational initiatives, the product of this partnership promises added knowledge in the performing arts as well as live changing careers in the N853.9 billion (IMF Report) Nollywood Industry. It is a great milestone for us at the Foundation, our partners in the Royal Arts Academy as well as Akwa Ibom, which has now joined Lagos as the bellwether States in the promotion of cognate learning in the field of performing arts. Imagine where Akwa Ibom will be in the world map in the next ten years as we sustain this partnership? This is a bold statement as to what our Foundation stands for when it comes to impacting lives in Akwa Ibom state.

At this juncture, I’d like to congratulate the first set of students who will soon begin lectures at this Academy. I implore them to seize the opportunities offered by the setting up of this academy. They are to uphold the virtues of hard work and diligence in order to achieve the objectives of the program itself and ensure a suitable opportunity for future students of this Academy.

Finally, I would like to put on record the determination of the Foundation to continue to sustain its collaboration with the Royal Arts Academy, in order to ensure smooth and uninterrupted academic programs. The Foundation also extends its profound appreciation to all well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations that have sponsored students through our platform.