Over the years Nigeria has been integrated into the world economy only on the basis of her petroleum resources. Even the understanding of the western economic model by her people and their ability to out-smart it positively has been presented as criminal activities in many instances. Her leadership role as the country with the highest number of happy people on earth despite her failings has been noted as a paradox. Notwithstanding, Nigeria still maintains her prime position as the country that has made a billion dollar business out of religion - especially the Christian variety.
All these achievements and many more have not been given their due mention especially in the western media. Not anymore. Nollywood is a world beater any day. For the avoidance of doubt - Nollywood is Nigeria's answer to Hollywood, Bollywood.... and all the woods of this world. Thanks to rare native intelligence combined with plenty of common sense.
We hear....."The French Cultural Centre in Nigeria wants to bring French movie-makers here to study our methods". How on earth can you make a movie in seven days, at low cost, enjoyed by over half the population of your continent and still get noticed by the world? And Yes at a huge profit too.
You may wonder if this is reverse technical support to the West or is it something else. Could this be the development model sub-Saharan countries and indeed the rest of the developing world have been waiting for?
The fact that the Nigeria's video industry is both profitable and self-sufficient is a clear indication that you can still win without cheating in Nigeria. That the movie industry has grown to be one of the bright spots in the nation's economy is also a demonstration of the possibilities even in the face of non-existent economic opportunities.
The lesson: If Change must come, it has to come from within and be sustained. The Nollywood paradigm may be the direction to go. |
