IS ABUJA THE NEW CAPITAL OF ENTERTAINMENT IN NIGERIA?

In what is my fourth visit to the Political capital of Nigeria, I am again reminded that it is surely the most properly planned city in Nigeria.

Abuja became the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria on the 12^th of December, 1991. Since then, it has become the number one destination for Nigeria’s political elites. However, this has not translated to entertainers migrating en masse to Abuja, inspite of its seemingly strategic position in the nation.

Abuja is the most properly planned city of all cities I have visited. The roads are properly built, housing is great with state of the art facilities and structures being daily built. Electricity, although erratic is tolerable, and drivers on the road are careful, and obey simple traffic rules and regulations. Academic institutions are also “Tush”, and as I have heard, medical facilities here are also higher in standard, than what is available in other parts of the nation.

The landscape is also very beautiful, and with a little investment in both infrastructure and PR, can become a city with high tourist attraction potential, especially the Aso Rock Monolith. The nightlife is also impeccably good, and the city itself is devoid of the rush and  bustle of Lagos.

Furthermore, Abuja is a confluence of cultural diversity. Strategically located in the centre of the Nation, there is every chance that you would find people from all ethnic groups in the country in Abuja, which would make it easier for fans to actually connect with people from their ethnic groups.

What remains is the influx of movie and music stars to Abuja. Lagos has always being the entertainment capital of Nigeria. In Comedy, Benin City and Warri follows, and in Nollywood, Asaba, Onitsha and Kano have proven to be other cities trailing Lagos. Nonetheless, these cities collectively do not have the star power that Lagos possesses. After all, most entertainers do not consider that they have blown unless they have broken into the “Lagos Market”.

Abuja is a goldmine that is ripe for the taking. With the right PR on the part of the authorities, more Nollywood practitioners will be dragged into the city, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes the entertainment capital of Nigeria, if the right approach is taken.

For now, I will be contented to enjoy the beautiful city and all its juicy offerings.