By Emem Julius
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) in collaboration with BlueRivers Island Nigeria Limited, has launched a film production training programme, benefiting over 100 youths and the elderly in Cross River State.
The training programme facilitated by Starcross Television owned by BCS in Calabar, is part of a broader effort to promote youth empowerment and support local talents aimed at equipping participants with practical skills in film production, script writing, story development, cinematography, camera operation, lighting and sound, video editing and post-production, directing, production management, broadcast and television production, technique acting for screen, costumier, and still photography that would stimulate innovation, enhance technical capacity, and create employment opportunities for young people in the dynamic space-tech and film industry.
Speaking on Monday during the opening of a five-day youth empowerment workshop and training at the Starcross Television complex in Calabar, capital of Cross River, Ibiye Japhet, one of the facilitators, expressed appreciation to the Founder of the organisation, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu for sponsoring the initiative, describing him as “Father of all nations.”
Chairman, Actors Guild of Cross River State, Amb. Beatrice Akonjom expressed optimism that the workshop would boost opportunities for young people to develop their talents and passions in the film industry, noting that the initiative is a “welcome development.”
Akonjom noted that the programme and partnership align with the People’s First administration’s agenda of Governor Bassey Otu to reposition Cross River as a hub for technological advancement and youth empowerment.
According to her, Cross River State government welcomes ideas and programmes aimed at developing its residents, especially the youths, expressing gratitude to the leadership of Starcross Television and Blue Rivers Island Limited for the partnership and swift response in organising the exercise, commending the team for their unwavering commitment to youth development.
“I want to specially thank The Holy Father, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Olumba and the BCS for the opportunity to train youths on film production. This is a lifetime empowerment that will better the society and our dear Cross River State. It is a transformational initiative,” she added.
She assured the Blueriver partners that Cross River State provides a conducive environment for innovation and encouraged them to consider the state a reliable partner for future engagements. She also urged participants to take the training seriously, describing their selection and participation as a rare privilege.
“Count yourselves fortunate to be a participant. Take this opportunity seriously and equip yourselves to become future entrepreneurs and digital enablers,” she said.
Managing Director of Starcross Television, Patriarch Ogar Osim, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to fostering youth innovation and technical capacity in film production and appreciated the Founder of the firm, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu for approving to host the programme through the Universal Council of Christ Ambassadors, under the headship of the Chancellor, Zoryii Nwamanie.
PCS Ogar noted that the training is not just about learning a trade; rather, it is a platform to equip young minds with the skills to drive digital connectivity, enhance information flow, and power economic growth across communities.
He explained that the training would open doors for participants to establish and explore their inherent potentials in film production and other related areas, pursue academic and technical careers, or gain employment in firms and other related sectors.
Some of the participants expressed their excitement about being selected, promising to maximise the opportunity and make meaningful use of the knowledge and skills acquired.
