The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government Friday suspended the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bamidele Balogun, over the recent announcement of 5% levy on Audio and Visual contents of all Physical and Digital Platforms in the state.
The Sanwo-Olu administration dissociated self from such levy, saying it would be insensitive to impose such policy on an industry that has been badly hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is no levy on Audio and Visual contents of all Physical and Digital Platforms in Lagos State.
“The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Bamidele Balogun, is said to have announced a 5% levy.
“The state government hereby dissociates itself from the said announcement in the media.
“The Executive Secretary, who was not authorised to make such an announcement, has been suspended, pending an administrative enquiry.
“The fifth pillar of the THEMES Agenda, the development policy of this Administration, is Entertainment and Tourism.
“Practitioners are partners in our effort to ensure that Lagos State remains Africa’s leader in entertainment.
“The Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu Administration is not insensitive to the fact that the industry has been badly hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and empathizes with this and other sectors of the economy.
“All stakeholders in the Entertainment Industry are advised to disregard the said publication,” said a statement by Lagos State Commissioner, Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Idowu Sowunmi
