Lagos: A Nigerian Nollywood actress and culture ambassador, Mrs. Ayo Ewebiyi, has applauded the pace and extent to which Nigerian culture and the Nollywood industry are currently evolving globally. The actress made the commendation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Ewebiyi expressed optimism that this development would significantly boost Nigeria’s tourism sector in the near future. She highlighted the recent annual ‘Ojude-Oba’ festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, as an example of Nigeria’s advancing cultural heritage, where traditional attire was showcased in vibrant and colorful styles. Ewebiyi emphasized that these cultural advancements position Nigeria as a potential global tourist destination.
The Nollywood actress also advised filmmakers to prioritize quality storytelling in their productions. She encouraged collaboration among filmmakers to enhance the industry’s development and to present the rich Yoruba culture to a global audience. Ewebiyi urged filmmakers to work together to achieve greater success and higher-quality productions, stressing the importance of focusing on meaningful storylines rather than competing with one another.
Ewebiyi further advised filmmakers to consider their reputations when producing films, emphasizing the need to focus on impactful storytelling rather than mere competition. She noted that many filmmakers and producers today seem more interested in competing than in strengthening the narrative quality of their films.
NAN reports that Ewebiyi, popularly known as ‘Mama Oriki’, is a renowned Nigerian musician, poet, and cultural ambassador. She is celebrated for her expertise in Ewi poetry and chanting, as well as for promoting Yoruba culture, arts, and traditions through her music, poetry, and performances.