Agegelabs

Dear Mr President,

I hope this letter finds you in good health.

A new film called “District 9” by Neill Blomkamp (and Sony), has caused a bit of stir amongst our people around the world due to the way Nigerians were depicted in the film. I won’t focus too much on the film itself as various commentators with authority have talked at length and reviewed in depth. For your reference, I have attached copies for your reading pleasure.

The purpose of my letter is to explain what I believe your government can do to help. It was refreshing to see how our Minister of Information and Communications, Dora Akunyili was able to apply enough pressure on Sony to pull its PS3 ad. Unfortunately, we can’t always do that. We must improve how we communicate with the world and how we showcase our diverse culture. I have 4 proposals with details below.

Modernise the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA)
Have you seen any NTA stations recently? It looks like we are back in 50/60s when analogue colour television just arrived and improved sound quality had not yet been invented. I understand that Sony (Yes, that same Sony) has been engaged to upgrade NTA’s equipment. This is good news. I hope the upgrade brings same kind of quality one enjoys when watching BBC.

Promote high quality local talent
NTA should be at the forefront of supporting and promoting local talents. This goes beyond showing Nollywood movies on its 47 main stations. NTA should engage local producers/directors to produce documentaries & programmes to educate Nigerians (home & aboard) and the world about our rich history.

Please fix the NTA website
NTA’s website was re-launched in May 2009. It looked like a great upgrade; the only issue is it was last updated in June 2009. Again look at the NEXT to understand what we need.

Everyone else will follow if NTA steps up
If NTA steps up, this should raise the standard across the industry–AIT, HiTV, BEN and rest will all have to step up as well. Currently they are all “just” better than NTA.

Of course, some people will call it propaganda – my advice is supply the necessary capital and try not to interfere with the news reporting to favour one party or one group of people.

Thanks for taking time to read this letter.

Sincerely,

AL

enc.
Further Reading on District 9
Nigeria’s portrayal & need to be proactive
Becoming the alien: apartheid, racism and district 9
The Aliens are coming
Why District 9 isn’t racist against Nigerians
Nigerians as the new Russians
District 9 – internal dialogue and reaction