THE Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (YMAA), the prevalent awards in the glamorous Yoruba movie industry, is scheduled for the transformed city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State this month.

According to the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Adetutu Ahigbe Adeyemi, there is a need for all well-meaning citizens of the state to support the growth of the Yoruba movie industry as it plays a major role in the socio-economic development of the state as well as the propagation and promotion of the Yoruba culture worldwide.

Mrs. Adeyemi further commended the role played by the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi in recognising and supporting the Yoruba movie industry since the inception of his administration two years ago.

Tunde Oshinibosi, popularly called Laface, YMAA executive producer, says: “The Awards are billed to standardise and celebrate creativity in the Yoruba movie industry like never seen before. It is a known fact that today’s Nollywood started with Yoruba movies and the roles played by legendary artistes from Oyo State like the late Duro Ladipo, Lere Paimo, Ishola Ogunsola, Oyin Adejobi, Ojogbon Akinwunmi Ishola, Alagba Adebayo Faleti, Alagba Supo Kosemani, Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala), and Mistura Asumo among others cannot be overemphasized, hence the need to reclaim its rightful position as a major custodian of Yoruba culture and the pacesetter state in Nigeria.

“The overwhelming success of the Yoruba movie industry creates the need to re-position it through the authenticity of the YMAA brand, as we propagate and promote the rich Yoruba culture and race globally.”

The maiden edition of YMAA held in Abeokuta, Ogun State last year created a major buzz as movie stars and top celebrities witnessed the birth of a new dawn in the entertainment industry.  Meanwhile, the planning committee will release the final nominees and honours’ list for YMAA this week.