Engraced Entertainment is making waves in youth empowerment, financial support, and creative development through its Laff and Learn Live in Campus Tour. The recent edition, held at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, showcased the immense potential of the entertainment industry in driving employment and economic growth.
A Platform for Growth and Opportunity
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Emmanuel Itoto highlighted the transformative impact of the tour on students across Nigeria. Beyond entertainment, the initiative has served as a powerful tool for job creation and business support, benefiting young creatives and entrepreneurs.
“This marks our second time bringing the campus tour to Port Harcourt, and the response has been phenomenal. The city has a deep appreciation for entertainment, and with the right investment, the industry can become a major revenue generator and employment hub,” Itoto stated.
Three Pillars: Empowerment, Enlightenment, and Entertainment
The event was built around three fundamental principles: empowerment, enlightenment, and entertainment. Through this initiative:
- 70 people were employed to manage various aspects of the show.
- Business grants were awarded to SMEs, helping small businesses thrive.
- A talent hunt was organized, giving students a stage to showcase their skills and gain recognition.
“Entertainment is not just about fun—it’s a vehicle for growth. We are creating job opportunities, funding small businesses, and providing a space for young talents to shine,” Itoto added.
A Star-Studded Celebration of Talent
The event featured top entertainers, including Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan), Erhiga Agarivbie (Erigga), Adokie Horsfall (Romeo Aboli), MC Monica, Slim Talker, Voltage of Hype, MC JP, and DJ Joe. The audience was treated to an unforgettable mix of music, drama, comedy, talent showcases, giveaways, and scholarships.
The Vision Behind the Tour
Comedy sensation Chibuike Alfred, popularly known as Josh2Funny, shared the inspiration behind the tour.
“We are visiting six universities—UNICAL, UNIPORT, UNILAG, Ambrose Alli, UNN, and Veritas University. Many fans don’t get the chance to see their favorite celebrities up close, so this tour bridges that gap while also giving back to students and grassroots communities. The last time I did this was in 2019, and it feels great to be back,” he said.
The Power of Lifting Others
Adding to the conversation, popular skit maker and comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu, aka Sabinus, made a surprise appearance and delivered an inspiring message on mentorship.
“My philosophy is simple—when you climb up, you lift others with you. You can’t build a lasting legacy if you don’t help others grow. Many entertainers fade out quickly because they fail to uplift those coming behind them. True growth comes from collaboration,” he emphasized.
Challenges in the Entertainment Industry
While acknowledging the support of the Port Harcourt audience, Sabinus was vocal about the lack of government backing for the entertainment industry in Rivers State.
“Entertainment in Lagos is far more developed compared to what we have here. The people of Port Harcourt are incredibly supportive, but the government’s contribution is virtually nonexistent,” he said.
He further explained, “Whenever I organize an event in Port Harcourt, the turnout is fantastic, but after that, what next? The reason we don’t see more top entertainers emerging from this state is the lack of industry structure and government support.”
A Call for Greater Investment
The success of the Laff and Learn Live in Campus Tour highlights the need for sustained investment in the entertainment sector. With proper funding, infrastructure, and government support, Rivers State could become a thriving hub for creatives, boosting employment and economic growth.
Through initiatives like this, entertainment is proving to be more than just a source of joy—it is a driving force for empowerment and sustainable development.
