In less than a week ,one of the celebrated names in Nollywood, Nigeria will arrive in The Gambia  as a prelude to the arrivals of three other big personalities  from Nigerain Nollywood industry.

According to Dr Samuel Wilcox, Chief Executive Offier (CEO) of Chartered  House, Francis Duru, an icon in the Nigerian film industry will arrive in Banjul  on Saturday on board Bellview Airlines to set a pace for the coming of four of leading Nigerian dwarf comedians Aki & Popo, Osofia "Nkem" and Mama G also known as Patience Uzuokwo .

The arrival of Francis as stated  by Dr Wilcox will serve as a confidence building measure and will provide an opportunity for the greater Gambian public and actors, actress and aspiring ones to come face to face with the famous Nigerian celebrities.

"We want to understudy The Gambian market as we did in Ghana and see how best to create that avenue which will offer Gambian actors and actress the opportunity to star in Nollywood because there is currently no Gambian actor in the Nollywood industry," said Dr Wilcox.

The Chartered House CEO disclosed that the arrival into the country of Francis  Duru and subsequently  the Nigerian celebrities in the names of Aki, Popo, Mama G and Osofia  will further promote Cultural   exchange as well enable Gambian dramatists to break new ground in the film industry.

Dr Wilcox noted that "The visits will also allow the film stars to meet and collaborate with their counterparts in The Gambia to chart out ways forward for the a meaningful partnership and fruitful professional relationship. This will also help promote the Gambia’s tourism  sector because a Gambia face in Nollywood will without doubt project the country’s image in a favourable way," he lamented.

CEO Wilcox revealed that, the visits will also give chance to the Nigerian film maestrous the  opportunity to say "Thank you" to their fans for the patronage and loyality for the past years.

Meanwhile, Francis Duru will spend three days in The Gambia during which he is expected to meet the Secretary of State for Tourism, Nigerian High Commissioner and the Nigerian community residing in The country. However, he will hold seminar with Gambian artists as well.

The CEO of Trade Plus under whom the Nigerian will make their first public appearance in The Gambia, said it’s overwhelmingly significant for the people to exchange culture, which will bring forth the ripple effects of an expanded economy.

"Our efforts is just one way of promoting cultural exchanges which will in turn enhance the tourism sector. I think The Gambia economy is doing well and the best thing is to supplemen and complement efforts in sustaining that economic growth," he said.