Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, has declared that the current security and economic challenges though daunting, would not turn Nigeria to a failed state.

Ahmed said with the media playing more patriotic roles in sustaining the country's democracy, Nigeria would soon come out its woes.

He said contrary to the claims in some quarters, "Nigeria is not a failed state and is not about to be one," stressing that "these challenges can be surmounted by building confidence and instilling the can-do-it philosophy in our people rather than creating a state of helplessness."

The governor told officials of an international firm, who are shooting "Monkey Men" film in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, when they visited him at the Government House on Wednesday, that the establishment of a film village at the Kwara State University, Malete, was to boost the development of art and entertainment industry in the country. He added that it was also designed to bridge the information gap between Nigeria the developed world.

The governor was optimistic that the film village would correct the wrong impression about the crime rate in Nigeria.

"For too long", the governor said, "the bad side of Africa has been over projected in the international media. I hope this your ‘Monkey Men' will correct this unfortunate trend."

Earlier, one of the crewmembers, a Hollywood actress, Stephaine Macbain, described Nigeria as country full of opportunities despite the negative publicity accorded the nation in the international media.

The Director and Hollywood film producer, Mrs. Julian Balogun, said her organisation, JAB Production, was exploring the possibility of building a film industry of international standard in Ilorin to promote arts and entertainment.

Meanwhile, members of Commercial Motorcycle Association in the state have regretted their recent violent protest against the state government's ban on the activities in some designated routes in Ilorin.

After a meeting with Senator Bukola Saraki on Wednesday in Ilorin, the state chairman of the group, Alhaji Abdulrahman Akanmu, said his members had since regretted their action and promised to prevent a recurrence.

Akanmu told reporters after the parley that "we apologise to the state government and the people of our dear state over the ugly incident. We equally ask for forgiveness over the loss of some valuable property during the protest by our members."

Saraki had, during the meeting with the leaders of the association, urged its members to shun violent actions.