President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday described Nigerian actors and actresses as the greatest ambassadors of the country.

He said that players in the industry that is popularly known as Nollywood had consistently brought glory to the country.

Jonathan spoke while playing host to a group, Legends of Nollywood, led by Mr. Paul Obazele, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during which he was honoured with the award of Grand Patriarch of Nollywood.

He said, "There are so many good stories about you (Nollywood stars). For us who by divine providence and your own will, made us to be here this time, you are our pride, you are our stars.

"In fact, you are the greatest ambassadors of this country. This is because the Nollywood family has really helped to bring good image to this country.

"Before now, we were known for soccer. After sometime, we started fumbling. Today we are on top, the next day, we are down.
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"Since Nollywood came on board, you have been quite steady and you have been bringing good image to this country."

Jonathan likened the Nollywood story to the biblical story of creation where God made a pronouncement that there should be light and there was light.

He said the industry was created from a humble beginning when people did not expect any spectacular thing and that it had grown to a very formidable body, being the second in the world.

The President expressed delight that the commercials of the industry had become an integral part of the nation's Gross Domestic Product.

He said he remained committed to giving government support to the industry.

While describing the award given to him as precious, he said the plaque would be one of the items in the presidential museum he would establish after leaving office.

While also agreeing with the group on the plan to establish a Hall of Fame for actors and actresses, Jonathan said he had mooted the idea as the Bayelsa State governor.

He said that his position then was that it was better to also establish a Hall of Shame alongside Hall of Fame.

He said the Hall of Shame would deter citizens from taking wrong steps like stealing, among other social vices.

Earlier, Obazele had said the group decided to give Jonathan the award because of the legendary support he had been giving the industry since his days as deputy governor of Bayelsa State.

"No government has shown special interest in our industry like yours," he told the President.