The Federal Government has expressed its willingness to work together with both local and foreign investors to enhance the Creative Industry and create more job opportunities for the youth across the nation.
Ayomide Adeagbo, the Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture, and the Creative Industry, shared this information in an interview with reporters in India over the weekend.
He emphasized that this decision aligns with the current administration’s commitment to diversify from the reliance on the oil and gas sector.
Adeagbo highlighted that a well-harnessed creative economy has the potential to generate employment for thousands of youths nationwide.
He expressed confidence that, with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on empowering youth and promoting the creative industry, Nigeria will soon be on par with other leading countries in this sector.
President Tinubu, he noted, has a significant number of youth engagements in the country’s political landscape, underscoring his strong belief in the potential of the youth.
Adeagbo believes that by providing a platform similar to those in other leading countries and encouraging creative practitioners, Nigeria’s professionals in the creative industry can compete favorably on a global scale.
He further explained that the favorable policies of the present administration make it easier for creative professionals to go the extra mile and generate more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the government.
Adeagbo stressed President Tinubu’s keen interest in collaborating with creatives to propel Nigeria forward and change the narrative.
He pointed out that the creative industry is broad, encompassing various fields like tailoring, culinary arts, carpentry, as well as writing, music, and visual arts.
Addressing a long-standing concern of the creative community, Adeagbo acknowledged that creatives have faced challenges without a dedicated government ministry to address their needs.
This led President Tinubu to establish a Ministry for Arts, Culture, and the Creative Industry, aiming to be a platform where creatives can seek support and assistance.
“We have hit the ground running,” Adeagbo stated, outlining the ministry’s efforts to facilitate the growth of creatives, foster collaboration between the government and creative professionals, advocate for favorable policies, and engage in diplomatic initiatives with embassies and cultural attachés.
These efforts aim to create opportunities for creatives to expand their brands beyond Nigeria’s borders.
