Actor Babatunde Ojobaro, popularly known as Mister Rain, has called on the Oyo State Government to establish a Ministry of Creative Economy separate from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Ojobaro made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Friday.
He said the creative industry would thrive with dedicated government structures and policies, citing Lagos State as an example.
According to him, placing creativity under a ministry focused on sports limits the attention given to sectors such as film, music, theatre, fashion, publishing, digital content and cultural tourism.
“Oyo State is sitting on an economic goldmine,” he said, urging the government to establish a Ministry of Creative Economy, Arts and Culture.
He said the ministry should focus on developing policies, attracting investment, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young people.
Ojobaro also suggested that, if a new ministry was not immediately possible, the governor should appoint Special Advisers on Creative Economy and Arts, Culture and Entertainment.
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The actor said such measures would create jobs, boost tourism and attract creative investments to Ibadan.
He also urged creatives to build businesses, protect their intellectual property, embrace AI and digital distribution, and stop relying solely on government support.
