The National Theatre of Nigeria has expressed commitment to strengthening the creative art in Northern Nigeria with a bid to unlock economic potential deposit in the region.

Besides, the National Theatre of Nigeria vowed to invest in the broaden artistic industry to earnest talents in films, artworks, culture and traditions to attract global tourism.

Speaking at the opening of the first creative summit in Kano, the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre, Mrs. Tola Akerele, said the occasion was designed to focuse on access to funding, financial literacy, intellectual property and practical skills.

She maintained the initiative is aimed at decentralising access to the tools, knowledge and opportunities required to grow businesses and careers in the creative sector, particularly for practitioners outside major creative hubs.

She explained that it is the first host city outside Lagos in recognition of its longstanding contribution to Nigeria’s creative industry, particularly through Kannywood and its rich performing arts and cultural heritage

Akerele said the creativity and energy driving Nigeria’s creative economy were not limited to Lagos, stressing the need to make opportunities accessible to practitioners across the country.

“The Summit exists because that same energy and creativity live in every corner of this country, not only in Lagos,” she said.

According to her, the objective was to put the tools, knowledge and opportunities required to participate effectively in the creative economy within the reach of practitioners across the country.

She added that a programme centred on funding, financial literacy and skills was appropriate for Kano, “not as an afterthought, but as a recognition of what this city has always contributed to Nigeria’s creative life.”

The summit is being organised in partnership with the European Union, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) and the Kano State Government.

On her part, the Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, highlighted Kano’s historical contribution to Nigeria’s creative and cultural development.

She cited the Kofar Mata dye pits and the ancient city walls as examples of the state’s rich cultural heritage, which she said the government was seeking to build upon.

At a session on intellectual property, Audu Maikori, Chief Strategic Advisor on Intergovernmental Affairs to the Kaduna State Governor and Chairman of Chocolate City Group, advised creatives to document their works as part of efforts to establish ownership and protect their intellectual property.

Maikori said failure to properly document creative works could undermine the ability of their owners to establish their rights when disputes arise.

“Your work is not protected because you made it. It is protected because you can prove you made it, and when,” he said.

He noted that many creatives lose their rights before infringement occurs because they fail to properly document their work.