Stakeholders in the entertainment industry recently converged on Abuja to collectively explore innovative pathways for financing creative enterprises in Nigeria
The minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa who was at the gathering in the nation’s capital city tasked those in attendance to prioritize skills development, intellectual property protection, and access to global markets to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s creative economy
The event, which was the second edition of the Nigerian entertainment and economic roundtable, organized by AFROCULTOUR provided a platform for dialogue, policy engagement, and investment exploration within the dynamic sectors of art, culture, tourism, and the creative economy
The minister who was represented by the director, tourism and culture of the ministry appreciated the organiser’s efforts which aims at fostering sustainable development, unlocking new opportunities, and advancing Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
According to her, the summit, themed: “CULTOUR: Unlocking Possibilities and Locating Pathways to Rapid Economic Diversification,” was both timely and strategic as It highlights the immense potential embedded within the country’s cultural, tourism and creative industries;
“Nigeria is richly endowed with an unparalleled cultural heritage, vibrant artistic expressions and a thriving creative industry that has gained global recognition
She added that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this present Administration, President Bola Tinubu-led administration remains committed to implementing policies and initiatives that promote an enabling environment for the growth of this sector through strategic collaborations with industry stakeholders,” the minister said.
Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also expressed her support for efforts to establish a robust platform for collaboration among industry professionals, policymakers, and investors.
She praised the Roundtable for providing a space for meaningful discussions on how to further develop Nigeria’s tourism, cultural, and creative sectors into major drivers of national economic growth.
The convener and chief executive officer, Nigeria entertainment and economic roundtable, Chuks Akamadu underscored the importance of tourism and entertainment saying it is a major contributor to the country’s economic growth.
Akamadu said the entertainment industry can drive Nigeria’s economic development and lead the private sector in supporting government initiatives, emphasizing the sector’s potential for national growth and development.
The Roundtable reckons that the challenge before the federal and state governments is the ability to muster the requisite political nerve to prioritize culture and tourism, by seeing it rightly as a useful economic pillar.
Six governors of Abia, Alex Otto; Bauchi, Bala Muhammad; Katsina, Dikko Radda; Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang; and Sokoto, Aliyu Sokoto we’re honoured for their exceptional dedication to promoting tourism and cultural development in their states.
Akamadu stressed the importance of prioritizing these sectors, which, he noted are vital contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any country.
He also underscored the value of sharing ideas, noting that the Roundtable has been a positive influence on the creative industry over the years.
