Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa to unveil new initiatives to boost creative economy
Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, is set to inaugurate the 54th edition of the Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Summit (CCES) on Monday, August 26, in Abuja.
In recent developments, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa has announced plans to unveil new initiatives aimed at enhancing the creative economy in Nigeria. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to harness the potential of the creative sector, which includes industries such as film, music, fashion, and digital arts. The creative economy is recognized for its capacity to generate employment, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to the national GDP.
This event, organized by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), aims to enhance the culture and creative economy sector in Nigeria. During the summit, the Minister will unveil a strategic roadmap for the sector, while various stakeholders will discuss ways to fortify the Council. The summit will highlight cultural elements vital for fostering peace, unity, integrity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and connectivity throughout the nation, aligning with the objectives of NAFEST and other national cultural festivities.
The creative economy encompasses a wide range of activities that involve creativity and cultural expression. It is increasingly seen as a vital component of economic development. In Nigeria, this sector has shown remarkable growth over the years, with Nollywood (the Nigerian film industry) becoming one of the largest film producers globally. Similarly, the music industry has gained international acclaim with artists achieving global recognition.
Objectives of the New Initiatives
- Job Creation: One of the primary objectives is to create jobs for young people who are often underrepresented in traditional employment sectors.
- Support for Creatives: The initiatives will likely include funding opportunities for artists and creators, providing them with resources needed to develop their projects.
- Skill Development: Training programs may be introduced to equip individuals with necessary skills in various creative fields.
- Promotion of Cultural Heritage: There will be an emphasis on promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through arts and crafts, which can also attract tourism.
- Collaboration with Private Sector: The government aims to foster partnerships between creatives and private enterprises to enhance investment in the sector.
- Digital Transformation: Emphasizing technology’s role in creativity, there may be initiatives focused on digital platforms that allow creators to reach wider audiences.
- Policy Frameworks: Establishing supportive policies that protect intellectual property rights and encourage innovation within the creative industries will be crucial.
- International Exposure: The initiatives might also focus on providing platforms for Nigerian creatives to showcase their work internationally.
By implementing these initiatives, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa aims not only to boost economic growth but also to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s creative landscape.
The announcement comes at a time when many countries are recognizing the importance of investing in their creative sectors as a means of economic diversification and resilience against global economic challenges.
The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and collaboration among stakeholders including government agencies, private investors, and the creatives themselves.
Musawa has been actively pursuing an 8-point agenda to boost Nigeria’s creative economy through collaborations between the public and private sectors.
Writing by Tijjani Ibrahim and Amaka Chimezie
