The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured that his government will continue to support the state’s creative industry, providing an enabling environment and ensuring the removal of all impediments to the growth of the subsector.
The governor gave the assurance in commemoration of the World Creativity and Innovation Day marked yearly by the United Nations and other sister organs.
The governor noted that with the necessary support, the creative industry will contribute significantly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create employment opportunities for youths.
Obaseki, who urged youths in the country to embrace technological innovations, charged them to focus more on critical thinking in order to find solutions to Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Obaseki said his administration is collaborating with private and government organisations to boost the state’s creative industry through the establishment of a world-class creative hub in the premises of the state-owned newspaper, Nigerian Observer that will attract creatives, including filmmakers and music producers from across the globe.
Noting that the creative hub will expose youths, entertainers and other innovative individuals to world-class trainings and give them the opportunity to excel in the industry, the governor said the facility under construction which will enjoy 24-hour power and high-speed internet will enhance the production of movies, music and other products from the creative industry.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Acting Secretary-General, Isabelle Durant, “The creative industries are critical to the sustainable development agenda. They stimulate innovation and diversification, are an important factor in the burgeoning services sector, support entrepreneurship, and contribute to cultural diversity.
“From visual arts to design, new media and performing arts, these are releases that can make the world a better place in times of crisis. Culture and creativity can be combined to help people cope and to educate them when the times get tough. Not only this, creative communication can play a pivotal role in social development and can act as the glue between people.”
