Abuja, Dec. 14, 2023: Vice President Kashim Shettima says the Nigerian creative and entertainment industry will benefit from the 681 million dollars intervention from the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and the French Development Agency.
Shettima made the disclosure at a meeting with key players and stakeholders in the nation’s creative and entertainment industry led by the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.
He said ” when it comes to the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) project funding, we will allocate a sizable tranche to the creative industry.
” Because that is the industry that can blossom and bring back more than what little is given to it.
” There is a 618 million dollars intervention from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank and the French Development Agency (IDIS) targeted at the digital industry.
” But you are equally active in the digital industry. We will create a space for you to be carried on board. Because cultivating you is absolutely essential.
” Also, after our last interface, the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa did complained about the little allocation to her ministry.
” I spoke with the President and the budget of her ministry was has gone up from N1.9 billion to N9 billion,” Shettima said.
The vice president assured the Federal Government continue support to the industry for the growth of the nation’s economy.
” Be rest assured that we are here to work the talk not to take pictures with you stars and post it on our Social Media platforms, it goes beyond that.
” It is absolutely essential that we cultivate you, we support you for the growth of the Nigerian economy.
” The stars are our hottest commodity in the international scene. So you help in the making of the Nigeria image.
” So I want to most profoundly thank you on behalf of my boss, my principal from the bottom of my heart for your service to the nation.
“And your continue projection of Nigeria in a positive light, leveraging on your talents, on your massive fan based on online and social media.”
Earlier, Musawa, commended the Vice President’s commitment to the growth of the industry, saying ” it is a testament to his commitment to see the industry grow.”
The minister, who outlined plans to build a roadmap for the sector, acknowledged the crucial role of intellectual property (IP) securitisation in attracting investment.
“We want to create the conducive environment for you to operate in the way you need to,” Musawa said.
He assured the industry players of the government’s efforts to secure necessary IP protections.
The meeting was attended by prominent creative industry players like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ali Nuhu, Ado Gwanja, Mansura Isah and others, who expressed their excitement about the government’s renewed focus on the sector.
