FG To Create 2 million Jobs From Creative Economy - Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy Announces

 FG To Create 2 million Jobs From Creative Economy - Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy Announces

Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, has announced the ministry’s commitment to fostering the creation of two million job opportunities for skilled Nigerians.

Addressing the ministry’s management during a retreat in Abuja on Wednesday, Musawa highlighted the retreat’s purpose: to evaluate the ministry’s achievements since its establishment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, to pinpoint the challenges it faces, and to brainstorm pioneering strategies that will advance the ministry and its associated agencies.

Musawa emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to reduce its reliance on oil revenues by turning its attention to the creative sector, thereby integrating Nigeria’s abundant talent into the mainstream economy and enhancing its value.

The minister also revealed an immediate goal to compose a national theme song for Nigeria, stating, “Our focus is on transitioning away from oil dependency by leveraging the creative sector. This vision can become a reality with the backing of those deeply familiar with the creative industry and who support the ministry’s endeavors. We aim to utilize the rich talents of Nigerians to contribute positively to our nation’s wealth.”

Creating jobs is a pivotal goal for us, and our ambition is to generate 2 million employment opportunities by the year 2027. Additionally, we aim to augment Nigeria’s GDP by 100 billion dollars come 2030. This objective is within our reach, and we are committed to working tirelessly to make it a reality.

Our Ministry holds a significant position in molding the creative and cultural contours of Nigeria, championing the promotion and conservation of our nation’s vast cultural wealth. We are poised to become a symbol of creativity, innovation, and inclusivity.

Ever since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated our Ministry on the 21st of August, 2023, we have celebrated numerous significant accomplishments and milestones, a testament to the fervor and commitment of our forerunners and the sector’s key contributors.

Our Ministry has spearheaded the creation of cultural establishments and the execution of pivotal policies, projects, and programs, consistently leading the charge in fostering positive change and evolution. We have adopted a culture of innovation and adaptability, acknowledging the fluidity of our Cultural Industries. We have honored our diversity and cultivated our talent, setting the stage for a dynamic and prosperous Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.

It’s crucial that our endeavors are in sync with the Presidential directives outlined by the President during the Cabinet Retreat for Ministers, Presidential Aides, Permanent Secretaries, and Top Government Officials in November 2023.

As we engage in discussions at this Retreat, it’s imperative to keep our focus on the Ministerial Deliverables and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) established in the Performance Bond I, along with the Permanent Secretary, signed with the President. These deliverables and KPIs act as our compass, steering our actions and benchmarking our achievements. They offer a definitive trajectory and ensure our accountability to ourselves, our stakeholders, and the citizens of Nigeria.

“I am happy that the ministry is of this all-important task before it as indicated in this retreat of the capable hands who will initiate and drive the policies, programs and projects that will enable the administration and Nigeria to achieve the set targets. The ladies and gentlemen here are the ones upon which we can depend to weave a tapestry of policies and programmes around our country’s cultural richness, thereby fostering economic vibrancy and sustainable development that will resonate across generations.

“The creative industry is not just a sector; it is a way of life, a celebration of our diversity, and a testament to our resilience as a people. I am confident that we can join hands, hearts, and minds and forge a path towards a future where creativity knows no bounds, where dreams become reality, and where our nation shines as a beacon of artistic excellence and economic prosperity.”