FG will build creative city for youth empowerment, says Musawa

The federal government says it is planning to build a creative city, which will function as a comprehensive hub for youth empowerment in the country.

Hannatu Musawa, minister of art, culture, and creative economy, spoke during an interview with NAN in Abuja on Wednesday.

She said the initiative is part of a broader strategy by the ministry to leverage Nigeria’s creative potential for economic benefits.

She added that the initiative will serve as the nexus of the creative industry and is expected to explore “untapped opportunities in both culture and creative industries”.

“We are discussing the Nigerian Creative City, which aims to serve as a central platform for the 49 sub-sectors within the creative industry,” she said.

“The creative city will provide a space for all these sub-sectors to showcase their talents, generate employment, and enhance tourism, thus contributing to national revenue.

“While every state will host a Ministry of Culture, Art, and Creative Economy office, the major creative city project will be located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

“The ministry’s goal is to drive the country’s economic growth through untapped opportunities in both culture and creative industries.”

The minister noted that government intervention is needed to address the existing gaps in the industry. 

She urged Nigerian youths to focus on opportunities within the creative sector, while harping on the government’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights.

“The creative city is expected to provide developmental platforms across all genres within the arts, culture, and entertainment sectors,” Musawa said. 

“As a talent incubation and entertainment hub, the creative city is set to generate job opportunities and position itself as Nigeria’s tourism epicentre.

“We will ensure that each state has incubators and hubs, starting with at least three in the initial phase, allowing local communities to engage in music recording and capacity building.

“There will be a creative and cultural village in each state to accommodate unique sub-sectors relevant to that region, including cinemas, arenas, incubators, and museums.

“To the Nigerian youth in the culture and creative industry, this government is invested in your success.

“This is the first ministry dedicated to this sector, and I invite you to contribute ideas for long-term sustainability that will benefit both the industry and every Nigerian.

“Our ministry maintains an open-door policy, and if you have innovative ideas for the industry, please bring them to me for consideration.

“We aim to foster a supportive environment for the future because I believe Nigeria’s future is embedded in this industry.

“Given our rich talent and content, now is the time to build the future of this industry together.”