Information Minister Lai Mohammed on Friday restated Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the creative industry and applauded the success recorded by the practitioners especially in boosting the country’s image.
The Minister said this to State House Correspondents after he led some cultural ambassadors of the country on a courtesy visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbbajo.
“This visit is unique in the sense that the government is actually telling the creative industry that it recognizes and applauds its success.
“When we talk about diversifying the economy it is not just about agriculture or solid minerals alone, it is about the creative industry and about the films, theatre and music.
“And these are areas where Nigeria has had clearly comparative advantage,’’ Mohammed said.
He reaffirmed that the reception of the artistes was an endorsement from government that “the creative industry is the way out for the economy to come out of recession’’.
The Minister noted that Bolanle Peters, the Founder, Director and Producer of “Saro’’ and “Waka’’, had done the country proud by the creativity of her crew.
“These two productions have gone round the world and they put Nigeria on the map,’’ the minister noted.
Mohammed stated that the crew was in Abuja to promote the industry adding that “on Oct. 2, there will be a grand performance of Waka and the Vice President has accepted to be the Special Guest of Honour”.
Peters, the Founder of Terra-kulture, a Nigerian Cultural Centre, and Producer of Waka and Saro the musical, thanked the federal government for the acknowledgement.
“I think it is important that we acknowledge government support because no matter how hard you try government has the widest platform and widest reach,’’ she said.
Peters observed that the briefing and the meeting with the Vice President were attestations that they (government) believe in what they say.
“So, they are walking the walk and talking the talk. The minister has always been very supportive of this industry but he is even pushing the agenda even further.
“We believe that the creative economy can and will add to the value of the economy.
“So we are very appreciative of this opportunity,’’ Peters said.