Atiku Promises Funding, Support for Creative Industry If Elected

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has pledged support to the creative sector by providing necessary incentives if elected as president in the 2023 polls.

The presidential candidate who made the commitment in Lagos, during a meeting with stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative, cultural and innovative industry, said no government can afford to ignore such a vital industry that has contributed immensely to the development of the country.

Atiku said if the necessary support is given, the industry has what it takes to crash the unemployment rate and generate huge revenue for the country.

He equally vowed to create an enabling environment for players in the industry by providing proper funding, training and capacity development. He said the funding would be liberalised and distributed through banks or agencies in order to make it easily accessible for players in the industry.

“This industry is a livewire for our economy. A sector that provides employment, especially for the youth, is not one to be toyed with. This sector can provide us with huge revenue if well harnessed.“The way forward is to increase funds for the arts and liberalise the process of acquiring that fund, if you give me the opportunity, I will do it because it is essential.

“I reject direct CBN intervention and encourage the private sector to be part of this, the government cannot develop all the funds needed,” he said.While saying that he understands the challenges in the industry because he owns radio and television outfits, Atiku called for collaboration with stakeholders on how to address identified loopholes in the sector.

He appreciated the stakeholders for their patriotism which he hinted had kept them to keep providing jobs and contributing to the economy despite the many challenges and lack of sufficient support for them.