By Joy Omagha Idam
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative industry have declared their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing what they described as unprecedented reforms, policy attention, and investment in the nation’s creative economy under his administration.
The position was made known by the National President and Convener of the Concerned Creatives Artistes and Entertainers Initiative 4 Tinubu, Dr. Emeka Rollas, MON, during a media briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
Addressing journalists and industry stakeholders, Rollas said the group’s endorsement was based on a careful assessment of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to reposition the creative sector as a key pillar of national development.
According to him, the establishment of dedicated institutions, increased funding opportunities, policy reforms, and the appointment of seasoned creative professionals into strategic government positions have given the industry renewed hope.
He highlighted the appointments of notable industry practitioners, including Ali Nuhu as Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Shuaibu Husseini as Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Obi Asika as Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, and Dr. Olayiwola Awakan as Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, describing them as evidence of the President’s confidence in the competence and leadership capacity of creative professionals.
Rollas also pointed to ongoing efforts to review Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture, strengthen intellectual property protection, combat piracy, and modernize the operating environment for artists and entertainers. He noted that government-backed programmes in film production, fashion enterprise development, digital innovation, and skills acquisition are helping to nurture a new generation of creative entrepreneurs across the country.
According to him, the administration’s commitment to the sector has encouraged stakeholders to establish a platform that will mobilize creatives nationwide in support of policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and national prosperity. He stressed that continuity in leadership would allow ongoing initiatives to mature and deliver greater benefits to millions of Nigerians.
While acknowledging the security and economic challenges facing the country, Rollas said every government should be assessed based on its willingness to confront difficult issues and implement necessary reforms. He argued that President Tinubu has demonstrated courage by undertaking far-reaching economic reforms that previous administrations either avoided or were unable to implement.
The creative industry leader urged Nigerians, particularly young people who recently turned 18, to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections. He also encouraged citizens whose voter cards have expired, been lost, or require updates to take advantage of registration and revalidation opportunities provided by the electoral authorities.
“Democracy thrives when citizens participate actively in the electoral process. We are calling on young Nigerians, creatives, and all eligible voters to secure their PVCs and prepare to contribute to shaping the future of our country through the ballot box,” he said.
Rollas further emphasized the need for sustained engagement with stakeholders across the creative sector to ensure greater awareness of government initiatives, noting that misinformation and fake news often prevent many creatives from fully appreciating available opportunities.
He expressed confidence that with continued support and policy consistency, Nigeria’s creative industry can become one of the country’s leading sources of employment, foreign exchange earnings, and economic diversification, while strengthening the nation’s cultural influence on the global stage.
The briefing ended with a call for unity among creatives and citizens alike to participate actively in nation-building and support initiatives aimed at securing a more prosperous future for Nigeria.