The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has said the ministry will facilitate the creation of two million jobs for the employment of qualified Nigerians.
Speaking Wednesday in Abuja, at the management retreat of the ministry, Musawa said the purpose of the Retreat is to collectively assess the progress made since its creation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, as well as to identify challenges facing the ministry and develop innovative strategies that will propel the ministry and its agencies forward.
She said: “We are trying to diversify from oil through the creative industry. It is possible if we can get the support of those who knows the creative industry very well and care about what the ministry is doing. We are looking at how to use the talents Nigerians have to bring value to the country.
“Job creation is key and we want to create and contribute 2 million jobs by 2027. We want to increase the GDP of Nigeria by 100 billion dollars by 2030. It is doable. We are going to work round the clock to ensure we are able to do that.
“Reflecting on the mandate of our Ministry, we play a critical role in shaping the creative and cultural landscape of our nation while promoting and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, our Ministry is set to be a beacon of creativity, innovation, and inclusivity.
“Since the establishment of the Ministry by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 21st August, 2023, we have witnessed remarkable achievements and milestones, thanks to the dedication and passion of our predecessors and key Stakeholders within the Sector.
“From the establishment of cultural institutions to the implementation of landmark Policies, Project and Programmes, our Ministry has been and will continue to be at the forefront of driving positive change and transformation. We have embraced innovation and adaptation, recognizing the dynamic nature of our Cultural Industries. We have celebrated our diversity and nurtured our talents, paving the way for vibrant and thriving Art, Culture and Creative Sectors.
“It is essential that we align our efforts with the Presidential Priorities set forth by the President at the Cabinet Retreat for Ministers, Presidential Aides, Permanent Secretaries and Top Government Functionaries held in November 2023.
“Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy Sectors have a crucial role to play in achieving these priorities and are critical drivers of economic growth and job creation, but also platforms for social cohesion, cultural exchange, and national identity. By ensuring the development and continued investment in these Sectors, we can harness their potential to stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship and attract investments, thereby contributing to the diversification and resilience of our economy.
“We are committed to working together to ensure that the efforts made to birth the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy are consolidated and institutionalized. This commitment extends to collaborating with key Stakeholders, including creative and cultural institutions, artists and creative entrepreneurs, to build a strong foundation for the sustainable growth and development of our Sectors.”
She added: “I take this opportunity to call for unity and re-emphasise my commitment to ensuring cohesion among all Stakeholders within the Ministry. It is pertinent to note that unity is the bedrock upon which we can build a vibrant and resilient nation. Therefore, by fostering collaboration and harmony among our diverse talents and Agencies, we can leverage our collective strengths to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Let us stand together in solidarity, united in our shared vision to elevate Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape to new heights of excellence.
“As we deliberate during this Retreat, it is essential that we remain focused on our Ministerial Deliverables and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) derived from the Performance Bond signed by myself and the Permanent Secretary with Mr. President. These deliverables and KPIs serve as our roadmap, guiding our efforts and measuring our progress. They provide us with a clear direction and ensure that we are accountable to ourselves, our Stakeholders and the Nigerian people.
“It is imperative that we take ownership of these deliverables and KPIs, recognizing that they are not just targets to be met, but commitments to be fulfilled. Shared ownership is key to our success, as it fosters collaboration, accountability, and a sense of purpose among all Stakeholders. We must work together, across Departments and Agencies to achieve our goals and deliver on our promises.
“The President has, through the creation of our Ministry, shown his commitment to supporting the growth and development of the Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy Sectors. We recognize the vital role these Sectors play in our national development agenda, and we are dedicated to creating an enabling environment for their success.
“Let us harness the collective wisdom and expertise gathered in this room to chart a bold and ambitious visionary direction for the years ahead. We will continue to innovate, to collaborate, and to adapt to the changing landscape of our industries.”
Also speaking, the special adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), MS. Hadiza Bala Usman, represented by Dr Sanusi Ohiare, said the creative industry is a fountain of opportunities, a wellspring of economic growth, and a catalyst for societal transformation that should be supported by everyone.
She said: “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 achieve the set targets. The ladies and gentlemen here are the 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.
“As you deliberate, please keep at the back of your minds that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is awaiting the outcomes. He belives in all of you, and would want the absolute best for our people as far as your mandate is concerned. I am confident that we will not let him down.”
