By Rachael Igben
The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University has underscored the immense potential of Nigeria’s creative industry to address the nation’s persistent unemployment crisis. Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of EDC, emphasised that this sector, if harnessed effectively, can emerge as a new economic goldmine.
During a recent creative business summit held at the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Week, themed “The Future of Creative Work: Adapting to New Norms,” Dr. Okekearu highlighted the significant contribution of the creative industry to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). She emphasized the diverse segments within this industry, each with its unique value chain, and the potential for job creation and economic growth.
“The creative industry is a vast sector, and it’s like a new goldmine,” she stated. “Take fashion, for instance. If you delve into its value chain, you’ll discover countless opportunities. The creative industry encompasses various segments, each with its own value chain. By exploring these value chains, we can unlock job creation and economic growth.”
Dr. Okekearu acknowledged the challenges faced by the creative industry, particularly in terms of capacity building and talent development. Many startups in this sector lack the necessary business acumen to complement their creative talent. She urged stakeholders to leverage the resources and programs offered by EDC to address these challenges.
“EDC is committed to supporting creative startups,” she said. “We offer a range of programs, including accelerators and workshops, to help entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. By participating in these programs, creatives can enhance their capacity in areas such as talent management and bookkeeping.”
A highlight of the creative business summit was the announcement of FriendnPal as the winner of the Creative Business Cup Nigeria 2024. This prestigious competition, organized by GEN Nigeria, recognizes and rewards young entrepreneurs in the creative industries.
Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of GEN Nigeria, explained the significance of the Creative Business Cup. “It’s more than just a competition; it’s a global initiative that empowers creative entrepreneurs, connecting them to investors and global markets,” he said. “We’ve trained over 200 entrepreneurs out of 5,000 applicants, and the regional winners are now competing at the national level.”
The Eko Revenue Plus Summit underscores the growing recognition of technology and innovation as indispensable tools for governance and economic development. Modo Ante’s pivotal role in organizing the summit and its commitment to innovative solutions solidify its position as a leader in the consulting space. As the consultancy continues to engage with governments at all levels, it remains dedicated to delivering impactful results that foster sustainable development. With its expertise in governance, public sector management, and political communication, Modo Ante is poised to reshape the future of revenue generation and public service delivery in Nigeria and beyond.