By Merit Ibe
Global Entrepreneurship Network, Nigeria (GEN) Nigeria) and Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University have teamed up with Providus Bank and other organisations to drive conservation around the creative industry’s growth in Nigeria.
Part of the effort to deepen the awareness and underscore the oppourtunities that exist within the industry was the 2023 Creative Nigeria Summit held recently in Lagos themed; “Investing in Nigeria’s Creative Ecosystem: Unlocking Jobs and Economic Growth.”
Notable speakers at the summit include Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, who was represented by Director, SMEDAN, Monday Ewans, Country Lead, Global Alliance African, Joshua Adedeji, Regional Manager, Bank of Industry, Dr. Kings Jack, Fashion Partnerships & Business Development Specialist, Centre for African, Eme Bassey, Fashion Education and Technology (CAFET), Founder, Little Weavers, Iniobong Okon, Obinna-Onunkwo and Creative Director, The Clovekids International, Queen Uwabuofu.
Speaking at the summit, Director, EDC- Pan- Atlantic University, Nneka Okekearu said the oppourtunities that exist in the creative sector and its contribution to wealth and job creation as well as gross domestic product (GDP) cannot be overemphasised.
“EDC is in the forefront to drive conversations that would see creative industry growth as well as its contributions to the GDP and creation of wealth and jobs. We have to create awareness and bring stakeholders to see the challenges and opportunities that exist in the industry,” she said.
ED/Chief Financial Officer, Providus Bank, Deoye Ojuroye stated that the bank was well positioned to support the growth of the creative economy. “This is a huge potential in the industry but we just need to harness this potential to provide optimal results.”
He said that in other countries the creative sector is a huge revenue earner and it is about time that Nigeria give adequate attention to the creative industry.
Delivering the keynote, Ewans, said, “While the creative industry does have its positives, Nigeria does not have strong laws to protect the piracy of material without the consent of the creator.”
He said Nigeria’s creative industry is thriving however, the ability to sustain certain aspects of the industry falls short due to weak infrastructure. “Nigeria lacks amenities like steady power within the country to effectively grow the creative sector optimally,” he added.
On the role of government, Ewans said, “The government can facilitate startup or business support grants/loans, to entrepreneurs in the creative industry under a prescribed criterion.”
However, he said that “It is important at this point to acknowledge the fact that the Federal Government had launched a $618,000, 000fund early this year under the digital and creative enterprises, adding that “it is also important to ensure that all eligible entrepreneurs under this programme have unhindered access to the fund in ore to achieve the desired objectives.”
Adedeji who spoke on leveraging tech in a creative space said to address technology deficiency in creative industry people must be able to embrace tech wholesomely. He advised the government to relook at the educational curriculum in order to introduce people to technology early.
“People are afraid of Artificial Intelligence but AI won’t take anyone’s job. Some jobs will disappear and new ones will emerge. We also need to relook our educational system because we need to work a balance of learning and practical in schools,” he added.
The summit endeavors to unite industry experts, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs in strategic conversations aimed at propelling Nigeria’s creative sector, fostering economic advancement, and creating abundant employment prospects.
The summit facilitated dynamic discussions and interactive sessions encompassing examining creativity’s role in economic development, nurturing collaboration and partnerships in creative ventures, harnessing technology and innovation in the creative sphere, empowering diversity and inclusivity in creative industries and embracing sustainable practices and predicting future trends in creative entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the summit also served as a nexus for fostering collaborations and forging vital connections among stakeholders, igniting innovation and driving growth within the creative realm.
On the same day, startups such as Dan Dauda General Enterprise, Helenz Footwear, Getwell Innovation, Glitterand Event, MMS Health Kid among others pitched for the National Finals of the Creative Business Cup Nigeria. This globally recognized competition empowers entrepreneurs across creative industries, spanning design, gaming, music, film, content production, architecture, and beyond. These industries, abundant in potential, often lack the essential business expertise necessary to elevate their concepts.
The Creative Business Cup endeavors to empower creative entrepreneurs by connecting them with investors, global markets, and enhancing their innovative capacities, thereby advancing both the industry and society.