Renowned comedian Ali Baba has criticized the Federal Government for what he called a lack of support for the creative industry.
He stated this while appearing on the Sunrise Show on Channels Television on Monday.
Highlighting the industry’s significant contributions to employment, Ali Baba lamented that it remains undervalued and overlooked by policymakers.
“The creative industry is the second largest employer of labour,” Ali Baba emphasized, underscoring its vital role in the economy.
He, however, expressed frustration that the government does not recognize or develop the sector to its full potential.
The comedy icon pointed out how the creative industry was conspicuously absent from key economic discussions.
He referenced the 2022 Nigerian Economic Summit Group, noting that a comprehensive 200-page forecast of the Nigerian economy for the next five years failed to mention the entertainment and creative sectors.
“The value of the creative industry in Nigeria is beyond the country,” he remarked, highlighting its global impact and the missed opportunities for national growth.
Ali Baba also stressed the contributions of artists like Burna Boy, who he argued have done more for Nigeria’s global recognition than any government ambassador.
“Burna Boy has done a lot more for Nigerian national awareness than any ambassador posted to America, the UK, or any other place.
“Nigerian artistes are creating national awareness and making other countries know about us better than any ambassador would have done,” he stated.
In his passionate plea, he called for a strategic plan to nurture the creative industry, suggesting that government initiatives should include financial investments, infrastructure development, and educational programmes tailored to the arts.
He believes that such measures would not only boost employment but also enhance Nigeria’s cultural exports, leading to significant economic benefits.
Ali Baba further highlighted the potential for public-private partnerships to drive the growth of the creative sector.
He argued that with the right support, Nigeria could become a global hub for entertainment, attracting international collaborations and investments.
This, he asserted, would elevate Nigeria’s status on the world stage and provide a sustainable pathway for economic diversification.
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