Kwara Gov pledges more support for creative industry
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding investment in the creative industry to breed more talents and create a stronger economy for the state.
Speaking at the 2nd edition of Kwara Kre8ive Workshop in Ilorin, the state capital,, the Governor, who was excited by the display of the participants, said government would continue to work with private sector partners to support the creatives in the state for global competitiveness.
“This (creative industry) is your future. We will invest in you. Those of you that have ideas, talk to Temi (MD, Ilorin Innovation Hub) directly about the ideas. And we will always review and support same,” he said.
“Supporting you to establish yourself means we are supporting ourselves. You are going to become employers of labour and tax payers. You are going to live in this state, work globally, and create a more dynamic economy for the state. That is why we believe in you.”
Reflecting on the establishment of the Ilorin Innovation Hub and the state’s partnership with tech giant IHS Towers, Governor AbdulRazaq said the administration has already accomplished its mission of creating the hub.
He said the partnership has led to the laying of at least 500 kilometers of fibre optics across the state which continues to benefit the creatives and local economy through improved internet traffic.
“Rather than charging this company (IHS) for laying the fibre optics, what was important for us was the traffic that passes through it. So, we are in partnership to achieve this traffic and strengthen the economy. People like you can now benefit hugely from it, market your products, and create innovative ideas through that fibre optics,” he said.
He commended the Convener of Kwara Kre8ives (2.0), Oyelere Adebisi, for the initiative, urging the participants to see the gathering as an avenue to upskill themselves.
Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ayo Adeagbo, for his part, said the journey from creativity to prosperity is achievable through recognition of the talents, creation of the right institutions, and building of partnerships that translate to success stories.
He said one of the defining moments for Nigeria’s creative economy was the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, saying it gives room for policy formulation, investment and long-term planning.
Adeagbo specifically commended the Governor for investing in policies and projects that nurture talents and for giving them the support to succeed.
Speaking at a panel session, State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, highlighted the state’s growing potential as a thriving creative ecosystem, noting that the administration has continued to invest in infrastructure, policy support, and institutional reforms that position the state as a hub for creativity, innovation, and cultural enterprise.
She cited the establishment of the Visual Arts Centre, the Sugar Film Factory, and reforms in the arts and cultural sector as some of the bold steps the administration has taken to make the environment more conducive for innovators.
Adebisi, in his remarks, said the Kwara Kre8 initiative aims to nurture talent, facilitate collaboration and create platforms for youth empowerment.
He listed photography, videography, cinematography, and content creation as some of the fields that the industry encompasses.
“The creative industry is not just about art; it is about culture, identity, and economic empowerment. It fosters innovation, enhances tourism, promotes local craftsmanship, and amplifies Nigeria’s voice on the global stage,” he said, thanking the federal and state governments for their support and their investments in the industry.
“By investing in our creatives, we are building a resilient economy that harnesses the ingenuity of our people.”
