2023: Atiku engages creative industry, promises better deal, improved funding

PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has assured Actors Guild of Nigeria ( AGN), which includes stars, directors and producers in the entertain - ment industry, of a better offer, if they vote for him as the country’s next president.

He made the commitment in Lagos, at the weekend, during a roundtable discussion with stakeholders in the creative, cultural and innovative industry.

Some of the speakers at the discussion include top entertainment entrepreneur, Ayo Animashaun; award- winning director, Kenneth Gyang; ace creative director, Papa Omotayo; talent manager and music executive, Efe Omorogbe, and media entrepreneur, Agatha Amata, among others.

The entertainers, who represent the Creative, Cultural and Innovative ( CCI) Industry, conversed with the former Vice President on challenges frustrating the growth of the industry in the country and beyond.

They identified physical piracy, lack of government’s commitment to implement policies of the industry, and shortage of funds as some of the major problems that need to be resolved towards reviving the sector.

Addressing the participants, Atiku described the entertainment space as a vast industry and second to agriculture, in terms of its revenue- generating nature to the economy: able to contribute to the prosperity of the country, with support and collaboration of government.

While signing an agreement with representatives of the entertainers across board, he expressed confidence that his administration, if elected, would make funds available for development of the industry.

He said: “The way forward is to increase funds for the arts and liberalise the process of acquiring that fund. If you give me the opportunity, I will do it because it is essential.”