Abuja, June 4, 2026 – Mr Emeka Rollas, National President and Convener of the Concerned Creatives, Artistes and Entertainers Initiative for Tinubu, has urged the continuation of reforms currently being implemented in Nigeria’s creative industry under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing and the official unveiling of the initiative.
Rollas said the creative sector is now receiving significant attention under the present administration and has been positioned as a key component of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.
He recalled that Tinubu laid important groundwork for the entertainment industry during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, when policies encouraged private investment in film, music, fashion, tourism, and other creative fields.
According to him, Lagos emerged during that period as a major hub for film production, recording, cultural festivals, fashion showcases, and broader creative entrepreneurship.
He noted that the current administration has expanded that vision nationally, elevating the creative economy as a contributor to GDP growth, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings.
Rollas highlighted the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy as one of the administration’s key milestones, describing it as a step that provides dedicated attention to the sector.
He also pointed to the creation of a $100 million Creative Economy Development Fund, designed to improve access to financing for filmmakers, fashion entrepreneurs, designers, digital innovators, and other creatives.
In addition, he referenced the ongoing implementation of the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme aimed at empowering young Nigerians within the digital and creative space.
He stressed that these initiatives require sustained implementation to achieve their full impact, adding that continuity would ensure Nigerians benefit more broadly from the reforms.
Rollas also noted the approval for the establishment of Renewed Hope Creative Villages across the country, intended to provide infrastructure for training, production, innovation, incubation, collaboration, and cultural preservation.
He said the government had also invested in capacity-building programmes targeting thousands of young Nigerians in film production, fashion design, and other creative disciplines.
According to him, the ongoing review of the National Policy on Culture represents another important step in strengthening the sector.
He further commended the appointment of industry professionals such as Ali Nuhu, Shaibu Husseini, Obi Asika, and Dr Olayiwola Awakan into strategic positions within government cultural institutions, describing it as recognition of competence and experience.
Rollas stated that while progress has been made, there is still room for improvement, adding that sustained effort is necessary to achieve long-term impact.
He expressed appreciation on behalf of stakeholders in the creative industry for the administration’s efforts in repositioning the sector as a driver of national development.
He added that the initiative he leads has established structures across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to encourage engagement and grassroots mobilisation within the creative community.
Rollas concluded that the movement is anchored on civic participation, democratic responsibility, and national development objectives.