In order to ensure the best possible performance of the country’s creative industry, Shina Peller, a member of the House of Representatives, urged the President-elect Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, to boost the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Information and Culture in the 2024 Appropriations Act.
Peller, who represents the federal constituency of Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa, made this appeal while posting a video of himself proposing a resolution on the House floor about the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy.
He said, “This is an industry that contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP, offering legitimate employment to people, thereby making it the second largest employer of labour after agriculture.
“To move this sector forward, we need young and vibrant youths to churn out policy reforms that can drive growth and development and attract investment opportunities.”
The lawmaker observed that Nigeria’s film sector (Nollywood) is one of the most lucrative and active creative industries which contributes about 2% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product generating an annual revenue of N280 billion.
Peller noted that the Nigerian music sector, which produces over 550 albums annually, must be strengthened to aid the country’s economic growth.
He said, “The late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; Damini Ogulu, popularly called Burna Boy; David Adeleke also known as Davido and others are major actors in the Nigerian music industry who made and are still making the country proud globally with their record-breaking feats.
“At the global level, late Anikulapo-Kuti is perhaps the most iconic musician to have come out of Nigeria until recently when Burna Boy, a Nigerian singer and songwriter won best international act at the 2019 BET Awards and was also nominated for the best world music Album at 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. He also won Best International Act at the 2021 BET Awards.
“Recently, top Nigerian artist Davido’s album titled ‘Timeless’ has featured over 10 million user-generated playlists on Spotify. Also, the album had over 12 million streams in 24 hours, this was the first time an album would achieve such a feat.” He added.
