Obaji Akpet, a travel journalist and media entrepreneur, has urged the Cross River Government to take deliberate steps towards unlocking benefits in the creative industry.
Akpet made the call at a creative sector seminar organised by the Peter Bello Foundation in Calabar on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event organised to mark the foundation’s 10th anniversary, he said that over-reliance in politics had limited the efforts to tap into creative industry potential
The media entrepreneur said that there was need to implement an innovation-driven economic diversification policy in the state.
According to him, deliberate steps should be taken by stakeholders towards developing skills, avoiding complacency and embracing global standards to remain competitive.
“Infrastructure gaps and weak policy implementation are hindering growth, this is happening irrespective of the state’s natural and cultural advantages,” he said.
Akpet who stated that great opportunities were available in film, photography and media production, urged better use of local resources to attract international collaborations.
He said that his organisation, Africa Fixers, was currently supporting productions across over 40 African countries, creating jobs and building capacity.
Also speaking, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, the Commissioner for Information in Cross River, reiterated the state government’s commitment to youth development through the creative sector.
Ekpang said that the creative industry remained a critical driver of economic growth, cultural identity and global relevance.
He urged young people who took interest in the creative sector to balance storytelling with social responsibility in order to protect ethical concerns.
In her remarks, Mrs Thelma Bello, the Co-founder, Peter Bello Foundation, urged youths to remain consistent, and seek mentorship to refine their talents.
“Instead of seeking relocation abroad, our youths can achieve success locally with dedication and continuous learning,” he said.
Bello said that the foundation would continue to empower young photographers to sustain the legacy of the late Cpt. Peter Bello.
The seminar brought together creative industry experts, policymakers and other stakeholders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving creative economy.
