The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s creative economy, positioning the sector as a key driver of job creation, innovation, and inclusive development.
Speaking at the Kwara Kre8 Workshop held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Communications, said the creative industry is not merely about entertainment—it plays a critical role in shaping the economy and national identity.
“From music to film, digital design to fashion, gaming to storytelling—creativity is reshaping how economies grow and how lives are transformed. That’s why we are investing heavily in it here in Kwara,” the Governor said.
The workshop, themed “Professionalizing Nigeria’s Creative Industry: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations,” was organised by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media in partnership with creative director Adebisi Oyelere.
Governor AbdulRazaq pointed to key investments made by his administration, including the Ilorin Innovation Hub and the Sugar Factory Film Studio. These facilities are designed to support creators across sectors—ranging from skit makers and digital storytellers to filmmakers and editors—while serving as a platform for youth innovation.
“These spaces are not just infrastructure—they are investments in stories, talent, and the global potential of Kwara creatives,” he said.
Beyond creative work, the Ilorin Innovation Hub is also helping bridge the tech divide by training young people in digital skills and supporting startup ideas across sectors.
With declining oil revenues and limited formal job opportunities, the Governor stressed that the creative economy provides a more inclusive route to economic mobility—one where young people can succeed based on talent, not connections.
“The creative sector offers opportunity to those who have skills and tools, not just access to power,” he said.
Adebisi Oyelere, who co-organised the event, commended the government’s support for local talent and called for deeper investments in platforms that transform creativity into sustainable careers.
“With the right backing, creators can go from idea to income, and from passion to national impact,” he said.
The event brought together creatives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss how to grow Nigeria’s creative industry in a way that is ethical, professional, and youth-focused. As conversations continue, Ilorin is fast becoming a reference point for youth-led innovation and creative industry development in Nigeria.
