The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched a N100 million Creative Industry Fund to strengthen the state’s entertainment and film sector while empowering young people under its ARISE Agenda.
Announcing the fund during the Ibom Entertainers Week in Uyo, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the initiative aims to build capacity, support creative entrepreneurs, and position the state as a leading creative hub in Nigeria.
“This is not just about entertainment; it’s about building an economy around the talents of our young people, giving them the tools to compete nationally and globally,” he said.
Umanah explained that the fund will provide grants and soft loans to support film production, music projects, digital content creation, and training opportunities. He added that the initiative is designed to stimulate job creation, encourage innovation, and attract private sector investment into the state’s creative ecosystem.
The Commissioner also highlighted the inauguration of the fourth batch of the Ibom-LED Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme and other empowerment schemes that have benefitted over 10,000 youths and SMEs in one month.
He noted that alongside the creative fund, the administration is pursuing major infrastructure and social welfare projects, including ongoing road construction, expanded housing programmes, health sector upgrades, and enhanced security through the State Security Trust Fund.
“These achievements are deliberate outcomes of a governance strategy anchored on the ARISE Agenda. Akwa Ibom is on a steady path of growth, innovation, and transformation under Governor Umo Eno,” Umanah added.
