Vice President Kashim Shettima has thrown his weight behind the burgeoning Nigerian creative and entertainment industry.

Mr Shettima made the pledge on Wednesday at a meeting with key industry stakeholders led by the minister of art, culture and creative economy, Hannatu Musawa, in Abuja.

He also promised substantial support, through investment in the Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme.

He said that the industry was central to the nation’s economic diversification plans.

Mr Shettima lauded the sector for its role in shaping the nation’s image and acknowledged its potential to “blossom and bring back more than what little is given to it”.

The vice president reiterated the government’s commitment to allocate a sizeable tranche of funding from the iDICE programme to the creative industry.

He also commended the industry’s crucial role in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and driving innovation.

“We are here to walk the talk; President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to the sector.

“This is the second time we have met in the past couple of weeks.

“The Tinubu administration is dedicated to fostering a lasting alliance with the creative and entertainment community.

“We are resolute in positioning this sector at the forefront of our economic diversification efforts.”

Quoting Archimedes, Mr Shettima said: “Give me a place to stand and, with a lever, I will move the whole world,” he said.

He affirmed his confidence in Mr Tinubu’s capability to propel the nation forward economically.

“In response to the Minister’s concerns about budget allocation, we secured an increase from N1.1 billion to N9 billion for the ministry.

“Our actions speak louder than words; we are committed to supporting your growth for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.

“We will go to any length to protect, project, promote and preserve the interests of the Nigerian creative and entertainment industry.

“I have given you my word, and my word is my bond.

“When it comes to the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) project funding, we will allocate a sizable tranche to the creative industry.

“That is the industry that can blossom and bring back more than what little is given to it,” Mr Shettima said.

Earlier, Ms Musawa commended Mr Shettima’s commitment to the growth of the industry, saying it is a testament to his commitment to see the industry grow.

She outlined plans to build a roadmap for the sector to flourish and acknowledged the crucial role of ‘Intellectual Property’ (IP) securitisation to attract investment.

“We want to create a conducive environment for you to operate in the way you need to.”

Musawa also assured the industry players of the government’s efforts to secure necessary IP protections.

The meeting was attended by prominent creative industry players, including Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ali Nuhu Mohammed.

Also in attendance were Ado Isah Gwanja, Mansura Isah and others who expressed their excitement about the government’s renewed focus on the sector.

(NAN)