The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is ramping up efforts to reposition the arts, culture, and creative industry in Abuja through strategic partnerships.
In a recent stakeholders’ forum organized by the FCTA’s Arts & Culture Department, industry experts and cultural groups gathered at the Cinema Hall of the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to explore practical solutions for sectoral growth.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of SDS, Ibrahim Aminu, emphasized the power of partnerships in driving sustainable development.
His words: “Partnerships are the backbone of progress,” he said. “When diverse stakeholders share knowledge, expertise, and resources, we unlock innovation, build trust, and co-create solutions that benefit everyone.”
Aminu urged participants to propose actionable recommendations to elevate Abuja’s creative industry to compete with hubs like Lagos and other global cultural centers.
Welcoming guests to the event, SDS Permanent Secretary, Olubunmi Olowookere, challenged stakeholders to develop strategies that would amplify Abuja’s indigenous arts, crafts, and cultural heritage on the global stage.
She highlighted the untapped potential of the sector and called for innovative approaches to transform the FCT into a vibrant hub for arts, entertainment, and tourism.
Her words: “Our vision is to see Abuja’s creative industry flourish just like Lagos—bustling with arts, music, and entertainment. We have the talent, but we need structured policies and investment to unlock its full potential.”
Olowookere tasked industry representatives with articulating their perspectives and submitting concrete proposals for policy refinement.
These recommendations, she assured, would be forwarded to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for necessary action.
Director of the Arts & Culture Department, Lilian Edoh, commended the unwavering support of the FCT Minister and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.
She reiterated their commitment to transforming Abuja into a thriving hub for arts, crafts, entertainment, and tourism, aligning with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
The forum brought together key industry players, including; National Council for Arts & Culture, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Abuja Enterprise Agency, Blackbones Theatre Company, National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Creative Industry Professional Association.
Others were Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN-FCT), Actors Guild of Nigeria (FCT Chapter), Directors Guild of Nigeria (FCT Chapter), and Indigenous cultural troupes.
Meanwhile, the Stakeholders collectively agreed to consolidate their recommendations for submission to the FCT Administration, signaling a new chapter for Abuja’s creative and cultural landscape.
With the momentum from this engagement, the FCTA aims to harness the power of arts and culture as a driver of economic growth, tourism, and national identity.
