The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the booming creative industry, recognising its potential to engage youth, foster unity and drive economic growth.
The pledge was made during the Arewa Turn Up 2.0 comedy and music concert in Abuja, where top government officials and industry leaders gathered to celebrate Northern Nigeria’s rich entertainment culture.
Speaking at the event, the director-general of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, who represented the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised the government’s focus on empowering young Nigerians through the creative sector.
He highlighted the entertainment industry’s vast opportunities, stressing its role in providing a platform for youth engagement and creative expression to deter social vices.
“Entertainment is a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide, and Nigeria is not an exception, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to creating opportunities for young creatives.
Events like this showcase the power of entertainment in uniting people and offering alternatives to negative influences,” Ndace stated.
CEO of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, also lauded the Arewa Turn Up initiative, noting its significant growth from its inaugural edition.
He commended the strong government presence at the event, urging financial institutions and stakeholders to invest in Northern Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
“This edition is bigger and better, with entertainers from across Northern Nigeria and even beyond. The government’s involvement shows its dedication to developing the creative sector. Now, we need financial institutions to support events like this, just as they do in the South,” Nuhu remarked.
The Arewa Turn Up 2.0 concert, conceptualised by Rahama Sadau and Ali Jita, was produced by Dee Dee Films and Ali Jita Records in partnership with Transcorp Hilton.
The event was dedicated to promoting indigenous Northern Nigerian talents in music, comedy and entertainment.
With electrifying performances from top artists, comedians, and cultural acts, the show not only entertained but also reinforced the importance of showcasing Arewa’s artistic and cultural heritage on a global stage.
According to the organisers, the event also aimed to rejuvenate the festival culture in the North, attracting both local and international audiences.
They believe that as the creative industry continues to gain recognition as a vital sector for economic diversification, government officials and industry stakeholders are optimistic that initiatives like Arewa Turn Up will pave the way for more investment, job creation and global exposure for Nigerian talents.
