As millions of Nigerians are taking advantage of the opportunities inherent in creating content in the social media platforms, content creators have been called upon to apply for support funds to promote their creativity.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday, the National President of the Practitioners of Content Creating, Skit-making, and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN) and Ambassador of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr Michael Obinna Nwabufo, popularly known as Mike Premium, revealed that the association has successfully applied for grants through the Bank of Industry (BoI), which he said will release the money in October.
“This press briefing is to let the upcoming content creators, skit makers, influencers and models know that we have successfully applied for the Federal Government Financial Assistance Grant for you through the Bank of Industry, BoI, which you will be getting in October.
“At least, one to three million naira will be sent directly to your bank accounts, and thousands of upcoming creators will benefit from this grant to help them in buying little production materials such as cameras, light, laptops, microphones among others.
“We are going to be partnering with a bank that will help us create business accounts that will receive the grants for the creators.
“All you have to do is visit and follow; @pccsign on instagram and click the link on bio, register and we will get you informed when the disbursement starts in October.
“This money is not for you to do any other thing, but to help you grow and become successful content creators and influencers because we know how talented a lot of you are and you just need this support,” Nwabufo, a talent and brand manager, said.
Nwabufo stressed that it was obvious that things have become hard in the country due to inflation, saying that for some Nigerians, 90 per cent of their conversation has always been how bad the country is, but that in PCCSIGN, 80 per cent of their conversations were about the opportunities that exist in Nigeria.
He said that at PCCSIGN, they were trying their best to help the country in their own little capacity, while urging those who don’t understand the process not to condemn the organisation’s struggle.
“We saw an opportunity that will benefit a lot of young creators and models, so we took a step forward to approach the government for help to help a lot of you cross over. We have decided to take this significant moves towards nation building and the growth of the Nigerian youths.
“As an ambassador of the Corporate Affairs Commission, I will also be sponsoring the business registration of 100 upcoming content creators/influencers models.
“PCCSIGN has partnered with the Nigerian Police, which will help our creators to be recognised nationwide to avoid wrong profiling or harassment and disrespect.
“So you have to register and get your ID card on our website easily. Content creators should be respected, they are the big deal,” he stated.
While saying that we presently live in a fast changing world, where content creation is invaluable, Nwabufo stressed that it is a gateway to prominence and a major economic contributor globally.
The brand manager said that skills that were considered worthless a few years ago are now taking the lead by creating new jobs and changing lives.
He noted that arguably, contents creation is taking a sizable number of unemployed youths off the labour market and assisting the government in reducing unemployment, while also contributing immensely to the nation’s GDP and moving the economy forward.
“We want to use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity given to content creators to grow their crafts.
“We had the honour of meeting with the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and we extend our sincere appreciation for her unwavering support of the creative industry.
“Her dedication to fostering growth in this sector is truly commendable. Additionally, we paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, whose exceptional efforts in empowering creatives and advancing the creative economy have been remarkable.
“Her innovative initiatives continue to create valuable opportunities for the growth and development of the industry.
“Content creating is one of the largest growing industries with a lot of revenue that the government are overlooking.
“We have had a lot of successful content creators that have made serious bread, I mean money, and currently helping others such as Oga Sabinus, Mark Angel Crazeclown, Shaggi, Sydney Talker, Lord Lamba, Billion Prince White, Taaoma, Magaji, Nasty Blaq, Brain Jotter, Zfancy D General, Cute Abiola, Lasisi and many others,” he said.
Nwabufo stated that with the I-Dice Initiative for the creative industry, they can make more legends like Oga Sabinus in the skit-making industry.
He said that they were also going to apply for the I-Dice Funds for the creatives which was announced by President Bola Tinubu during his speech on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
He however, said that if the upcoming creators and influencers are empowered, the federal government would be able to lift thousands, if not millions, of people out of poverty, saying that Nigerians are too creative.
“As at today, YouTube is paying over 80 million people across the globe and if five million to 10 million Nigerians tap from this streaming money, God will not be angry.
“We still have other platforms that generate money such as facebook, TikTok, X and many more. Fellow Nigerians, PCCSIGN is set to change the narrative when it comes to nation building.
“We have realized that some of the people serving in public offices in Nigeria are not carrying us along, but Nigeria must work and for us to achieve this, we must work together, nation building is our business as Nigerians.
“We will be having an award ceremony for content creators /influencers and also national service delivery for public office holders in Nigeria.
“This award will be different from any others because we are only going to be showcasing those that have helped the country grow and what they have done in their states with the allocation giving to them.
“We are aware that many state governors were giving billions of naira to develop their states, but some of them are not doing what they are supposed to do with the allocations giving to them. Please governors, Nigerians are at your mercy, our eyes are widely opened to see your good works.
“The PCCSIGN awards will be showcasing all the works done in each state and thanking those who exceed expectations and those who meet expectations.
“As I said earlier, we need to work as one Nigeria for this country to work. We kindly call on our ministers, governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives to sit up and help the President achieve the Nigerian dream,” he said.
The CAC Ambassador also advised that some public office holders should be content creators to showcase their works and achievements.
He urged them to create videos, articles, and images that tell the stories of their works so that the general public will be aware that they are working.
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