An Abeokuta-based creative artist and Chief Executive Officer of Artitude Centro, Aminat Olajide, has called on the Federal Government to establish a specialized bank for the creative sector, similar to those supporting agriculture and industry.
This, she said, would help to provide financial lifelines and propel Nigeria’s youth-driven creative sector into a global powerhouse.
Olajide made this call on Friday during an engagement with journalists and the unveiling of her new art gallery and creative corner.
She explained that the bank of creatives would help empower young artists, designers, writers, musicians, and other creatives to scale their businesses, create jobs, and boost the nation’s economy.
While appreciating the Ogun State government for fostering an environment conducive to business growth, the artist argued that more support was needed to close the unemployment gap and empower young people and entrepreneurs.
She said, “Government is actually trying, but they could do better. Supporting the creative industry, supporting young people who are trying to do something to help the economy, to help boost the GDP of the nation
“The government can actually support us by offering some kind of collaboration or partnership. There’s a financial constraint; with access to funding and grants, we can empower others and youth.
“Yes. I’m not sure there’s anything like a bank of creatives. We’ve seen a bank of industry and a bank of agriculture. But if the government can create a bank for creatives, we can take our proposal to them, and they will better understand and align with it, unlike other banks.
“You see people in agriculture winning a lot of grants because, of course, it involves feeding and all of that, but there are lots that we all are doing in our various industries that the government should look into, key into and help put a spotlight on us”.
Speaking earlier at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ogun State Chapter, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, advocated for convenient policies and tax-free holidays for young, growing and small businesses.
Boye bemoaned the ‘get rich quick’ syndrome gripping Nigerian youths, stressing that government support should prioritize passionate, hardworking entrepreneurs building legitimate businesses.
She said, “The government can create an enabling environment, let’s have tax-free holidays for growing businesses to thrive, especially young businesses, sole proprietorships, small-scale businesses and many others.
“They can also help small businesses to grow by making polices that are convenient for people.
“If I want to start a business, for instance, if the policy of the government is very stringent and difficult and frustrating, it can demoralise, but when the government encourages through loans, soft grants, and start-up funds, then the sky is the limit.”
Meanwhile, Olamide Lawal, the Special Assistant to the Ogun State governor on youth development, noted that the Abiodun-led administration is doing everything possible to foster a supportive environment for public-private partnerships and encouraged youths to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them while shunning crime.
