Invest In Creative Arts; FCTA Tasks Stakeholders

By: Shaka Sunday & Nkwo Chinyere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on
stakeholders, particularly those in the Organized Private Sector to generously support initiatives that seeks to promote Nigeria’s cultural
heritage and artistic talents in the Country.

Accordingly, such investments will further unlock the uncommon potentials abounds in the creative and artistic industries.

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Social Development
Secretariat, Ibrahim Aminu, made this call during the flag-off of the one-
week long 2025 SIWES/NYSC/Holiday Workshop of Arts,
Crafts, & Culture Exhibition, at the Exhibition Foyer,
Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Area 10,
Garki I District, Abuja.

The Mandate Secretary noted that the one-week
exhibition have on display captivating works of Ceramics,
Painting, Textiles, Sculpture and Crafts made by Corps
Members, Students on Industrial Work Experience Scheme
and works from our Children who participated in the 2024
Children Holiday Workshop to showcase their creativity.

Aminu described the
exhibition as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting
self-reliance and showcasing the immense creative
potential of young Nigerians.

His words: “This event is more than an
exhibition; it is a celebration of our youth’s ingenuity
and a testament to the transformative power of arts and
culture. Through initiatives like this, we do not only
sustain our heritage, we inspire innovation and
entrepreneurship in future generations”.

Aminu underscored the significance of empowering
Nigeria youths with entrepreneurial skills, fostering
creativity, and preserving our cultural heritage.

“When we
begin to introduce our young minds to entrepreneurship and
skills in craft, then we have started building a new
generation of virile youths in the society, who does not need
to wait for the government white collar job before being
gainfully employed when you can be self-employed as well
as being an Employer of labour,” he said.

The Mandate Secretary emphasized the FCT Administration’s commitment to Youth
empowerment through platforms that seeks to nurture
creativity, inculcate the culture of self-reliance and an
alternative stream of income generation; adding that
through the Department of Arts & Culture, the Secretariat is
proud to support programs that bring out the best in our
youth and connect them to opportunities for growth and
development.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of SDS, Mrs. Olowookere
Olubunmi, praised the initiative and highlighted its role in
bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

“This
exhibition not only celebrates our cultural identity but also
empowers our youth to thrive in today’s dynamic world,” she added.

In her presentation, the Special Adviser to the FCT
Minister of State, Zamani Helen, commended the
synergy between the FCT Administration and the
Secretariat in fostering initiatives that empowers the youths
and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“This exhibition is
a reflection of the government’s commitment to nurturing
talent and providing platforms for creative expression,
which are essential for building a sustainable and
innovative future.” she said.