Tinubu’s govt has highest percentage of youths so far in Nigeria- SA on Creative Economy

Adeagbo Ayomide, the Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s- led government as an administration which has the highest percentage of youths inclusiveness so far in Nigeria, noting that the Nigerian youths are not a threat to the government. Adeagbo added that any nation that […]

Adeagbo Ayomide, the Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s- led government as an administration which has the highest percentage of youths inclusiveness so far in Nigeria, noting that the Nigerian youths are not a threat to the government.

Adeagbo added that any nation that wants to get to its peak must consider youth inclusiveness and involvement in politics and governance as vital especially in the course of nation building.

Mr. Adeagbo who was in Ibadan during the weekend made this disclosure during a chat with Daily Trust.

Describing creativity as the ‘present day oil sector’, Adeagbo applauded President Tinubu’s initiative in creating a ministry for the arts industry; an act he underscored as a move towards diversification from the oil sector.

He noted that over the years, there has not been a direct link between creatives and the government to collaborate unlike what applies in other professions.

He added that the arts, culture and creative ministry is ready to aid creatives nationwide through policymaking, facilitation and collaboration to favour their growth and healthy competition with their peers globally.

“The creative industry is a broad industry where tailors, chefs, carpenters and many others are considered creatives as much as writers, musicians and artists are. During the course of our interaction with the creatives, they highlighted the fact that over the years, they have not had anybody to run to in government. They feel like government do not even care about them.”

This has been their major challenge, unlike people in other Sectors who have one ministry or the other to run to when things are not working well. That is why the President after hearing the clamours of the youths and the creatives, decided to create this ministry. We have hit the ground running with facilitation aimed at growth of creatives, collaboration between the government and creatives, advocating for favourable policies as well as diplomacy with embassies and cultural attachés to create a balance for the creatives so they can expand their brand beyond the shores of Nigeria.”

Speaking on the influence of youths especially as perceived that the youths could be a threat to the APC government, Adeagbo described the government as a youth friendly one which is working with the youths on advancing the nation’s course.

“This government does not see the youths as a threat. We are all youths in APC government. We want to work with the youths. That is why Mr. President has appointed a number of youths. We have two brilliant ministers as our minister for youths. It has never happened before, having two ministers for the youth ministry. This government believes so much in youths, it is a youth-friendly government. It is our time as youths and we have to put ourselves right as youths.”

He urged the State governments to replicate the level of youth inclusiveness at the federal level in their respective states, adding that the right people should be put in the right place.

“It is important that state governors understand that certain important portfolios should not be toyed with. This youth constituency is very important. If we get it right there, we are good because it is only a youth who can understand what a youth wants. So, we have to be intentional about these things.”