Abia Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Fostering Strong Partnership With Creative Industry

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a strong and productive partnership with the music and creative industry for the development of the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba made the assertion in Government House, Umuahia when he received a delegation of Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Abia state chapter.

Ajagba emphasized that the state recognizes the transformative power of music and creativity.

He noted that the creation of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy was a deliberate move to integrate talents in the entertainment sector into the state’s development framework.

He encouraged PMAN to remain proactive and collaborate with the Ministry for mutually beneficial engagements.

Ajagba, while noting the role of music as a vehicle for cultural expression and societal change, urged PMAN to be strategic in their engagements and assured them of the government’s partnership.

“This government sees you as partners in progress, and I encourage the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to stretch out its hands towards a creative and productive partnership with you.”

He further cautioned against allowing foreign entertainers to dominate local spaces, saying that local artists must be better organised and ready to seize opportunities in the fast-transforming state.

Also, speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Chibuzo Ehiemere, assured of the state’s readiness to collaborate with PMAN as well as harness the potential in Abia’s creative space.

Ehiemere said that the Governor’s vision goes beyond creativity and focuses on how to meaningfully benefit youths from their talents and urged PMAN to align with the Ministry’s initiatives for long-term impact.

Earlier, the PMAN governor for Abia State Chapter, Chief Ejeh Williams expressed the desire of the association to collaborate with the government to execute its initiatives aimed at empowering young musicians and boosting the entertainment economy in Abia.

Chief Williams commended Governor Otti’s rebuilding agenda and emphasised PMAN’s readiness to complement the government’s efforts through talent development and social impact projects.

He disclosed the association’s plans to commence a “Talent Hunt” initiative, that would focus on talent discovery and empowerment platform designed to give Abia youths a voice through music.

According to him, the programme also aims to combat drug abuse and other social vices by channeling youth energy into creative expression.

He appealed to the state government to provide them land for a proposed music academy and recording studio, noting that the academy project had already attracted prospective investors willing to fund its execution.

The PMAN Governor appealed for inclusion of hee members in state-organised entertainment events to give local musicians the desired visibility.