Elevating Ekiti State through the Symphony of Creativity: Unleashing the Potential of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

Elevating Ekiti State through the Symphony of Creativity: Unleashing the Potential of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

By: Adl

In a world driven by innovation and creativity, Ekiti State's visionary move to fuse the realms of arts, culture, and the creative economy under one roof holds the promise of reshaping its destiny. 

A creative economy is an economic system that emphasizes the generation of value from creative and cultural industries, such as art, design, media, entertainment, and technology. It encourages innovation, intellectual property creation, and the exchange of ideas, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.

The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, a brainchild of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration, signifies a strategic leap into the creative future. It's not just a merger of departments; it's an embodiment of opportunity, a canvas on which the colors of culture will blend harmoniously with the strokes of economic prosperity.

Under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration in Ekiti State, implementing a creative economy could have several impacts. It could lead to the development of local artistic talents like the Imesi Ekiti cultural troupes, the establishment of creative clusters, and the growth of cultural tourism. This, in turn, could boost the state's revenue through increased tourism and cultural events.

In this new paradigm, the creative economy is the pulsating heart that will infuse vitality into Ekiti's creative landscape. The creative economy, often referred to as the "orange economy," encapsulates the fusion of artistry and commerce, where the vibrant hues of creative assets catalyze economic growth. 

In the thinking of the Ekiti State Governor, a creative economy is a combination of arts and cultural expeditions that can stimulate entrepreneurship, attract investments, and provide a platform for collaboration among other ministries. One that will enhance the state's image and identity in Nigeria and globally, thus improving its soft power and attractiveness for business and investment.

By venturing beyond the conventional, Ekiti State paves the way for innovation-led development,

tapping into a sector that currently boasts a staggering worth of $985 billion and shows no signs of waning. Remarkably, the G20 insights foretell a future where the creative economy could command a 10% share of the global GDP by 2030, with Deloitte's crystal ball predicting a staggering 40% growth in creative sectors.

The strategic renaming of the old Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, and the subsequent integration of the Creative Economy Department, echos the administration's acumen for forward-thinking. Ekiti State is poised to transform into a beacon of creative brilliance, harnessing the potential of its indigenous talents to thrust the state onto the global stage. 

By untethering the Tourism unit and replacing it with the Creative Economy Department, the BAO's administration unveils its blueprint to leverage the creative industry's power as a vehicle for rebranding, revenue escalation, and enticing Foreign Direct Investment.

In the context of Ekiti State, the state could derive great benefits such as increased employment opportunities in creative sectors, a rise in tourism revenue due to cultural events and attractions, and a more vibrant and diversified economy. 

However, success would depend on proper planning, infrastructure development, and policies that foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration among artists, businesses, and the government.

At the heart of this transformation stands Professor Ojo Bakare, a luminary in the realm of Choreography and Performing Arts. His appointment as the Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy speaks volumes about the administration's dedication to fostering excellence. With Professor Bakare at the helm, the state's creative ecosystem gains a maestro who not only understands the nuances of artistic expression but possesses the strategic finesse to channel its energy toward economic rejuvenation.

The narrative of Estera Concepts, a local creative arts company championing the preservation of Ogotun Ekiti's ancient mat-weaving crafts, mirrors the essence of this revitalization. By nurturing such indigenous endeavors and fortifying the nexus between culture and commerce, Ekiti State can unearth sustainable growth. This mission transcends mere economic gains; it's a homage to heritage and a testament to the power of creativity as a catalyst for progress.

Within this expansive canopy of the creative economy lies numerous branches: advertising, architecture, arts and crafts, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, publishing, research and development, software, computer games, electronic publishing, and TV/radio. This harmonious convergence bridges the gap between tradition and technology, weaving a tapestry where age-old crafts coexist with cutting-edge innovations.

Ekiti State's pursuit of creative excellence hinges on strategic partnerships and the allure of Foreign Direct Investment. The path forward is illuminated by the state's rich cultural tapestry, boasting gems like Nollywood, a vibrant music scene, and culturally rich events. By nurturing these already thriving sectors, the Ministry of Creative Economy cultivates the low-hanging fruits that will bear the sweetest economic harvests for Ekiti State.

In this symbiotic relationship, the Ministry of Creative Economy is envisioned not as a financial burden on the state but as a self-sustaining entity. By orchestrating an interplay of creativity, commerce, and culture, this ministry seeks to contribute directly to the state's coffers. It's a refreshing departure from the norm, where creativity isn't just an expenditure; it's an investment.

Ekiti State's journey into the realms of arts, culture, and the creative economy is therefore nothing short of a symphony. The chords of tradition harmonize with the notes of innovation, and under Professor Bakare's guidance, the crescendo of economic prosperity seems inevitable. 

This convergence isn't just a ministry; it's a movement—a melody that echoes the vision of Governor Oyebanji and resonates with the aspirations of an entire state. As Ekiti State embarks on this transformative odyssey, the world watches eagerly, ready to witness the masterpiece that emerges from the union of creativity and commerce. 

Adl is a Public Commentator and Social Media Influencer.