The Kano State Government has officially inaugurated a Local Organising Committee for the forthcoming National Summit on Harnessing the Creative Industry to Boost Nigeria’s GDP, marking a major step towards repositioning the creative economy as a driver of national development.
Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that the summit will serve as a robust platform for key stakeholders to explore innovative strategies, share knowledge, and forge partnerships aimed at elevating Nigeria’s creative industry to global prominence.
A press statement signed by the Director of Special Duties in the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Sani Abba Yola, quoted Waiya emphasising that the summit would spotlight Kano’s rich creative potential, showcase indigenous products, engage with international media platforms, and issue a communique that is expected to draw national and global attention to the sector.
“The summit represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to unlock the vast economic potential embedded in Nigeria’s creative sector,” Waiya stated, adding, “It promises to be a rallying point for promoting our cultural heritage, empowering artisans, and tapping into the creative ingenuity of our people for sustainable economic growth.”
The commissioner praised the Kannywood Foundation for its visionary initiative in proposing the summit, describing it as a laudable effort that aligns perfectly with the state’s developmental agenda.
Waiya further acknowledged the unflinching support of the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, whom he described as a leader with foresight.
He noted that the governor sees the summit as a rare opportunity to empower creative talents in Kano and beyond.
According to him, “The creative sector holds immense potential for job creation, wealth generation, and GDP growth. By harnessing our cultural assets and innovation-driven talents, we can open new economic frontiers for our youth and entrepreneurs.”
Members of the committee, chaired by Waiya, include the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Ahmed Tijjani Auwalu, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji, Kannywood Foundation, Executive Secretary of the History and Culture Bureau, Managing Director of the Kano State Tourism Management Board, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board, a representative of the Ministry for Local Government, Special Adviser on ICT, President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, a representative of the Producers Association, a representative of the Tailors and Fashion Amalgamated Association, and a representative of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Other members are a representative of the Deputy Governor’s office, Malam Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, Hajiya Nabila Ibrahim, a representative of the Kano Emirate Council, Special Adviser on Internal Revenue, a representative of Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), and Dr. Ahmad M. Sarari.
The Secretariat members include a representative of the Cabinet Office, a representative of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Usman Bello, Director of Internal Affairs, and Malam Ahmad Alkanawy.
