The Nasarawa State Government has expressed commitment for an enabling environment to harness the creative industry potential for job creation.
Amb. Lucky Yargwa, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, said this at Nasarawa to the world talent and empowerment show organised by the Nasarawa Industry for Creative Entertainment (NICE) in Lafia.
He said the ministry would partner relevant government agencies, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning individuals to promote entertainment industry in the state.
Yargwa said that the state would harness the potential inherent in the creative industry, one of the highest employer of labour, to create jobs for young graduates.
While encouraging young people to be focused and determined in life, he said he loved music in his school days and intended to make a career out of it to represent his state.
“I am happy tonight to see these great artistes put on super performances. Entertainment industry is one of the highest employer of labour and government is creating the enabling environment to support the industry to thrive.
“The ministry has lined up activities for the youths and will partner relevant organisations to empower them.
“Government alone cannot and does not have the capacity to employ all the youths. It is when we support a body like this that they can be empowered,” he said.
Also speaking, Steve Shammah, Chairman NICE, said that Nasarawa to the world was a yearly event organised by the state targeted at the youths to showcase their skills in music, dancing, poetry and comedy, among others.
Shammah who described the show as a massive success, said the state was blessed with talented young people with great ideas.
He also commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s passion for young people and support from other well-meaning individuals and organisations.
He, however, appealed for more support to enable them to do more for the state.
“What these artistes actually need is empowerment. We have been receiving support but when you are empowered, you will be able to do more,” Shammah said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NICE offers young people in the industry a platform to discover hidden talents, nurture and harness them from obscurity to limelight. (NAN)
