The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described as a ‘game changer’ the photo exhibition in Abuja by Hanan daughter of the President.
He said that her uncommon passion for photography would encourage more young people to showcase their creativity.
Mohammed, who stated this during his visit to the exhibition ground in Abuja on Fridayevening, said the creative industry was not meant for drop-outs.
He said, “This exhibition is a game changer. A game changer in the sense that it is going to change the perception of our people towards the Creative Industry.
“I am using the word Creative Industry in a very elastic manner to include film, music, photography, interior decoration, architecture and publishing. The truth of the matter is that this is the future of Nigeria.”
Tagged ”innovation by Hanna”, the minister said the exhibition would change people’s perception about the creative industry.
He said, “In my generation, our parents wanted us to be lawyers, doctors, engineers and accountants. It was very unusual in those days to see a parent that will encourage his son or daughter to take to the creative Industry.
”This is no longer the case. Regardless of background, gender, or education, the new and next generation are totally consumed by this Creative sector.”
Mohammed said the work of Hanan would change the perception of people towards the Creative Industry, which is no longer for drop outs and the less-privileged in the society, but a sector for the highly talented.
“What we are witnessing today is an endorsement from the highest quarter that the creative industry is that area of our economy, which we have not really paid enough attention to,” he said.
Mohammed said the present administration had demonstrated beyond doubt that it was committed to moving the the industry from the back burner to the front burner of the economy through various initiatives, including the granting of pioneer status to the sector, capacity building, and exploring creative approach to funding.
He said the government’s target was to ensure that the creative industry contributes about five percent to the Gross Domestic Products in the next few years, from its present contribution of 1.34 per cent.
In her remarks, Hanan said she was inspired by her passion to show the world another side of Nigeria through unique photographs.
She called on the youths to always carry their parents along on issues bordering on their passion and career path in order to enable them excel in their chosen profession.
