In alliance with the federal government Renewed Hope Agenda, under the leadership of His Excellency, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima (GCON), the Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy, Fegho Umunubo, said it has spearheaded several transformative initiatives designed to empower Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
Through 100 per cent private sector funding, the office has successfully executed interventions that support creatives and drive sustainable growth in the industry.
In partnership with Providus Bank, Umunubo, facilitated the creation of the N5 billion creative fund to support film and creative ventures. N1.5 billion was approved for four (4) prominent creatives—Titi Ogufere, Williams Uchemba, Obi Omelonye, and Richard Mofe-Damijo. While three of these creatives accessed their funds to execute their film projects, Richard Mofe-Damijo deferred his payment to 2025 for a future project.
The office disbursed over N550 million in grant funding to strengthen the creative sector.
This funding supported various high-profile initiatives, including:
The movie premieres of Tiwa Savage’s “Water & Garri” and “Smart Money Women 2.”
Marketing campaigns for AY’s “The Waiter,” Prince Daniel’s “Mai Martaba,” and Omoni Oboli’s “Wives on Strike 3.”
Comedy shows by top entertainers such as Alibaba, AY, Kenny Blaq, MC Monica, Chuks D General, Seyi Law, Short Family, Mr. Paul, and The Last Prophet.
Through extensive stakeholder engagements, the office reached over 3,000 creatives in cities such as London, Chicago, Lagos, Dutse, Hadejia, Enugu, and Calabar. Additionally, targeted training programs were implemented to equip participants with critical skills in hairstyling, fashion and leather making, financial literacy, and content creation.
Recognizing the importance of supporting small businesses, the office launched the Grassroots Creative Business Boost, providing weekly grants of N500,000 to two small businesses. This initiative has empowered emerging entrepreneurs and contributed to the overall development of the creative economy.
Under Fegho Umunubo’s leadership, the office supported key creative events, including: The AWG Festival by Odumodu Blvck in Abuja.
Entertainment Week Lagos, providing grants to creatives at the event.
Partnerships with platforms such as the National Design & Innovation Competition, Miss Diaspora Nigeria USA 2024, AfroHair Culture & Beauty Festival, Made in the North Festival, Calabar Fashion Weekend, the creative class, and the SPAID Hairstylist training.
By leveraging private sector funding and implementing these strategic initiatives, Fegho Umunubo and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy have demonstrated a commendable commitment to enhancing growth and innovation in Nigeria’s creative sector.
