The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched a ₦100 million Creative Industry Fund aimed at strengthening the state’s entertainment and film sector while empowering young people under its ARISE Agenda.
The initiative was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, during the Ibom Entertainers Week in Uyo. According to him, the fund is designed to build capacity, support creative entrepreneurs, and position Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s leading creative hubs.
“This is not just about entertainment; it’s about building an economy around the talents of our young people, giving them the tools to compete nationally and globally,” Umanah said.
The fund will provide grants and soft loans for film production, music projects, digital content creation, and creative training opportunities. It is also expected to stimulate job creation, foster innovation, and attract private sector investment into the state’s creative economy.
Alongside the creative fund, Umanah highlighted the inauguration of the fourth batch of the Ibom-LED Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme and other empowerment initiatives, which have benefitted more than 10,000 youths and SMEs in just one month.
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He added that the government is simultaneously pursuing major infrastructure and social development projects, including road construction, expanded housing programmes, health sector upgrades, and enhanced security through the State Security Trust Fund.
“These achievements are deliberate outcomes of a governance strategy anchored on the ARISE Agenda. Akwa Ibom is on a steady path of growth, innovation, and transformation under Governor Umo Eno,” the Commissioner said.
The launch of the creative fund is seen as a bold step towards positioning Akwa Ibom as a centre for entertainment, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven innovation in Nigeria.
