The appointment of Mrs AITY Dennis Inyang as Honorary Special Adviser (Creative Industry) to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno is nothing short of a triumphant entry of sorts for the culture and related sectors .
In the early days of this administration, the golden governor declared matter- of-factly, that he would approach government with a private sector template. For this reason, the appointment of the Akwa Ibom State- born,AITY can be viewed from this perspective. In the last thirty years,AITY, the veteran, yet ageless gospel artiste has carried the flag of Akwa Ibom State across the continents, showcasing the pleasant art forms abundant in the state’s local music and dance forms. However, the state’s cultural potentials remains largely untapped, begging for promotion and flourish. At a time of great economic challenges such as we are experiencing currently, there is an urgent call for never-seen-before initiatives to rev up the local economy. Against this background, the governor’s decision to bring up creative projects to promote indigenous art is a smart move. When a leader moves to weave a coalition of private sector inputs and public systems and resources,it is bound to strike pleasant rhythms in the hearts of the various communities.
The creative industry is beyond politics and government control. This is why Tourism leans heavily on private, public institutions, global corporate organisations and international donor agencies. Enormous investments in culture art forms is a magical way maker! Until recently, Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry struggled in the fringe economy until funds flowed in from local industry giants, government establishments and international markets. Now, Nollywood occupies a prime spot as a top foreign exchange earner and a veritable jobs provider. Therefore, the Akwa Ibom State Creative Industry must of necessity be accepted and supported by local private and public corporations while leveraging on rich local content and industry- based equipment and management for globally accepted deliverables.
Beyond the glamour and reach of office,Aity’s oven- fresh appointment presents growth opportunities. It is time to get some dirt on the boots because artiste development and management constitute back-breaking work. There’s a large pool of local talent, prodigious culture experiences and a restlessness of youth for new renditions. How the new culture manager will navigate these potentials and market them successfully in various power corridors and board rooms remains to be seen.
Thankfully, Mrs Inyang comes to office from a rich culture background. Her acceptability is backed by a tapestry of three decades of writing, arranging songs;recording music, establishing labels and performing before countless congregational and festival audiences. Therefore, the odds are in her favour.
Congratulations are in order. Get on the sail. My money is on you!
