The federal ministry of arts, culture and creative economy has set aside a whopping sum of N3.7 billion for “research and development”.

The money was cited in the 2024 budget of N28.7 trillion signed by President Bola Tinubu in January this year.

Tinubu had proposed N27.5 trillion, but the lawmakers jerked it up by N1.2 trillion.

Recall that the appropriation act came under scrutiny after Abdul Ningi, now suspended senator representing Bauchi central, alleged that the budget was padded by N3 trillion.

In the budget for the ministry created by the Tinubu administration, the sum of N160 million will be spent for the construction of a skill acquisition centre for art and craft in Musawa LGA of Katsina state.

This is the LGA Hannatu Musawa, minister of arts, culture and creative economy, hails from.

Again, the sum of N290 million was earmarked for the provision of solar street lights in Musawa LGA.

The ministry also provided N98 million for a “Nigerian pavilion” at the next Cannes Film Festival that will be held between May 14 and 25 in France.

A sum of N150 million was put aside by the ministry for “art culture information desk” at the Abuja international airport.

The ministry budgeted N26 million for miscellaneous – refreshments and publicity among others.

There have been calls to cut down the costs of governance by many civil society organisations (CSOs) and individuals.
The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in August 2023 confirmed that she was still a serving corps member.

“Yes she is a serving corp member,” Eddy Megwa, director of press and public relations at the NYSC headquarters, confirmed at the time.

However, the minister did not comment on the issue.

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Abuja

A young artist, Miss Ifunanya Anunobi has advised the government at levels to encourage Art in order to boost the country’s economy.

Anunobi, a graduate of History and International Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who has chosen to go into her talent, art, addressed journalists recently in Abuja.

The Artist making explanations about her Artworks

Making her points, she said that Artists, if encouraged would not only be self-employed, but also train many others who, according to her would stand on their own, without depending on the government for employment.

Explaining why she ventured into the profession, she said: “At the age of 12, I tried replicating a cartoon I saw and discovered my knack for drawing. Over time, I developed a habit of drawing anything I saw, finding solace and joy in the process.”

She continued: “Encouraged by my uncle, the former Police Service Commission Chairman, Chief Simon Okeke, I decided to transition into a full-time artist after my youth service in Abuja in 2022. I received validation of my talent from my uncle, who emphasized that it was a gift from God.
“With his encouragement, I delved deeper into art, progressing from drawing to painting, allowing me to express myself fully.”

When asked, if she was being coached by any expert, she said: “I seek advice concerning Art from people like the president of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Mr Mohammed Suleiman and I do also talk to some Artist friends I met in Abuja here for guidance.”

She acknowledged the challenges of the profession, including emotional strains and financial instability but has decided to remain dedicated to her craft, by planning a solo exhibition in Abuja to showcase her works.

When pressed further, she responded thus: “I can say yes, because this is a passion and talent and it gives me joy. Although, I like what I studied in the university, but as you can see, this is my talent and the passion I have for it has overtaken what I studied in the university.”

When asked if she was being assisted by the government, having been able to come out with such beautiful Artworks, she responded thus: “I haven’t, but what I have been doing is participating in competitions, if you are lucky, you get it, if you aren’t, you won’t. However, what I would like the government to do is to encourage the art market, because the market is poor and thus affecting the upcoming Artists.

“And if there is an exhibition opportunity, we the upcoming artists won’t be able to participate, because most of us don’t have money to pay for spaces in a gallery. Even if you are able to participate, most Nigerians would just come, look at the Artworks and go without buying any. So to that, I urge Nigerians to become more interested in art and support artists, because art is also an investment. The Artwork you bought at say, N100 thousand can be resold at N2 million in about four to five years time.

Reiterating why the government should come in to empower those in the profession, the young artist has this to say: “If empowered, we shall contribute immensely to the economy, in the areas of teaching and training people who will be on their own. “By so doing, you have generated employments and the economy will be growing. So I advise Nigerians and the governments at all levels to encourage art and emerging artists who try their best to bring in colours to our turbulent society.”

***Describe it as violation of Native customs, traditions

The Commity of Elders (Nde Ichin-Ukwu) and Ikwu of Elu Ohafia a community in Abia State has disclaimed the election conducted by the Elu Development Union (EDU) on the 30th day of March, 2024.
The elders described the election as a violation of the Native customs and traditions of the Elu Ohafia community.
A joint communique issued by the elders indicated that, “The electoral committee led by Lekwa Ezuta Udonsi was constituted by a Regent (Engr. Uma Agbai Olugu) without lawful authority in violation of customs on the 24th day of March.
The Communique which was signed by Iroha Kalu, Paul Emetu and others on behalf of the Nde Ichin-Ukwu while Oko Agwu Anaga of Umu-Nnechi, Agbai Oti of Umu-Unadu and others signed on behalf of Ikwu Nwo Ali
The Communique indicated that at a time the community was mourning Ezie Prof. E. U. L. Imaga, “It is unfortunate that the conduct of some persons suggest that they are not mourning with the community.

“We call on all indigenes of Elu Ohafia to remain law abiding and continue to give their unalloyed support to all institutions of governance established by and during reign of Ezie Prof. E. U. L. Imaga and remain focussed on giving our departed Monarch a befitting funeral
The elders denounced and dissociated themselves from the election and by this declare the outcomes of no effect.