By Yinka Akanbi
The Federal Government has announced a $617 million investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDICE) Fund to boost the country’s digital technology and creative industry.
Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed optimism that the investment would catalyze cultural and economic growth.
Speaking during the launch of iDICE and the inaugural Omniverse summit in Lagos on Tuesday, the minister highlighted the transformative potential of the fund.
She pointed out the significance of the iDICE fund as a pivotal opportunity to fuel economic development in Nigeria’s burgeoning digital and creative sectors.
“The iDICE fund epitomizes the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to empowering our creatives and entrepreneurs, fueling economic growth, and driving socio-economic transformation across Nigeria.
“It is meant for cultural and economic expansion as well as inclusivity, to cut down all barriers.
“In line with the ministry’s comprehensive 8-point plan agenda, it lays the foundation for sustainable financing, skills development and market access within the digital and creative ecosystem,” she said
She stressed that the fund aimed at both cultural and economic expansion while promoting inclusivity to eliminate barriers.
However, Ms. Musawa also clarified that the iDICE fund was not a substitute for the intervention fund for the arts, and discussions regarding the latter were ongoing.
She also lauded the Omniverse Summit, which is convened by the National Council for Arts and Culture and chaired by Obi Asika, as a unique platform for networking, gaining insights, and contributing to the development of policies that drive African innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
