In a bold step to position Akwa Ibom as a leading creative hub in Nigeria, the state government has unveiled a ₦100 million Creative Industry Fund to support talent development, capacity building, and job creation across film, music, and entertainment sectors.

The initiative, announced by Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umana, during a press briefing in Uyo on Tuesday, reflects Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to diversifying the state’s economy through culture, innovation, and the arts.

“As part of this focus, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, announced the creation of a ₦100 million Creative Industry Fund, designed to empower practitioners and unlock opportunities across the creative economy,” Umana said.

He described the fund as a cornerstone of the administration’s broader youth empowerment and economic development agenda, which also includes investments in infrastructure, aviation, agriculture, tourism, and digital transformation.

Key achievements highlighted by the Commissioner include; youth and talent development, hosting of the Ibom entertainers week and directors guild of Nigeria; introduction of ARISE Youth Employment Portal and Skills Week.

Others are; aviation and infrastructure – Commissioning of four new Ibom Air aircraft; completion of terminal and MRO facility; 771 km of roads and 31 bridges under construction, security and social welfare, Creation of Ministry of Internal Security; recruitment of 4,500 community watch personnel; over ₦78 billion paid in pensions and gratuities.

Education and Social Support: Free primary and secondary education; bursaries for students with disabilities; ₦80,000 minimum wage; ₦50,000 monthly stipends to 5,000 unemployed youths.

Tourism and Agriculture includes; Development of ARISE Resort, ARISE Shopping City, and amphitheatre; launch of Ibom Model Farm and Back-to-Farm initiative.

Umana stressed that the ₦100 million Creative Fund is not only an economic stimulant but also a cultural investment in the future of Akwa Ibom.

“This initiative will transform our creative landscape, giving our youths the tools, training, and funding they need to thrive,” he added.