Arts If Developed Can Be a Source of Revenue – Lai Mohammed.
Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, says that arts, if properly developed can be an alternative source of revenue to boost nation’s economy.
The Minister represented by Ibidapo Okunmu disclosed this at the National Gallery of Art’s (NGA) Stakeholders meeting on Monday in Abuja.
According to him:
“The time of relying on government subventions is long gone with dwindling oil receipts’’.
“We need to look for alternatives to oil and art which is an enduring resource can fill the gap.’’
“In moments like this, it is only proper that we take stock of those things we need to do to bring our economy back to reckoning,’’
He also commended the NGA on its plans to create ways to shore up its revenue and partnering with more artists.
Mohammed, pledged that government would ensure that NGA has an edifice such as other galleries in Africa, America and Europe to showcase the nation’s heritage.
Sen. Rochas Okorocha, Senate Committee Chairman on Culture and Tourism pledged to work with other committee members to ensure that the NGA establishment Bill become an Act.
“Those that know me can attest to the fact that I do not shy away from challenges; I face them head on, therefore I promise to work with the committee on culture and tourism,” he added.
Okorocha represented by Abdulmalik Mamud also pledged commitment in ensuring that the commission secures an edifice.
Also, Umaru Sulaiman, Chairman Governing Board, NGA said the agency if repositioned, would be a revenue entity and also contribute significantly to the economic growth.
According to him, “having an edifice is imperative for the organisation in order to meaningfully contribute its quota to the nation’s commonwealth.’’
