ABEO KUTA, Nigeria — Renowned artist Aminat Olajide pressed Nigeria’s Federal Government on Saturday to establish a specialized bank for creatives, modeled after institutions supporting agriculture and industry. The proposal, she argued, would deliver targeted funding to artists, designers, writers and musicians, fueling job creation and economic growth in a youth-led field.

Olajide delivered her remarks at the launch of her Artitude 2.0 art hub in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. There, she highlighted gaps in current financial support. ‘We’ve seen the Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture,’ Olajide said. ‘But if the government can actually create something like a bank for creatives, we can take our proposals to them and they will better understand and key into them, unlike other banks.’

She pointed to disparities in grant access. Farmers often secure funding tied to food security, Olajide noted, while creative ventures struggle for attention. A dedicated bank, she said, would spotlight these industries and empower young entrepreneurs to scale operations. Nigeria’s creative sector, brimming with talent, could rival global powers with such backing, according to Olajide.

The artist praised Ogun State officials for nurturing a business-friendly climate. Still, she stressed the need for broader action to tackle youth unemployment. Her hub in Abeokuta aims to fill part of that void, offering space for local talents to collaborate and innovate.

Earlier, Oluwaseun Boye, chairwoman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Ogun State Chapter, echoed calls for policy shifts. She urged tax holidays and simplified regulations for startups and small businesses. Boye criticized Nigeria’s ‘get-rich-quick’ culture among youth, saying government aid should flow to committed builders of sustainable enterprises.

Olajide’s push comes as Nigeria’s creative economy gains momentum. The sector contributed $5 billion to GDP in 2022, per government data, with films, music and fashion leading exports. Yet access to affordable credit remains a hurdle, industry groups report. Officials have not yet responded to the bank proposal.

The Abeokuta event drew local creators, business leaders and state figures. Olajide, a veteran in Nigeria’s art scene, used the platform to blend celebration with advocacy. Her Artitude 2.0 hub features galleries, workshops and co-working areas, targeting emerging talents shut out of mainstream markets.

Boye, in her address, linked supportive policies to long-term prosperity. ‘Convenient policies and tax-free holidays will help young businesses thrive,’ she said. She called out shortcuts that undermine genuine effort, urging focus on hardworking innovators.

Olajide’s initiative spotlights a broader conversation. Creative leaders across Nigeria have lobbied for tailored finance since 2020, citing successes in countries like South Africa with arts development banks. No timeline exists for federal action.