Renowned stand-up comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, better known as Ali Baba, has expressed his disappointment over the intentional omission of the entertainment and creative sector from the government’s economic strategies.
In a recent interview with Channels Television, Ali Baba stated that Nigerian musicians have contributed more to national consciousness than any of the country’s diplomats.
He expressed regret that despite the significant contributions of entertainers to the country, the entertainment and creative sector was not included in the government’s economic strategies.
He said, “Two years ago, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group examined a forecast of the Nigerian economy for the next five years, but the entertainment and creative industry was overlooked. A comprehensive report of about 200 pages was prepared, yet the creative industry was not taken into account. The significance of the creative industry in Nigeria transcends the country itself.”
He further added, “Burna Boy has contributed more to the Nigerian national consciousness than any diplomat assigned to America, the UK, or any other country. Thus, Nigerian artists are fostering national consciousness and promoting our nation more effectively than any diplomat could have.”