By Ikenna Osuoha
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, says the creative sector in Nigeria is the second largest employer of labour for citizens.

Abbas stated this in Abuja while declaring open public hearing on the bill for an Act to provide for Establishment of National Institute for Film and Media Technology, Ukawu, Ebonyi.

The Speaker, represented by Rep. Amos Magaji, representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba federal constituency, said the sector had the potential to create additional 2.7 million jobs.

“This indicates that the creative economy worldwide contributes over 6.1 per cent to global gross domestic product (GDP), averaging between 2 per cent and 7 per cent of national GDPs,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bill was presented by Rep. Osi Nkemkamma, representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency, Ebonyi.

Abbas said the Bill was in line with their Legislative Agenda, re-affirming their commitment to reforming and modernising the technical education system to equip students with relevant skills to thrive in today’s economy.

He said that the skills would enable the students to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Abbas reiterated the determination of the House to ensuring that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and renewable energy was mainstreamed into the curriculum of technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

He stressed the need for them not to fail the younger generation with required skills as he called for incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the training process.

“We must not be found wanting in the fulfillment of our commitments.

“We would have failed if we did not provide our children with the opportunities that they need to achieve their purposes and become fulfilled as human beings.

“The world is already running away with Artificial Intelligence.

“We cannot be left behind. Education is the bedrock of development, and the need for educational institutions that will develop the skills of our people ought to have been addressed yesterday.”

Also speaking, Rep. Fatoba Olusola, Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, reiterated the imperatives of investing on film and media sector.

Olusola said that the film and media sector had the capacity to take the youths out of the streets and boost the economy.

Different stakeholders from the information and Media industry were present at the public hearing including the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, who was represented by Deputy Editor in Chief Ismail Abdulaziz.

NAN reports that the bill provides for job-specific and practical training, utilising modern methods of skill development, align with industry best practices.

It also proposes the functions and powers, staff structure, and financial provisions that demonstrated a comprehensive approach to establishing a world-class institution.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz