Key Takeaways
- Vice President Kashim Shettima appealed to Northern creative professionals to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election for national unity and fairness.
- Shettima assured the group that the Tinubu administration would continue to bolster the Northern entertainment industry through creative economy initiatives.
- The "Triple-R For Renewed Hope" delegation, representing Northern performing artists, pledged unwavering support for Tinubu and all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 elections.
- Senior APC figures, including Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, highlighted the administration's achievements and fair treatment of the North.
- The artists' group requested federal government support for infrastructure development and improved welfare within the Northern creative sector.
ABUJA – Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has launched a significant appeal to Northern-based professionals in Nigeria's vibrant creative industry, urging their full support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. Speaking during an audience with the "Triple-R For Renewed Hope" delegation, a coalition of Northern Performing Artists, Shettima underscored the importance of regional backing for the President, framing it as crucial for national unity and equitable development.
The Vice President, addressing the gathering at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign office in Abuja, assured the artists that the Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the growth of the entertainment industry across the Northern region. He highlighted that the federal government, under President Tinubu's leadership, is actively implementing policies specifically designed to empower local talent, safeguard cultural heritage, and generate substantial economic opportunities through the creative arts. This strategic focus, he noted, is an integral part of the administration's broader "Renewed Hope Agenda."
Empowering the Northern Creative Economy
Nigeria's creative industry, particularly in the North, holds immense potential, with sectors like Kannywood (the Hausa-language film industry) already making significant cultural and economic contributions. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and a need for enhanced training persist. Shettima's engagement with the artists signals the government's recognition of this sector's strategic importance, not just for cultural expression but also as a vital engine for job creation and economic diversification.
The Vice President emphasized that reciprocal support from Northern stakeholders is essential for the seamless execution of the administration's transformative agenda. He reiterated the federal government's intention to roll out targeted interventions aimed at directly supporting regional artists, filmmakers, and musicians, ensuring that the benefits of national development reach every corner of the country.
APC Leaders Reinforce Call for Unity and Performance
Echoing Shettima's sentiments, other prominent APC leaders present at the meeting reinforced the call for sustained support. Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, stated that President Tinubu's re-election in 2027 would be predicated on tangible facts and verifiable achievements. He urged support groups and individuals to evaluate the administration's performance objectively, dismissing claims from political opponents regarding the North's alleged exclusion from appointments and projects. Yari maintained that the region has been treated fairly and remains an indispensable part of Nigeria's democratic journey.
Aminu Bello Masari, Deputy Director General, Parliamentary Mobilization, and former Katsina State Governor, thanked the creative professionals for their commitment to supporting all APC candidates. He stressed that the administration's policies are positively impacting creative industries, encouraging professionals to leverage these enhanced opportunities for personal and communal advancement. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Kano State Governor and APC National Chairman, also expressed gratitude, advocating for justice, fairness, and inclusiveness to ensure Tinubu's re-election. He lauded "Triple-R For Renewed Hope" as one of the most organic support groups for the APC nationwide, emphasizing the need for infrastructure and training for aspiring artists in the region.
Artists Pledge Unwavering Support and Seek Government Partnership
Alhaji Dauda Kahutu Rarara, President of "Triple-R For Renewed Hope,\