The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has been supporting the government and the people of Nigeria over the years to address development challenges, has held the first in a series of development conversations with Nigerian celebrities. The series, tagged ‘CreateToDevelop’, has the aim of facilitating conversations that can constructively inform Nigeria’s development agenda. It also aims to create investment opportunities for creative young people.

The UNDP Resident Representative to Nigeria, Mohammed Yahya, stated that ‘while policies are crucial for reforms and development in any country, it is only by amplifying the psychology of progress through creative story-telling in every form that we can aspire to become a generation that believes in [our]selves to do better’. He noted that Nigeria’s creative sector has over the years played a critical role in influencing the growth of Africa’s arts and culture.

A renowned actress and activist, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who was present at the event, highlighted ‘the biggest challenge working with development organisations’ as ‘the ability to stay on an issue or a cause long enough to establish impact’. The actress continued, ‘It is our hope that whatever areas or stories UNDP commits to [it] will be consistent for longer-term engagement’.

With ten years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the conversation was an opportunity for the UNDP to listen and learn from creatives on how best to support the country’s development progress and what the creative industry can do to reposition perceptions of Nigeria among Nigerians and the rest of the world.

The top celebrities present at the event included Sola Sobowale, Ajoke Silva, Don Jazzy, Alibaba Akpobome, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Mercy Johnson, Chioma Akpotha, Yagazie ‘Gazmadu’ Eguare, Stephanie Busari, Hadiza Nyako Tukur and the award-winning filmmaker, Joel Kachi-Benson.

Source: Ventures Africa

Photo source: UNDP