Creative Industry Needs Grants, Better Policies to Thrive, Says World Psalmist

 

Aina Obasanjo 

Poet and spoken word artist Samuel Ogunyinka, popularly known as World Psalmist, has called on governments at all levels to provide greater support for Nigeria's creative industry through grants, fellowships, workshops and improved investment in education.

Speaking with journalists after the launch of his poetry collection, "Pages Unwritten" in Abeokuta at the weekend, the literary artist said Nigeria's creative sector has enormous potential but continues to struggle under the weight of economic hardship, insecurity and inadequate government support.

According to him, many talented Nigerians are unable to fully express their creativity because they are preoccupied with meeting basic needs.

"The rate of hunger in the country is too high. It is only when you have eaten that you can truly focus on what matters," he said.

World Psalmist urged the government to create policies that would enable creatives to thrive, stressing that financial support through grants, fellowships and capacity-building programmes would help unlock the country's vast creative potential.

"Nigerians are brilliant and hardworking people. Give us the needed support through grants, fellowships and workshops," he said.

He also called for increased funding for the education sector, describing education as the foundation for nurturing future generations of creatives and innovators.

"I would just tell the government to frustrate people less. They should invest more in education. We know what the education budget is every year. We know how low it can be, and we know that some people are even giving up on education because of the way the government treats the sector," he added.

The poet maintained that the country's economic and security challenges are limiting creativity, noting that people are more concerned about survival than pursuing their passions.

"Even the country is not safe enough — financially, mentally or physically. If people are able to live freely, peacefully and feed themselves, then you will see what we do as a passion rather than just a means of survival," he stated.

Earlier, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, described Pages Unwritten as a celebration of creativity, resilience and the power of literature to inspire positive change.

He encouraged young writers to continue using their talents to promote meaningful conversations and intellectual development.

Also speaking, publisher of a community newspaper in Ogun State, Mr Dada Olanipekun, advised emerging writers to diversify their sources of income by exploring professions such as teaching alongside writing.

He noted that financial stability is essential for creatives to flourish and encouraged young writers to attend conferences and professional development programmes to improve their skills and remain competitive in the industry.

Mr Olanipekun also urged the author to work towards having Pages Unwritten adopted as a recommended literature text in schools.