A Nigerian Spoken word and performing poetry artist, Dike Chukwumerije has said that Arts and craft can reduce the unemployment rate in the country if more efforts can be exerted by the government.
The Poetry Artist told newsmen at his annual poetry theatre production, entitled Made in Nigeria, held recently at Muson Centre, Lagos.
Dike, who won the 2013 Association Of Nigerian Authors prize for prose fiction, said that the government should see this as a viable platform for youths to express their creativity.
“The Arts and craft in Nigeria can create more jobs if the government can look into it. What are you saying to people who are watching us out there in terms of job creation through arts and craft?
“It is a viable option for creating jobs in this economy for highly talented young people in the arts and crafts industry.
“Government can do a lot in creating spaces for young people to flourish in their creativity, but we must also have the courage to follow our passion as individuals.
“If all of us keep becoming doctors, lawyers and bankers, the economy can never be diversified. You cannot diversify the economy from the top but from the bottom by having people with the courage to follow their passion,” Dike said.
While addressing the purpose of the production, Chukwumerije explained that there is a Nigerian identity that can be leveraged upon to build a viable nation.
“I am trying to say that there is a Nigerian identity. It exists. That we have enough shared memories and experiences from which we can construct and upon which we can build a viable nation,” He said.
Speaking also, The Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mazen Mroue explained that Arts and Culture spread the message of love, peace and respect in the country and hence the collaboration with Simple poetry.
“We believe arts and culture will help to spread the message of love, peace and respect. Arts and Culture is a key focus area for the MTN Foundation.
“We are very much impressed by the amount of young talented individuals in Nigeria. We call on all other enterprises to join MTN in supporting Arts and culture in Nigeria.
Also speaking, The Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma expressed that the theme of the production is rich in love, peace and unity, sending the message of progress and development in the country.
“The Theme talks about love, peace and unity. Nigeria is a great country. It is a message of progress and development and we are fully behind them.
“This particular one is quite unique Made in Nigeria by Dike Chukwumerije because this is you sitting in the theatre for two hours, listening to 20 poetry without even realised you are doing that because it is dramatized.
“It is very fascinating seeing these young people acting out the poetry dike has written. I believe that there are young people with talents in Nigeria and there is a need to support them.
“Being truly Nigerian company, we believe that it is important to support the career of young people in this industry,” she said.
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