23/04/2026
The Creative Sector: The Missing Piece in the Nasarawa Political Agenda
As the political landscape in Nasarawa State begins to take shape with various blueprints and agendas, there is a glaring, deafening silence regarding one of the state's most vital organs: The Creative Economy.
We have seen extensive plans for traditional infrastructure, but we have yet to see a clear roadmap for the digital and creative infrastructure that powers the lives of our youths. From the photographers capturing politicians, the musicians voicing their aspirations to the content creators, drone pilots, and graphic designers these are the individuals who currently build the image of most politicians and they are creatives
It is deeply discouraging to witness the current misplacement of priorities in our social and political space. While dedicated creatives have labored passionately to put Nasarawa on the global map often using their own meager resources without a single shred of recognition or reward we see a different standard for others.
We see a system where "mannerless touts," whose only contribution is using social media to abuse elders and incite discord, are rewarded with millions of naira, motorbikes, or cars. This sends a dangerous message to the next generation: that noise and disrespect are more profitable than talent and hard work. A leadership that rewards toxicity while ignoring productivity is a leadership that is failing its youth.
Any political agenda that excludes the creative sector is, by extension, telling the youth, "You are not in our plans." In an era where the world has shifted to a digital-first economy, the creative industry is the largest employer of young minds. To ignore this sector is to ignore the primary source of livelihood for thousands of Nasarawaโs brightest.
We do not just need promises of "youth empowerment" in a general sense; we need specific policies that address:
1. Creative Hubs & Infrastructure: Dedicated spaces for training, equipment access, and collaboration.
2. Funding & Grants: Transitioning from "handouts" to sustainable investment in creative startups and productions.
3. Intellectual Property Protection: Ensuring our artists and creators can monetize their work within the state and beyond.
Helping the creative sector is not a favor to the youth; it is a strategic investment in the state itself. When our musicians thrive, they sing the praises of our culture. When our photographers and drone pilots are empowered, they showcase our landscapes and urban development to the world.
The Nasarawa Expo movement remains committed to the promotion of our regional heritage and the discipline of our youth. However, we cannot do it alone. We are calling on all aspiring leaders and political stakeholders to:
1. Release a clear Creative Industry Policy as part of your manifesto.
2. Engage with creative stakeholders to understand the peculiar challenges of the digital economy.
3. Recognize the "Orange Economy" (the creative sector) as a core pillar of Nasarawaโs future GDP.
We are no longer in an era where creativity is a "hobby." It is a business, it is a career, and for the Nasarawa youth, it is the future. If you want the support of the youth, you must support the dreams that keep them awake at night.
Francis Mark Elayo ( Vorgan )
Convener, Nasarawa Expo
Nasarawa Opdate Blog
