FG Enlists Nollywood in National Security Drive, Hails Creative Industry as Key Partner in Building Safer Nigeria
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to deepen collaboration with Nigeria’s creative industry as part of a broader strategy to promote national security, public enlightenment, and social cohesion, with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing actors and content creators as critical partners in shaping public understanding and strengthening national unity.
The position was contained in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Interior and signed by Mrs. Mary Ali, anipr, Head of Press and Public Relations, following a courtesy visit by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Emeka Rollas, and his delegation to the Minister in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, Dr. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Rollas on his successful tenure and re-election as AGN President, while emphasizing the strategic role of the creative industry in communicating government policies, educating citizens, and countering misinformation.
According to the Minister, the partnership between the Ministry and stakeholders in the entertainment sector will help advance advocacy campaigns and public awareness initiatives aimed at fostering peace, security, and responsible citizenship.
“Leadership is about confronting challenges and solving problems. We do not see obstacles; we see opportunities for solutions and progress,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The Minister highlighted ongoing reforms across agencies under the Ministry, particularly within the Nigerian Correctional Service, noting that significant investments in rehabilitation, education, vocational training, and skills acquisition programmes have produced measurable results.
He disclosed that Nigeria recorded approximately 13,000 recidivists in 2023, but the figure dropped dramatically to about 1,000 by 2025.
“Our correctional centres are increasingly becoming truly correctional, rehabilitative, and transformational institutions,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also pointed to improvements in passport administration, immigration services, fire safety operations, and civil defence activities, describing the reforms as evidence of the government’s determination to tackle longstanding challenges and improve service delivery.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to national development, the Minister stressed that Nigeria had made considerable progress and urged citizens to embrace patriotism, collective responsibility, and unity in addressing national challenges.
“We are not where we used to be, and that is evidence of progress,” he said, adding that the country’s future depends on the willingness of Nigerians to work together for peace, justice, and prosperity.
In his remarks, AGN President and leader of the Creative and Entertainment Group for Good Governance Initiative (CEGGI), Mr. Emeka Rollas, commended the Federal Government’s efforts to address security and development challenges across the country.
Rollas disclosed that the group had already begun engaging stakeholders within the creative industry to support government programmes and amplify messages that promote national unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible citizenship.
“We are engaging stakeholders within the creative industry to support government initiatives and help promote messages that encourage national unity, peace and responsible citizenship,” he said.
Both parties pledged to strengthen cooperation in pursuit of national development objectives, with a shared commitment to leveraging the influence of the creative sector to foster a safer, more united, and prosperous Nigeria.
