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By Amanda Dike

Frank Nweke Jr, the Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance is showing that his plans for the creative space goes beyond campaign promises.

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In the past few weeks and months, he has been available to celebrate and support the work of young creatives in the State. From the Coal City Art Exhibition, to the Eastern Nigerian International Film Festival, the Food and Fashion Festival, Vote with your Voice (a singing competition to drive political awareness and participation) and the presentation of a Stage Play by the Ijele Renaissance Theatre group, Frank has shown that he is deeply interested in the growth of the industry.

We can immediately trace his resolute support back to his antecedents in his previous public, private and civic roles.

As Minister, he was particular about how Nigeria was portrayed to the international community through the film sector, working with the industry and the censors board to craft narratives that show the country in good light.

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As Director-General of the NESG, he introduced emerging leaders forum to engage young Nigerians, the Creative industries forum amongst other stimulating forums for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

You will also recall that he was the Chairman on the Advisory Board of iCREATE Africa, who travelled across Nigeria to promote the development of vocational skills through competitions and advocacy initiatives.

He is an acclaimed lover of the arts and a collector as well.

In several engagements, he has lauded the potential of the creative industry to drive the renaissance of the Igbo culture and values, engender social integration and human capital development and exponentially boost economic growth in the way it connects with other sectors of the economy.

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Currently, the Creative sector contributes 1.45% to the Nigerian GDP, which is below the global average of 4.5%.

With the unique advantages Enugu has in terms of topography, a teeming young population and a rich culture and history, a man of foresight such as Frank Nweke Jr is the catalysing effect that Enugu needs to become the creative hub of the Southeast and indeed, one to reckon with in Nigeria and Africa.