The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has urged young Nigerian entrepreneurs to embrace modern technology and innovation to scale their businesses and navigate global challenges.
She made this call during the 2024 World Entrepreneurship Day (WED) held in Kaduna and organized by Reality Investments and Consulting Service Limited.
Represented by Hajiya Hadiza Ali, the Special Assistant to the President on Industries, Barrister Musawa emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s creative and fashion sectors to thrive in the global market through technology.
She noted that the internet and social media provide opportunities for unique, locally made products to gain international recognition.
The Minister highlighted a new initiative by her ministry, the Creative, Lead, Alleviation Program (CLAP), an online platform where creatives across Nigeria can register, advertise their businesses, and connect with global markets.
“It is a platform where every creative in Nigeria can go online, register their business, and advertise it, allowing people worldwide to buy, sell, and network,” she said.
Barrister Musawa expressed optimism about Nigeria’s creative industry becoming a global leader and urged entrepreneurs to embrace originality and modern practices.
She also commended the event organizers for their commitment to entrepreneurship development.
Hajiya Falmata Abacha, Senior Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor on Social Investment, also lauded Reality Investments for hosting the event for 11 consecutive years.
She noted that Governor Uba Sani is committed to supporting women and youth entrepreneurship in Kaduna State, pledging continued collaboration with organizations like Reality Investments.
Dr. Alabi Usman, Head of the Fashion Design and Clothing Technology Department at Kaduna Polytechnic, spoke on “Smart Fashion: The Intersection of Fashion and Wearable Technology.” Representing the Polytechnic’s Rector, Dr. Suleiman Umar, he emphasized how integrating technology into fashion could enhance style and functionality. He urged entrepreneurs to adopt smart fashion trends to remain competitive.
Ahmed Alhaji Hassan, the former Acting Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, presented on the financing of small-scale industries through Islamic banking.
He highlighted the bank’s efforts to support grassroots entrepreneurs with loans and encouraged proper fund management and networking to sustain their businesses.
Abubakar Yakubu Wambai, Director of Reality Investments, expressed his gratitude for the success of this year’s WED program.