Communique issued by “Think Tank on Nigeria’: A Policy Advocacy on July 5, 2022 with focus on Youth engagement

PREAMBLE

The “Think Tank On Nigeria(TTON)” organization is a policy advocacy platform with over 250 members of various professions drawn from the different geo-political zones of Nigeria. We discuss and analyse Nigerian policies and politics with the aim of proffering solutions to developmental challenges that the country might be faced with. Rich contributions are made by experts in different fields which could be converted to veritable actions if adopted, in order to bring needed positive changes. The deliberation held was a continuation of the first Communique by the organization – Communique No. TTON/1/2022 – which centered on Youth Engagement.

The sectors which engage the youths the most were highlighted in the Communique and these were Sports, Education, Entertainment, Politics, Agriculture, Industrialization, ICT and the Cottage industry. Thus, this particular discussion was aimed at identifying those factors that prevent the entertainment and sports sectors from being put to maximum use in engaging youths. It was moderated by Engr. Dideolu Falobi, the Convener of the Platform

OBSERVATIONS

The participants observed that:

1. ENTERTAINMENT
2. Nigeria is blessed with many talented youths who are very passionate and more interested

in exploring this sector. This is evident in the burgeoning number of youths who are into music,

comedy, movies etc. If harnessed, entertainment could become a trade which would increase the

country’s GDP.

2. The sector faces so many challenges, among which are Piracy, Devaluation of Naira,

inconsistency of government policies, lack of originality, inadequate expertise in digital marketing,

Poor content, lack of prerequisite structures for success and poor funding.

3. Though the sector could be good and beneficial, there is too much immorality, thus defeating

the objectives of sustainable development of youths. Hence, the high rate of depression, suicide

use of drugs and other associated vices amongst Entertainers.

4. The cost implication of literary entertainment (Production, Distribution, Advertisement etc.)

continues to serve as a clog in the sector’s wheel of progress.

5. Entertainment has the potential to employ a lot of youths if properly structured and funded.
6. Jingle-songs dominate in music and it is limited by lack of the massive spread character and

professional-intellectual contents that speak to the upper economic echelons of the society.

Getting messages across to people in this category is crucial in getting a greater share of

international market of listeners, sponsors etc.

1. SPORTS:
2. This sector provides lots of benefits not just to the economy but to the general populace in

terms of the health of the body and the mind as well as discipline even though it could be

competitive and monetised.

2. The most targeted sporting activity in Nigeria has been football, leaving out other sports like

handball, volleyball, basketball, boxing, wrestling, athletics etc some of which used to be popular

in the country. Even local football has been relegated to the background!!!

3. There is need to create an engagement pyramid for sports despite our limited resources.

KEY RESOLUTIONS/CONSENSUS OUTCOME

1. ENTERTAINMENT
2. The Government needs to help implement policies that favour the entertainment industry

personnels/ stakeholders for higher profitability e.g. film production, trademark and patent policy,

label protection and so on. These policies will aid proper regulation and monitor value standard

such as Entertainment Ratings. This would be based on consumers’ perception and critical

analysis by industry experts. These experts will proffer solutions on how to change the narrative

using controlled scripting or type of storytelling to attract producers e.g. giving support grants to

initiators of a particular type of story or script.

2. Creativity thrives only in a conducive environment. Thus, the government should shift focus to

policies that provide environment for entertainment to thrive. The steady devaluation of Naira and

bad economy frustrates the efforts of youths in this sector. Thus, the government should

implement policies that will improve the economy of the country.

3. People in entertainment should optimise best practices while guiding against lack of originality

and poor content. If looking deeper into the African culture will inspire originality, then content

should be sourced from our rich culture.

4. The skill of digital marketing should be acquired and engaged, as it helps in the marketing of

ideas and products as well as in the packaging and presentation of services

5. Effective systems, structures and processes will go a long way in elevating the sector.
6. There is need for restructuring. The sector should look into centralization of production just like

the developed countries where nearly every production is done in one place (America – Hollywood

and Britain – Pinewood.). Thus, a brand should be created and projected to integrate the

aspirations of the Individual, the Corporation, and the Community.

7. The government should support the sector through funds, subsidies, grants and other direct

incentives as exemplified by leading economies around the World e.g. America.

1. SPORTS
2. The government should implement policies that will aid talent development from pre-teenage

years, as well as creation of facilities and culture for general sports participation. These should

include empowering of teams and academies for different age brackets, where they can access

trainings and develop their talent.

2. Parents also need to, and should be encouraged to support their children who have interest in

sports.

3. The government should work on the privatization of football- Nigeria flagship sport and all other

sports while the Government remains as a regulator.

4. The Federal, State and Local governments should also encourage the sector by providing at

least a good stadium for each town, ensuring that every student from primary school get involved

in at least 2 sporting activities. In addition, local governments should be mandated to have a

department for sporting activities.

5. The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) should also create a department for sports and sporting

activities and ensure that commercial banks follow suit.

6. The state and local governments must be proactive and innovative in seeking sponsorship from

the private sector as CSR programmes.

7. The government should come up with well-thought out legislations that would persuade the

private sector to provide sponsorship for sports while enabling control, transparency and

accountability to the government which should provide solid incentives for investors in this sector.

8. Platforms should be established by the government, charged with coming up with sporting

activities that can keep youths busy during school vacations.

9. The government should ensure that the education sector restores inter-house sports and inter-

school sports competitions at Local Governments, State and Federal Government Level. Age

grade competition in all sports should also be restored as part of talent development and

identification process.

10. Housing and Estate agencies should ensure that there are, at the least, moderately equipped

sport centres in estates and neighbourhoods.

Endorsed by:

1. Engr. Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, FloD
2. Temitope Olofinsawo
3. Oluseye Ekun
4. Dr. Adegboyega Ehinmowo
5. Femi Adetunji-Teniola
6. Pst (Engr) Sunday Ojemoron
7. Engr. Olusegun Afolabi
8. Engr. Adekunle Bello
9. Rotimi Benjamin
10. Comrade Ahmed
11. Philip Adewunmi
12. Arikhan Peter, CEO Smartcheck Security
13. Elsie Ezekiel
14. Richard Oladotun Agbaje
15. Oni J. Oluwole
16. Olojo Ayokunle Sunday
17. Prince Folagbade Kudehinbu
18. Engr. David Adeyeye
19. Adepoju Akinleye Caleb
20. Leke Bodunrin
21. Engr. Solomon Okogun
22. Egr. Oguara Rankins
23. Emeka Madu
24. Omosewa Arowolo, GMNSE
25. George Udoh, SEF-HKS
26. Simon Jael Amarachi
27. Oluwaseun Babafemi
28. Engr. Adeshina Osinloye
29. Adebusuyi Tobiloba Adeleye
30. Tajin Olusegun Taire
31. Oluwadunsin Mobolaji Olugbenga
32. Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji
33. Sunday Toyin Abidemi
34. Engr. Akinwande
35. Oladipo Yinka
36. Engr. Anas Suleiman
37. Isiaka Lawal

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