Film Industry Key To Youth Empowerment, GDP Growth, Says Balarabe
The Kaduna State Government has restated its commitment to supporting the creative industry as part of its broader youth empowerment and economic development strategy.
Speaking on Tuesday night at the opening of the 8th Kaduna International Film Festival, the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said the creative industry had become a vital driver of growth in Nigeria and Kaduna State would continue to harness its potential.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Youth Development, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, said the state recognised the creative sector as Central to its development agenda, particularly in providing jobs for young people, stimulating tourism, and opening opportunities for entrepreneurship.
“It gives me great joy to join you at the opening of the Kaduna International Film Festival. I congratulate the organisers for their resilience and consistency in hosting these annual debates, which have become one of the strong voices of creativity in our state and in our nation,” she said.
The Deputy Governor described the theme of this year’s festival, “Film for Social Change”, as both timely and profound, stressing that film is not merely a medium of entertainment but a powerful tool for shaping society.
She noted that Nigeria’s film and music industries have become major contributors to the economy, creating jobs and lifting communities.
She said, “Film is not just a medium of entertainment; it speaks to the conscience of society, it shapes value, it educates, and it inspires action. Nollywood has proven this.
“Today, our film and music industry contributes over ₦1.3trn to Nigeria’s GDP and employs more than 4.2 million Nigerians. These are not just numbers. They represent lives being touched, jobs being created, and communities being lifted.
“Here in Kaduna, we recognise the creative industry as a vital driver of growth. We see it as providing great jobs for the youth, stimulating tourism, and opening doors of opportunity for entrepreneurs.”
Balarabe emphasised that Kaduna’s young people have the energy, talent, and creativity to thrive but require the right platforms to showcase their skills.
The Deputy Governor commended the organisers of KADIFF for their vision and perseverance, saying their efforts had enriched the cultural life of Kaduna and Nigeria at large.
She also used the occasion to call on corporate sponsors, development partners, and philanthropists to invest more in the festival and the creative sector.
“Our young people have the energy and talent. What they need are platforms such as this festival to showcase their skills and connect with wider markets. This is why Kaduna State remains committed to supporting the creative sector as part of our broader strategy to empower youths for economic activities.
“I commend the organisers of this festival for their vision and perseverance. Year after year, they have sustained an event that enriches our cultural life,” she said.
“I call on sponsors, partners, and well-meaning individuals to step forward and support this festival. By investing here, you are not only promoting art and culture but also strengthening an industry that has the potential to generate millions more and billions of jobs for Nigerians,” she stated.
The PUNCH reports that the Kaduna International Film Festival, now in its 8th edition, has become one of the leading cultural events in Northern Nigeria.
This year’s festival, which runs from August 26 to 30, features screenings of films from more than 15 countries, masterclasses, panel discussions, cultural exhibitions, workshops, awards, and a new skill acquisition programme in partnership with ELS Empowerment Foundation.
Festival Executive Director Israel Kashim Audu had earlier in his remarks explained that the 2025 edition was designed to highlight the transformative power of cinema.
“Film remains one of the most powerful tools for storytelling and advocacy. It is a persuasive art form capable of entertaining, educating, and ultimately inspiring people to take meaningful action,” he said in his welcome address.
Audu added that the festival aimed not only at providing entertainment but also at sparking conversations around justice, equity, human rights, and inclusion.
He stressed that the support of government and private sector stakeholders remained critical to sustaining the festival’s impact.
The festival is supported by Afrexim Bank, First Bank, the MacArthur Foundation, Africa Magic, MTN, Lipton, Air Peace Airline, the European Union, the Embassy of Finland, and several local partners.
Film Industry Key To Youth Empowerment, GDP Growth, Says Balarabe is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
