The Federal Government has moved to strengthen its engagement with Nigeria’s creative industry as part of efforts to promote national security, public awareness, and social cohesion, with the Ministry of Interior describing filmmakers, actors, and other creatives as key partners in shaping public perception and supporting national development.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday while receiving the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, and members of his delegation during a courtesy visit to his office.
The minister said collaboration between government institutions and the creative sector would improve public enlightenment, strengthen advocacy, and help counter misinformation on government programmes and policies.
Congratulating Rollas on his re-election as guild president, Tunji-Ojo commended his leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative industry, describing the sector as a powerful platform for driving positive social change.
He stressed that government was determined to leverage the influence of entertainers and content creators to promote patriotism, national unity, and responsible citizenship among Nigerians.
The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms across agencies under the Ministry of Interior, particularly in the correctional system.
According to him, investments in rehabilitation programmes, vocational training, education, and skills acquisition have significantly improved outcomes in correctional centres nationwide.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the number of repeat offenders dropped from about 13,000 in 2023 to around 1,000 in 2025, attributing the reduction to reforms aimed at transforming correctional centres into rehabilitation and reintegration facilities rather than mere detention centres.
“Our correctional centres are increasingly becoming truly correctional, rehabilitative and transformational institutions,” he said.
The minister also pointed to reforms in passport administration, immigration services, fire safety, and civil defence operations, adding that the government remained focused on delivering practical solutions to longstanding challenges.
“Leadership is about confronting challenges and solving problems. We do not see obstacles; we see opportunities for solutions and progress,” he stated.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, Tunji-Ojo said measurable progress had been recorded across key areas under the ministry’s supervision.
“We are not where we used to be, and that is evidence of progress,” he said, urging Nigerians to embrace collective responsibility and patriotism in building a more peaceful and secure nation.
In his remarks, Rollas commended the Federal Government’s efforts in addressing security and development challenges, and pledged the creative industry’s support for initiatives aimed at promoting national cohesion.
He said the group, under the Creative Entertainment Group for Good Governance Initiative (CEGGI), had begun mobilising stakeholders in the entertainment industry to promote messages of peace, unity, and responsible citizenship.
The meeting ended with both sides pledging closer collaboration to advance national development and strengthen public participation in efforts to build a safer country.
