By Christian Njoku
A Travel Journalist and Media Entrepreneur, Obaji Akpet, has urged Cross River to move beyond politics and civil service mindset to unlock its creative industry potential.
Akpet made the call during a one day creative sector seminar organised by the Peter Bello Foundation on Wednesday in Calabar, to mark its 10th anniversary.
The Peter Bello Foundation is a non-governmental organisation established in honor of late Capt. Peter Bello to empower young people through education and mentorship, in the arts.
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He said the state’s overreliance on government jobs had limited opportunities for creatives, stressing the need for an innovation-driven economic diversification.
According to him, creatives must also take responsibility by developing skills, avoiding complacency and embracing global standards to remain competitive.
“Infrastructure gaps and weak policy implementation further hinder growth, despite the state’s natural and cultural advantages.
Akpet highlighted opportunities in film, photography and media production, urging better use of local resources to attract international collaborations.
He said his organisation, Africa Fixers currently supports productions across over 40 African countries, creating jobs and building capacity.
Also speaking, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang, emphasised government commitment to youth development through the creative sector.
Ekpang described the industry as a critical driver of economic growth, cultural identity and global relevance for Nigeria.
He urged young creatives to balance storytelling with social responsibility, referencing ethical concerns in documentary photography.
Cofounder of the Peter Bello Foundation, Mrs Thelma Bello, encouraged youths to remain consistent, seek mentorship and refine their talents.
She advised against overdependence on relocation, noting that success could be achieved locally with dedication and continuous learning.
Bello added that the foundation would continue empowering young photographers to sustain the legacy of late Captain Peter Bello.
The seminar brought together creatives such as Otome Onoge, Maurice Otu, Israel Ophori, Michael Diala, and John Etefia, who explored opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving creative economy.
