By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Stakeholders in Cross River’s creative sector have called for a decisive shift from an overdependence on government employment to a more innovation-driven economy, as the state seeks to harness opportunities in the arts and media industries.
The call was made by travel journalist and media entrepreneur Obaji Akpet during a one-day creative sector seminar in Calabar, organised by the Peter Bello Foundation to mark its 10th anniversary.
Akpet argued that Cross River must move beyond what he described as a “politics and civil service mindset,” warning that the state’s heavy reliance on government jobs has stifled growth and limited opportunities for young creatives.
He stressed the need for deliberate economic diversification anchored on innovation, noting that while the state is rich in cultural and natural assets, weak policy implementation and infrastructure gaps continue to hinder the sector’s growth.
According to him, creatives must also take responsibility by honing their skills, avoiding complacency and aligning with global standards to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected industry.
Akpet identified film, photography and media production as key growth areas, urging practitioners to better leverage local content and resources to attract international collaborations. He added that his organisation, Africa Fixers, currently supports productions in over 40 African countries, helping to create jobs and build capacity.
Also speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, reaffirmed government commitment to youth development through the creative industry, describing the sector as a vital driver of economic growth, cultural identity and global relevance.
Ekpang urged young creatives to balance storytelling with social responsibility, drawing attention to ethical considerations, particularly in documentary photography.
In her remarks, co-founder of the foundation, Thelma Bello, encouraged participants to remain consistent, seek mentorship and continuously refine their talents, noting that success can be achieved locally without overreliance on relocation.
She added that the foundation would sustain efforts to empower emerging photographers, in line with the vision of its late namesake, Captain Peter Bello.
The seminar attracted a cross-section of creatives, including Otome Onoge, Maurice Otu, Israel Ophori, Michael Diala and John Etefia, who examined emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving creative economy.
