Hannatu Asheologe, the Media Officer of Gatefield Nigeria a public strategy and advocacy organisation has urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to effectively fund the arts and creative industry.
Asheologe disclosed this in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital on Friday that globally, the sector had proven to be a major employer of labour, particularly youths. She added that the arts and entertainment environment should be made more conducive for the private sector to contribute more to development of the sector.
According to her, in line with that objective, Gatefield recently engaged no fewer than 1,000 people in Abuja for Caustival 2025.
She said the event, an arts and film festival, transformed the city into a living canvas of resistance, memory, and political expression.
According to her, the event offered artists, filmmakers, activists, and citizens the opportunity to come together to explore Nigeria’s democratic struggles and the role of culture in shaping civic discourse.
Also with exhibitions from no fewer than ten artists, the festival spotlighted urgent themes of governance, state violence, and political accountability.
She added that the works reflected Nigeria’s tense political mood, but also was also garnished with imagination, satire, and hope.
One of the most interesting features of the 2025 edition, according to her, is a striking EndSARS tribute installation, marking five years since the nationwide protests against police brutality shook the country.
“The film screenings offered equally powerful reflections.
“This year’s lineup included: Freedom Way, Bad Press, and Radical Gambo Dawaba – all of which explore resistance, oppression, and civic justice.
“Each film was followed by interactive discussions that drew connections between Nigeria’s civic challenges and global struggles for social justice and democratic accountability,’’ she said.