The Federal Government has intensified efforts to engage Nigeria’s creative industry in promoting national security, public awareness and social cohesion, describing filmmakers, actors and other entertainment professionals as strategic partners in nation-building.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated 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 the ministry in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said stronger collaboration between government institutions and the creative sector would enhance public enlightenment campaigns, strengthen advocacy efforts and help counter misinformation surrounding government policies and programmes.
The minister congratulated Rollas on his re-election as president of the guild, commending his leadership and contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry. He described the sector as a powerful platform for influencing public attitudes and driving positive social change.
According to him, the Federal Government is committed to leveraging the reach and influence of entertainers and content creators to promote patriotism, national unity and responsible citizenship among Nigerians.
Highlighting ongoing reforms across agencies under the Ministry of Interior, Tunji-Ojo pointed to significant improvements within the nation’s correctional system, driven by increased investment in rehabilitation programmes, vocational training, education and skills acquisition initiatives.
He disclosed that the number of repeat offenders had declined sharply from about 13,000 in 2023 to approximately 1,000 in 2025, attributing the development to reforms aimed at transforming correctional facilities into centres of rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Our correctional centres are increasingly becoming truly correctional, rehabilitative and transformational institutions,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo also cited reforms in passport administration, immigration services, fire safety management and civil defence operations, stressing that the government remains focused on addressing longstanding challenges through practical and innovative solutions.
“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 persist, the minister maintained that notable progress had been recorded across key sectors 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 patriotism and collective responsibility in the pursuit of a more secure and prosperous nation.
In his remarks, Rollas praised the Federal Government’s efforts to address security and development challenges and pledged the support of the creative industry for initiatives that promote national cohesion.
He disclosed that the Creative Entertainment Group for Good Governance Initiative (CEGGI) had begun mobilising stakeholders across the entertainment industry to amplify messages that encourage peace, unity and responsible citizenship.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to closer collaboration in advancing national development goals and strengthening public participation in efforts to build a safer and more united Nigeria.
