Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has attributed the growth of the creative industry in the state to its notorious traffic. Speaking at PODFEST Naija, Hamzat noted that Lagosians consume a significant amount of content, including podcasts, music, and films, while stuck in traffic. He cited busy corridors such as Ojota to Obalende and the Third Mainland Bridge as areas where residents spend a considerable amount of time in traffic.
Hamzat stated that the state's creative industry has flourished as a result of its traffic, with many residents producing content that is consumed by others during their commute. He described traffic as a lifestyle in Lagos, adding that it has inadvertently become a patron of the creative industry. According to him, the story of Lagos was often told by others in headlines about traffic, crowds, and chaos, but the state is now telling its own stories through its creative community.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of safety and liberty to creativity, stating that creativity flourishes when people feel safe. He added that the state is supporting innovation through funding, backing research and development projects across various sectors, including health, education, mobility, film, technology, climate, and culture. Hamzat noted that gone are the days of great ideas and no funding, as the state is now providing support for creators.
Hamzat urged creators and storytellers to build sustainable businesses from their work, rather than relying solely on audiences. He stressed that a podcast with a million listeners and no business model is just a hobby with a good microphone. According to him, too many creators still cannot turn their audience into income, and therefore need to develop a business model to monetize their content.
The Deputy Governor encouraged creators to build businesses, protect their intellectual property, and tell Lagos stories with excellence and integrity. He emphasized that the world is listening and that creators should take ownership of their work. Hamzat added that Lagos is now telling its own story, and the people telling it in a serious way are part of the creative community.
Hamzat's remarks were made at PODFEST Naija, where he shared his thoughts on the creative industry and its growth in Lagos. The event was attended by members of the creative community, including podcasters, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, developers, and entrepreneurs. The Deputy Governor's speech was well-received, with many attendees likely to take his advice on board.
The Lagos State Government's support for the creative industry is part of its efforts to promote innovation and economic growth. By providing funding and backing research and development projects, the state is creating an environment that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship. As the creative industry continues to grow in Lagos, it is likely to have a positive impact on the state's economy and reputation.
Key points
- Lagos traffic drives content consumption and growth in the creative industry.
- The state's creative industry can only flourish when people feel safe.
- Creators need to develop sustainable businesses from their work to monetize their content.
