Cross River State is poised to benefit from a significant investment in the creative and digital economy. The Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative and Enterprises (i-DICE) program is valued at $617 million. This news was announced by Fegho Umunubo, Special Assistant to the President on Creatives and Digital Economy (Office of the Vice President), during a press briefing at the recent World Creative and Innovation Day conference.
The Special Assistant emphasized the presidency’s recognition of the creative sector’s potential for job creation and economic growth. Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu of Cross River expressed his enthusiasm for the i-DICE initiative and pledged continued support for the state’s creative sector during a courtesy visit from the delegation.
The i-DICE program aims to empower individuals in the digital and creative fields by providing them with skill development, infrastructure, and access to financing. Cross River State, along with others, is expected to benefit from this initiative through the creation of hubs and training programs that will up skill beneficiaries to meet international standards.
The importance of human capital development as a foundation for a thriving economy was a central theme at the World Creativity and Innovation Day conference. Experts highlighted this critical factor during discussions held at the Prof. Eyo Ita building conference hall.
The event featured a distinguished team, including Fegho Umunubo; Great Ogban Usetu, Director General of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA); Peter Egbede, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment; and Prof. Peter Oti, Economic Adviser to the Cross River State Governor. Mr. Usetu emphasized the crucial role creatives play in driving national economies while acknowledging the contributions of all speakers, panelists, and participants within the state’s creative sector.
The conference included interactive elements such as panel sessions and displays showcasing creativity by industry practitioners.
