Lagos: The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) and Ogidi Studios have called on Nigeria’s creative industry to spearhead a shift in early childhood development norms. The organisations made the call at a news conference to unveil the ‘Creative Industries Coalition for Early Childhood Development’, on Saturday in Lagos. They highlighted the first five years as the foundation of the country’s future creative and economic power.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘African Creative Industries Convening Focused on the Role of Culture, Storytelling and Creative Expression in Shaping Africa’s Youngest Children and Future Generations’, emphasized the importance of mobilizing film, music, storytelling, animation, and digital media to influence how families and communities nurture children. The Director-General of CBAAC, Mrs. Aisha Augie, explained that the coalition aims to create a national platform aligning creatives, policymakers, educators, and investors around early childhood development.
Augie emphasized that over 90 percent of brain development occurs in the first five years, underscoring the significance of nutrition, healthcare, and safe environments during this period. She highlighted the influence of Nigeria’s creative industries on societal norms, cautioning against repeated stereotypes in media that could perpetuate harmful narratives. Augie also lamented the erosion of communal child-rearing values and emphasized the importance of reaching grassroots communities through diverse channels, including radio, theatre, and community storytelling.
Mr. Adesegun Dosumu, Director of Research and Publications at CBAAC, discussed the civilizational dimension of the initiative, stressing the importance of safeguarding Africa’s cultural identity while adapting to technological changes. He pointed to early childhood investment as crucial for achieving the Federal Government’s goal of promoting a creative economy.
Yemisi Falaye, Chief Legal Officer of Ogidi Studios, highlighted the role of creative infrastructure in driving the coalition’s vision. She emphasized the power of animation in shaping young minds and assured that Ogidi Studio’s productions are family-friendly and aligned with nurturing positive values.