By Cliffsimeon Akalonu
The umbrella body of Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) in a press release made available to journalists recently stated that they are totally confident on the implementation committee for post COVID-19 initiatives committee on the creative industry led by Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General National Council for Arts and Culture.
The release which was signed by Mr. Tade Adeyemi (DJ Kool) and Comrade Sebatian Ikpoza (DJ Desert Storm), National President and National Secretary of the Association respectively stated that as Countries all over the world continue to engage their younger generation, especially Youths in Nation Building and reduction of Unemployment, the Deejay Profession has been a major player; as the Entertainment Industry especially night life globally is largely controlled by the Deejay Profession. From Clubs to Lounges, concerts, Events, Pubs, Bars, Street, Radio Stations, Television Stations, online and so on. Employing millions of people globally, as Nigeria has the highest number of DJs in Africa, comfortably garnering about twenty thousand registered members evev as we continue to register more.
It also said, in a research work on the Creative Industry conducted by the veteran Ali Baba led Committee, the Deejays Association members were the first runner up as respondents to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the creative industry.
As it is obvious that the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) Members were massively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with catastrophic loss to our members as our source of income and sustenance was halted in all ramifications. Financial Loss for our members was unquantifiable, running into hundreds of Millions. While we shall remain committed to playing our positive roles in Nation Building and reduction of Unemployment in Nigeria, We remain resolute at working with relevant Stakeholders and Government officials for a more vibrant and productive Creative Industry.
It further stated that the Runsewe led Committee inaugurated by the Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed few weeks ago, rolled out a comprehensive list of sub Committees to capture the entire gamut of the sector, with intent to address the needs and expectations of the players.
In the press briefing in an enlarged virtual meeting, the National Executives and Board of Trustees unanimously pass A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on the Honourable Minister for Culture and Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed and Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe. As we are convinced in his capacity to carry out his mandate with a great sense of patriotism, inclusiveness and result oriented.
We do hereby pledge our unalloyed support for the success of this project even to the grassroot. The Creative Industry had never had it so good, with a round peg in a round hole.