The Global President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Otunba Dr. Bolaji Amusan (JP), has described the creative industry as a critical driver of national development, social re-orientation and unity, saying it remains a strategic partner in governance and nation-building.

Amusan stated this at the TAMPAN Professional Summit and Empowerment held recently, where stakeholders across government, industry and the creative sector converged to deliberate on leadership, professionalism and the role of arts in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda.

Welcoming guests to the summit, Amusan said the gathering was designed as a platform for reflection, engagement and empowerment, stressing that the creative industry goes beyond entertainment to shaping values, projecting culture and strengthening national cohesion.

He noted that the theme of the summit, “The Right Man in Governance – Advancing Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” was deliberately chosen to underscore the importance of effective leadership in strengthening institutions and restoring public confidence.

The TAMPAN president paid glowing tribute to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as a reform-driven leader who has brought innovation, clarity and renewed purpose to one of Nigeria’s most sensitive ministries.

According to him, Tunji-Ojo’s tenure has been marked by far-reaching reforms driven by technology, transparency and accountability, particularly in identity management, immigration and passport administration.

“Under his stewardship, passport service delivery has improved remarkably, immigration processes have been modernised, and public confidence has been restored in systems that affect millions of Nigerians at home and abroad,” Amusan said.

He added that beyond reforms, the minister has demonstrated uncommon courage by insisting on standards, accountability and national interest, aligning his performance with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through measurable and sustainable outcomes.

Amusan explained that the honour associated with the summit was not commercialised, noting that since its introduction in 2016, it has been conferred on only three Nigerians—Mr. Tope Agbeyo; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He disclosed that Tunji-Ojo would become the fourth recipient of the recognition, describing it as an affirmation of exceptional performance, integrity and service to the nation.

Representing the Minister of Interior at the event, former Ondo State Commissioner, Hon. Dayo Awude, who received the TAMPAN Man of the Year award on his behalf, said his passion for culture and arts was rooted in his academic background.

Awude revealed that he studied archaeology, describing himself as a student of culture who understands the role of heritage, creativity and identity in national development.

On the creative industry, he urged practitioners to uphold professionalism, originality and creativity, while discouraging excessive repetition in movie content.

“They are doing excellently well, but they can do better by being more creative and more original,” he said.

He also called on government to support the sector through deliberate policies, including the establishment of theatre villages across states and the provision of funding and loan facilities to enable practitioners finance their projects.

Speaking on reforms in the Interior Ministry, Awude highlighted the clearance of over 200,000 passport backlogs within three weeks as a major milestone, stressing that access to a Nigerian passport is a fundamental right of every citizen.

He explained that the introduction of e-gates at airports in Lagos and Abuja, improved border security and reforms in correctional facilities have transformed service delivery, reduced human contact and enhanced efficiency.

“The minister has demonstrated capacity and shown that Nigeria can work again if leaders are willing and ready to do the right thing,” he said.

Also speaking at the summit, popular Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo, described the Yoruba segment of Nollywood as possessing “the gold” of the industry, citing its authenticity, cultural depth and global appeal.

According to Adebayo, Yoruba films reflect core values and traditions that resonate internationally, adding that the dominance of cinemas in the South-West further strengthens the commercial viability of Yoruba content.

He urged practitioners to package their content strategically to maximise global opportunities.

On his latest project, Adebayo announced the release of the trailer for Agesinkole 2, describing the film as a continuation of epic storytelling that promotes Yoruba culture and values.

“The first part was a prologue to global acceptance of epic stories. The second part will be out this December, and I’m excited because it promotes our culture,” he said.

The summit ended with a call on practitioners to embrace professionalism, unity and higher standards, while aligning creativity with national purpose in support of Nigeria’s development aspirations.