By PRISCA SAM-DURU- Literature

Recent arts, culture and literary events in the country are eloquent proof of the great impact the sector could have on the economy if only artists and stakeholders are given maximum support.

It is in recognition of this fact that more corporate organisations are beginning to show interest in supporting the  promotion of works that impact positively on both the image and economy of Nigeria.

One of the few surprising entrants in the world of sponsorship of art related events is Peugeot Nigeria. For 3 years, Peugeot has lent its unwavering support to the hosting of Ake Arts and Books Festival and has pledged more support for any artist or platforms that are committed to positively projecting the country globally.

According to Head Corporate Communication Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Mr Haroun Malami, who spoke on the essence of the art sector in the development of the country, said that the art industry has the full capability to drive economic growth in Nigeria if artists and stakeholders are given the maximum support.

•Prof Ngugi Wa Thiong’o and Haroun Malami at Ake festival

He explained that “Peugeot has been in this country for more than 4 decades and has contributed to the economic development of Nigeria. We are involved in a lot of corporate social responsibility that is targeted towards life improvement, economic development, skill acquisition, and support of the art and artists of Nigeria.

The arts is based on experience and is dynamics and this means we share the same vision in the art and artists. We have developed the capacity to support art, while projecting potential industry and skill development of artists as well as their recognition at global stage. We feel its our responsibility to support the industry and the key players who are talented and skillful in their art to promote the trade.

So the artists and the industry are dear to us. For instance, Peugeot has been supporting Ake Festival for 3 years now and apart from rendering this support, the company has been supporting the Nigeria Movie industry through our support to filmmakers. One of them is Kunle Afolayan and we are looking forward to supporting artists with unique skills to project Nigeria by providing logistics, cash donations etc.

Responding to what informed the company’s sudden interest in supporting art, Malami said, “The business of assembling cars “from start to finish is art because its based on individual’s experience, skill, dynamics with the experience of the assemblers.

The design of each car is artistic in nature. That’s why we are interested in arts especially since we are looking at specific industries with meaningful impact on economy. While rendering support, Peugeot considers the genuineness, seriousness, commitment and proposal, to ensure the best is projected globally.”