Gatefield Nigeria urges FG to invest in arts and creative sector as Caustival 2025 highlights resistance, civic justice and youth engagement in Abuja
Gatefield urges FG invest creative industry resources to expand Nigeria’s cultural and economic potential, as the organisation concluded the 2025 edition of Caustival in Abuja.
The event engaged over 1,000 participants, drawing attention to how art, film, and activism can shape national conversations on democracy, justice, and governance.
Hannatu Asheologe, Media Officer of Gatefield Nigeria, made the call on Friday in Abuja, stressing that the creative sector remains one of the most impactful avenues for youth employment globally.
She said that while the industry has demonstrated potential as a major employer, particularly for young Nigerians, more effort is needed to provide a supportive environment for private investment.
“The arts and entertainment environment should be made more conducive for the private sector to contribute more,” Asheologe stated, urging the Federal Government and stakeholders to prioritise funding and institutional support for the sector.
Gatefield’s flagship cultural initiative, Caustival 2025, transformed the capital into what Asheologe described as a “living canvas of resistance, memory, and political expression.”
The event gathered artists, filmmakers, activists, and citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic evolution and the power of culture in civic dialogue.
A standout feature of this year’s festival was a striking EndSARS tribute installation marking five years since the nationwide anti-police brutality protests of 2020.
The installation, along with exhibitions from ten contemporary artists, confronted urgent themes such as state violence, governance, and political accountability.
While much of the art mirrored Nigeria’s complex political landscape, the event also embraced satire, imagination, and optimism, offering a multi-dimensional experience for attendees.
The film segment of the festival featured powerful documentaries and narratives including Freedom Way, Bad Press, and Radical Gambo Dawaba.
These works explored themes of oppression, civil resistance, and justice. Each screening was followed by interactive conversations linking Nigeria’s civic struggles with global movements for democracy and equity.
Asheologe said that festivals like Caustival play a crucial role in not only preserving creative freedom but also pushing the boundaries of civic education and engagement.
With growing interest from youth and civil society, she reaffirmed Gatefield’s commitment to promoting culture as a tool for social change and political accountability.
She called on the government to recognise the creative economy as a vital component of national development and to ensure that institutional support matches the sector’s transformative potential.
Business3 years ago
