ALLI'S ₦10 BILLION YOUTH FUND: WHERE ARE THE MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA INDUSTRIES IN OYO STATE'S DEVELOPMENT AGENDA?
As Senator Sharafadeen Alli unveils his OYO AHEAD manifesto ahead of the 2027 governorship election, questions are emerging over the future of Ibadan's music, entertainment and media industries.
The unveiling of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli's OYO AHEAD manifesto has generated conversations about his proposed economic transformation agenda for Oyo State. His promises include a ₦10 billion youth development fund, digital economy initiatives, entrepreneurship support and a target of increasing the state's internally generated revenue to ₦150 billion annually.
While these proposals are important, one significant area appears not to have received the specific attention it deserves: the music, entertainment and media industries.
A closer examination of the published manifesto raises questions about the absence of clearly defined plans, projections and dedicated programmes for developing these sectors, particularly in Ibadan, a city with a rich entertainment heritage and considerable creative potential.
Music and entertainment are fundamental components of cultural identity. They shape how societies express themselves, preserve their heritage, attract visitors and connect with the wider world. Beyond their cultural importance, they are also economic activities capable of creating employment, attracting investment and generating substantial business opportunities.
Ibadan has produced and nurtured musicians, entertainers, comedians, DJs, event promoters, record producers, talent managers, media practitioners and other creative professionals. Yet, the city still needs a more deliberate government-backed strategy to transform its creative energy into a structured and sustainable industry.
According to reports published by The Punch on November 4, 2026, Alli promised to establish a ₦10 billion youth fund as part of his proposed economic development agenda. His manifesto also includes digital hubs across the state's five geopolitical zones, skills development, entrepreneurship support and improved access to business financing.
These are commendable proposals. However, the critical question is how much consideration has been given to young people and businesses operating within the creative economy.
Will independent musicians, music producers, recording studios, record labels, DJs, event promoters, talent managers and entertainment entrepreneurs qualify for the proposed ₦10 billion youth fund?
What about independent publishers, bloggers, digital content creators, filmmakers, media production companies and other professionals whose businesses contribute to the state's creative and information economy?
Will there be a dedicated allocation for the creative industry? What will the eligibility requirements be? Will the proposed digital hubs accommodate music production, content development, media training and creative technology?
These are legitimate questions that deserve clear answers.
In his earlier February 2023 campaign engagement, Alli reportedly promised to encourage entertainment and sporting activities to attract foreign currency and boost the state economy. This recognition of entertainment's economic potential is encouraging. However, such a commitment needs to evolve into specific policies, funding arrangements and measurable implementation targets.
WHAT SHOULD THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY EXPECT?
A comprehensive development strategy should include dedicated funding for music and entertainment businesses, support for concerts and cultural festivals, investment in recording and production infrastructure, incentives for private entertainment investors and opportunities for local creatives to access national and international markets.
It should also recognise the contribution of media practitioners, independent digital publishers, bloggers and content creators to tourism promotion, public information, advertising and the wider economy.
Ibadan deserves an entertainment development framework capable of attracting major concerts, international music events, creative conferences and media productions while creating sustainable employment for its growing population of creative professionals.
MY CENTRAL OBSERVATION
Alli's manifesto addresses economic empowerment, digital development and youth funding, but its published commitments do not clearly explain how musicians, entertainment entrepreneurs and media practitioners will benefit.
The proposed ₦10 billion youth fund is particularly interesting. Its accessibility, sectoral allocation, eligibility criteria and implementation structure should be made clear.
This presents an opportunity to engage the Alli campaign directly, particularly from the perspective of Ibadan's entertainment and media stakeholders.
The objective should not be to dismiss the manifesto or its proposed economic initiatives. Rather, it is to demand a more inclusive and measurable commitment to an industry that has the potential to create jobs, attract investment, promote Oyo State's cultural identity and generate revenue.
Ibadan's music, entertainment and media industries should not be an afterthought in Oyo State's economic development agenda. They deserve a place at the table.
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