Entertainment: Why Costume Designers Should Be Supported; 'United Nation has declared this year 2021 as the year of creative economy, the event is our own way of following this lead' -CDGN Lagos Chair Mrs Akinyemi

Mrs Joy Osawaru Akinyemi is a costume designer and Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of the Costume Designers Guild of Nigeria, CDGN. She was the former National financial secretary of the guild, a production designer and property manager.

Like her Egba husband, the Benin, Edo State born elegant wife of famous political activist, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi is a minister of God and relationship consultant. She speaks with SECURITY MONITOR’s Editor-in-Chief, Wale Abideen recently where she emphasizes the social economy and political contribution of the costume designers as she appeals for supports over CDGN upcoming event.

What are the aims and objectives of CDGN?

Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN) is an association, constituted by various department of fashion designing, including the make up artists, costume designers, set designers etc.

The aims and objectives of the guild are: To establish professional working conditions and inter-relationship for members. And to protect the interest and right of members within the Nigeria Nation and in compliance with the Nigeria constitution and all related laws of the land.

Could you please tell us the challenges facing creative industry in Nigeria?

Unlike some other segments of entertainment industry, the creative sector has not been getting encouragement and support from many entertainment stakeholders in Nigeria. The government as well as organized private sectors has not been looking at our side and this has always been the major challenges militating against the success story of the sector. We beautify human beings and our events. We add more glamor to our sights and seen. Above all, we make our events a memorable one as costume designers. So, we see no reason why we shouldn’t be helped to discharge our responsibilities with ease.

How can Government and other stakeholders benefit from your organization?

Our organization builds capacity amongst the gifted and talented Nigerians. We bless our society with employment creations. We contribute to tax development and the economy of the country. Our group projects and serves as image maker to Nigeria on the international scene. I mean laundering of the battered image of our nation while generating foreign exchange.

How do you think the society fears in term of Moral and entertainment?

One of the sustaining strength of social life in Nigeria is entertainment, but this is yet to be maximized at achieving moral orientation. A lot more should be done by practitioners to portray our country and cultures in good light by developing strong moral contents. Ours is more of interpretations and expression. a lot more can be achieved with script writers in this regard.

Give us some hints about your upcoming event and expectations from stakeholders in the tourism, entertainment and creative sectors?The focus of the event is to horns the skills of our members, improve their creative ability and principally to arouse the interest of younger generation to our practice. This will only be achievable in synergy with other stakeholders, United Nation has declared this year 2021 as the year of creative economy, the event is our own way of following this lead. So we expect support from all stakeholders; other groups, corporate bodies, NGO and particularly Lagos State Government and the office of the First Lady; Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

What’s your assessment of the entertainment industry?

The recovery rate in the industry is been very slow after the Covid 19 lock down. Social and entertainment industry was badly hit during the lockdown era. And of course, the leftover of the pandemic is still affecting our industry. Though, the industry has a lot to offer if properly harnessed by the government and all other stakeholders.

What do you have to tell your colleagues in this profession?

I want to first appreciate all stakeholders who have been the pillar of our supports. I must sincerely appreciate my colleagues who are resolute to take our profession to the next level. I advise my colleagues especially members of the guild to form a common front through which we can advance our industry. The potential to be a major foreign exchange earner beckons through ingenious expression of our creativity and harmonious working relationship will trigger even development.