The president said that “the story of 2015 cannot be honestly told without acknowledging the contributions of creative people to the APC’s success.”
The president said that many politicians made efforts to mobilize people to make the success of 2015 possible. But he suggested that the Nigerian artistes made a massive contribution to public enlightenment, saying that “many actors, musicians and writers – from different strands and in various styles- drew Nigerians to the banner of change. In speaking the language of the people, enlightening and mobilising them with words and images they could understand, I doubt if any politician surpassed the likes of Dauda Rarara and other musicians.”
The president also said that “the artistes gave hope to our people and persuaded them to believe that things could really change. Musicians and actors across the length and breadth of Nigeria mobilized the citizenry to stand up for peaceful, orderly and transparent elections. You preached both peace and hope leading to democratic change. You did so patriotically at great personal risk and without any expectations, inducement or financial reward.”
Commending the musicians and artistes, the president said that their “application of creative talent to the cause of political change in a dire moment for our country deserves eternal gratitude. As President, I say a formal thank you today on behalf of myself, the APC and our victorious candidates.” He further said that “in appreciating talent, we have a duty to ensure that we do not turn our backs, or reduce the creative sector to something that we engage only during elections.”
The president called on the youth of Kaduna State to embrace the opportunities government of Malam Nasir El-Rufai is providing. He explained that KADAMFEST is a veritable way of creating and expanding job opportunities, and that it reflects the Kaduna State Government’s approach to giving momentum to the growth of the creative industry in the state.
The president said that “it is noteworthy that the Kaduna State Government has attracted sponsorship for this festival, and does not have to put in its own resources, which it would have been justified to. We hope that many more companies will in future support initiatives that boost our youths.”
The president acknowledged that Kaduna State has always been faithful to his political aspirations and he expressed gratitude for the high number of votes the Kaduna State gave the APC.
