Tayo Folorunsho, a leading Nigerian entertainment expert and Founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE, has raised concerns about the challenges of running an entertainment business in Abuja. Despite the difficulties, he remains committed to overcoming these obstacles, urging for significant investments and coordinated reforms to unlock the full potential of Abuja’s entertainment industry.
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is renowned for its political significance, booming real estate sector, and vibrant economy. However, Folorunsho, who has successfully run entertainment ventures in Lagos, notes that Abuja’s entertainment market is still in its infancy. Unlike Lagos, where the entertainment scene operates year-round, Abuja’s calendar is more limited, with events mostly concentrated around festive periods. This seasonal nature, coupled with inconsistent support from agencies and organizations, poses a challenge for entertainers and event managers seeking to build long-term businesses in the city.
In a recent media interview, Folorunsho shared his experience of entering the Abuja market, describing his initial attempts as a “misadventure.” “The first strides I made in Abuja were marked by setbacks. Despite the city’s vast potential, it operates with a different approach, and my early efforts were met with difficulties,” Folorunsho explained.
He highlighted key frustrations, including bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of proper infrastructure to support the entertainment sector. “In Abuja, the support system is difficult to navigate. Different agencies often come up with excuses such as ‘you’re not in the budget,’ or ‘the budget hasn’t been released.’ These obstacles make it harder to establish a successful entertainment business,” he said.
However, despite these challenges, Folorunsho remains resolutely optimistic about the future of Abuja’s entertainment industry. He believes the city has enormous potential for growth, especially with its rich land space and thriving tourism sector, which could provide a solid foundation for the development of the entertainment industry.
“The land space and tourist attractions in Abuja are among its strongest assets. These factors, if properly harnessed, can propel Abuja into a leading entertainment hub,” Folorunsho noted. “I urge entertainers who are gaining recognition in Abuja to remain and focus on building a lasting infrastructure for the entertainment industry in the city.”
He pointed out that while Abuja may not have the same all-year event calendar as Lagos, the city has untapped opportunities for growth. “Festive periods are when most events happen in Abuja, but with the right strategies, the city can develop an entertainment culture that runs throughout the year,” he added.
Folorunsho envisions a future where Abuja could rival Lagos as the entertainment capital of Nigeria. “I foresee a future where Abuja will become a booming entertainment destination. The city has the potential to surpass Lagos in terms of its entertainment industry, but this will require investment, policy reforms, and a collaborative effort from all stakeholders,” he emphasized.
In light of this, Folorunsho calls for greater investment in the sector and a comprehensive overhaul of policies affecting the entertainment industry in Abuja. He believes that with the right reforms, Abuja could become a central hub for entertainment in Nigeria, creating new opportunities for both emerging and established talent.
About Tayo Folorunsho
Tayo Folorunsho is a renowned Nigerian entertainment expert and the founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE, a leading entertainment company focused on organizing and promoting events, shows, and entertainment-related projects across Nigeria. With years of experience in the industry, Folorunsho has played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian entertainment landscape, particularly through his work in Lagos. His dedication to developing Abuja’s entertainment sector positions him as a key advocate for investment and reform in the industry.
