The Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu Briggs, has pledged to make the creative and entertainment industry a major source of jobs and economic growth under an NDC administration.
He made the commitment at the final of the NDC Rivers State Campaign Song Contest, where 11 artistes competed before party members, entertainment stakeholders and young supporters.
The competition was organised by the state chapter of the party in partnership with Olowo Records. Emerging female artiste So Bliss won the overall prize, and her composition was adopted as the party’s official campaign song for the 2027 governorship election.
Lulu Briggs watched all the performances and later made personal financial contributions to several contestants he considered especially talented. He said the event reflected the type of institutional support young creatives should expect if the party forms the next government.
He argued that Rivers State has substantial musical, entertainment and event production potential but lacks sufficient government investment. According to him, the sector has survived largely through the initiative of young people who organise concerts, workshops, seminars and other activities with little public support.
Organisers said the contest was conceived partly in response to the absence of a clear allocation for the creative industry in the state’s latest budget. They described the sector as part of the Orange Economy, covering cultural, artistic and innovation based activities capable of creating employment and wealth.
Lulu Briggs said his interest in entertainment began long before his current political ambition. He recalled establishing Rachel’s, a London style pub, in the 1990s and later opening Illusions at Orazzi, which he said helped turn an inactive area into a nightlife destination.
He said those ventures reflected his willingness to identify overlooked talent and spaces, invest in them and develop them into assets for the community.
All 11 finalists received N1 million each as participation support. The second runner up received an additional N200,000, the first runner up earned N500,000 and So Bliss received an extra N1 million as the winner. The judges were also given N500,000 in appreciation of their service.
The party said the contest demonstrated its commitment to youth inclusion and showed how structured investment in music, culture and entertainment could strengthen the Rivers economy.
