Creatives Need Safer Spaces to Work — Kiekie

                                                                      

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Kiekie has called for stronger government support for Nigeria’s creative industry, arguing that content creators need a safer and more supportive environment to produce their work.

 Speaking at the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit 2.0 in Lagos, the actress and content creator said the challenges faced by creatives go beyond funding and equipment, pointing to difficulties associated with accessing public spaces for production.

She explained that social media has become a major part of the creative economy, providing opportunities for creators to reach audiences and generate income.

 However, she noted that creatives are often exposed to public scrutiny while also having to deal with security concerns, restrictions and unexpected expenses during production.

Kiekie recounted an experience while filming a short video around Obalende in Lagos. According to her, individuals blocked the exit of the location after she completed the shoot and demanded money before she could leave.

 She said negotiations eventually led to her paying about ₦700,000 for a one-minute production.

She also recalled another production at Kara, near Berger, where she had to arrive with security personnel. 

The additional security costs, she explained, significantly increased the amount spent on producing a short piece of content.

For Kiekie, such experiences demonstrate the need for dedicated spaces where filmmakers and digital creators can work without fear or unnecessary disruption. 

She suggested the development of film villages and more organised production environments where creatives can safely shoot content.

She contrasted Nigeria’s situation with her experience during a content creation tour in Europe, where businesses were more willing to accommodate creators and recognise the promotional value of social media.

Beyond infrastructure and security, Kiekie stressed that government and citizens are interconnected. She argued that many problems within the creative sector reflect broader societal challenges and should therefore be addressed collectively.

Her comments highlight the growing importance of Nigeria’s creative economy and the need to make production easier for people working across film, fashion, television and digital media. 

With creators increasingly using social platforms as businesses, she believes a more supportive environment could reduce unnecessary production costs, improve safety and ultimately allow creatives to focus more on developing quality ideas.

Kiekie’s appeal comes from extensive experience across fashion, television, acting and digital content. Having built a strong online following through skits and character-driven productions, she has also received industry recognition, including an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Online Social Content Creator in 2023.

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