*Tayo Folorunsho Calls for Investment and Structural Reforms to Propel Abuja’s Entertainment Industry to Greater Heights*
Tayo Folorunsho, a Nigerian Media consultant / entertainment expert and founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE and The Big Break Moment Africa, has raised concerns about the challenges of running an entertainment business in Abuja.
Despite the hurdles, he remains committed to overcoming them, urging for significant investments and coordinated reforms to unlock the full potential of the city’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 event calendar is more limited, with activities mostly concentrated around festive periods. This seasonal nature, combined with inconsistent support from relevant agencies, poses a major challenge for entertainers and event managers looking to build sustainable businesses in the city.
In a recent media interview, Folorunsho described his initial experience in the Abuja market 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,” he explained.
He highlighted several 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.
Despite these challenges, Folorunsho remains optimistic about Abuja’s entertainment future. He believes the city has enormous potential for growth, especially due to its expansive land space and thriving tourism sector—factors he sees as foundational pillars for the development of a robust 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,” he noted.
He encouraged up-and-coming entertainers in Abuja to remain rooted in the city and focus on building lasting infrastructure rather than relocating to Lagos.
“I urge entertainers who are gaining recognition in Abuja to remain and focus on building a lasting foundation for the entertainment industry in the city.”
While Abuja currently lacks an all-year entertainment culture like Lagos, Folorunsho insists the city holds untapped potential.
“Festive periods are when most events happen in Abuja, but with the right strategies, the city can develop an entertainment culture that thrives all year round,” he added.
He envisions a future where Abuja could rival—and even surpass—Lagos as Nigeria’s entertainment capital.
“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.
Folorunsho calls for greater investment in the sector and a comprehensive overhaul of policies affecting the entertainment ecosystem 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 talents.
About Tayo Folorunsho
Tayo Folorunsho is a Nigerian media consultant / Entertainment expert and the founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE, a leading Education and Entertainment company.
Over the years,Folorunsho has played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian entertainment landscape, particularly through his work in Lagos and Abuja. His dedication to developing Abuja’s entertainment sector positions him as a key advocate for investment and reform in the industry.
