90% of Nigerians identify comedy as means for employment-Ihua

A research by the Africa Polling Institute (API) on the comedy sector with the view to improve the talents of Nigerian youths has disclosed that 90%  of Nigerians spoken to were of the opinion that comedy skits are more of the purpose of employment

The executive-director Africa Polling Institute, Professor Bell Ihua, revealed this during a press conference on its latest study titled: Skit Economy- An Assessment of digital content Creators in Nigeria on Thursday, in Abuja.

The study Ihua said, “Found that 65% of Nigerians consider comedy skits funny and entertaining, 20% find them quite informative and 14% use skits as an elixir to rest and relax. Also, 91% of respondents were of the opinion that comedy skits are useful in correcting societal ills, while 90% acknowledge the potentials of comedy skits for employment generation in Nigeria.”

 According to the head of API, a new study by the Abuja based opinion research think-tank Africa Polling Institute has revealed the likes of  Baroda Shaggi, Mark Angel comedy, Mr. Marcaroni, Taaooma and Lasisis Elenu as the top 5 skit comedians with all having a fan base of over 53 million followers on various social media platforms.

“In same vein, this finding validates the platforms through 67% of Nigerians mostly watch comes skits: Facebook 50%, Instagram 34%, Youtube 18%, WhatsApp 15%, and Twitter 10% amongst others.”

He further said that the skit comedians are of the view that the increase in the sector is driven by the sheer abundance of creative talents existing in the country and as well as the availability of technology and social media platforms.

The study also found  that poor funding and lack of finance, high cost of production, lack of basic equipment, poor electricity supply, excessive taxes on social media platforms and the proposed regulations of social media, has become an hindrance in the growth and development of the comedy skits sector in Nigeria.

Ihua further urged the government and the private sector to support them in order for Nigeria to reap the benefits of showcasing the country’s massive talents, as well as economic diversification and poverty alleviation, through the creation of wealth and job opportunities.

Speaking, the Associate Director Research API, Mr. Olugbenga Ogunmefun, urged journalists to disseminate the information as the sector tries to tackle menace, insecurity,  as well as educate both the young and old in the society using a lighter channel.

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