The energy was electric at the LCCI Exhibition Hall in Ikeja as the Del-York Creative Academy (DCA), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, brought together young minds for the Youth in Animation and Post-Production Initiative (YAPPI) Inclusive Day. The event wasn’t just a showcase—it was a celebration of talent, potential, and possibility, especially for youth living with disabilities.
From animation and voice-over to content creation, the spotlight was firmly placed on inclusive storytelling and the creative power of young Nigerians ready to shape the future.
One of the standout moments of the day was the presence of Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA). Honoured with an award as a Leading Voice in Disability Advocacy, she delivered a powerful keynote titled “Every Ability Counts: A YAPPI Inclusive Day.” Her message was clear: creativity has no limits, and ability should never be defined by disability.
“I’ll be very happy to see participants confidently say that YAPPI changed their life,” she said, urging attendees to remain patient, committed, and focused on skill-building—not just financial gain.
Oyetunde-Lawal also shared insights on the Lagos State Government’s efforts to empower persons with disabilities through inclusive policies and access to opportunities, encouraging participants to take full advantage of what’s available.
Adding to the momentum, Mr. Ikenna Oguike, Programme Lead for YAPPI, highlighted the academy’s mission to build not just skills but sustainable careers. “We don’t just train people; we ensure fair employment and sustainability,” he stated, reinforcing YAPPI’s commitment to innovation and global competitiveness.
YAPPI isn’t just about animation—it’s a holistic creative platform that embraces diversity and inclusion. From voice-over work to full-scale content creation, the program is designed to prepare young creatives for the evolving demands of the global media industry.
The Inclusive Day marked more than a milestone for Del-York—it signaled a movement toward a more diverse and empowered creative future in Lagos.
