Lagos State Government has empowered over 10,000 youth in the creative sector across various disciplines in the entertainment and creative industries.
EpeInsights reports that this is part of the State Government’s strategic partnership with private creative institutions.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during the Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate the sixth year in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, the training programme was delivered through collaborations with four leading creative institutions, including Del-York Creative Academy, EbonyLife Creative Academy and the African Film Academy.
The initiative, she said, aligns with the Ministry’s vision to nurture local talent, close skills gaps, and build a workforce in Lagos State that can compete globally in the creative economy.
“We are proud to announce that over 10,000 young Lagosians have been empowered with world-class training in key areas such as filmmaking, screenwriting, animation, sound design, production management, digital media, acting, and cinematography,” she said.
The Commissioner stressed that the programme goes beyond skills acquisition, providing sustainable pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and international competitiveness.
“Lagos is investing in people, and by doing so, we are investing in the future of our creative economy,” Benson-Awoyinka added.
She noted that Lagos, already known as Nigeria’s entertainment capital, is fast emerging as a continental hub for creative excellence, producing content that meets and surpasses global standards.
The initiative, she said, reflects Governor Sanwo-Olu’s consistent support for the creative industry and is in line with the state’s THEMES Plus Development Agenda, which emphasises economic growth through youth engagement and innovation.
Benson-Awoyinka also revealed that graduates of the programme are already gaining recognition both locally and internationally, securing jobs, launching businesses, and contributing to high-impact projects within the film, media, and tech sectors.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding the reach of the initiative to ensure more young people have access to the tools, training and opportunities needed to thrive and contribute to Lagos State’s economic development.
