Tolu Israel, an ace visual design strategist and storyteller, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace the abundant opportunities in the creative sector to express their ingenuity and become self-reliant.

He made the call in an interview on the sidelines of an exhibition, ‘An Evening of Words, Style  and Vision’  on Friday in Abuja.

It brought together stakeholders in the creative sector, art and African fashion enthusiasts, and members of the diplomatic community.

The event, curated by Israel, featured a photo exhibition, a fashion runway of Na’ava Queendom, and a presentation of the  book, ‘Simplicity: The Genius of Less’.

According to Israel, Nigeria’s creative sector is a goldmine with robust opportunities that can provide jobs for its teeming youth and turn around the nation’s economic fortune.

He said instead of seeking greener pastures, youths should  explore opportunities in the  creative sector, which includes film, music, fashion, visual arts, and other industries.

Mr Israel said that although the government is expected to provide the enabling environment for creativity to thrive, passionate and talented youths  should develop themselves and seek appropriate mentorship, instead of waiting for the government.

“There are vast opportunities in the creative space that our youths can explore and become self-empowered, and also create jobs. They should also seek mentorship and be willing to learn instead of waiting for the government to provide the so-called enabling environment.

“It’s not the government alone that built the developed countries, but there is a system in place where  governments have to play their parts and the citizens play theirs,” he said.

He said the Evening of Words, Style and Vision was an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect and chart a common front towards harnessing what the creative sector has to offer.

According to him, the book is about defining clear goals with a focus on what really matters.

(NAN)