The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy (FMACCE), in collaboration with Google, has launched an initiative to empower 2,500 young creatives.

The minister, FMACCE, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, said in a statement that the empowerment would be through a dedicated training programme delivered by the Del York Creative Academy.

Ms Musa-Musawa said that the number of young creatives empowered would eventually add up to 10,000 across Nigeria.

According to her, this collaboration is a significant step in advancing the FMACCE’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP).

She said that CLAP aimed at driving skills development and innovation and fostering public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s creative sector.

The minister said that CLAP, an initiative of the FMACCE, was being executed through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) as the primary implementing agency.

She said that the NCAC was leveraging its extensive network and expertise in the cultural sector to ensure that CLAP met its objectives.

According to her, the objectives of CLAP include equipping aspiring creatives with vital skills and fostering sustainable growth within Nigeria’s creative industry.

According to her, by leveraging the expertise of Google and the training capabilities of Del York Creative Academy, this programme will provide participants with hands-on learning experiences in different areas.

‘’The programme aligns with the core objectives of CLAP, which include creating employment opportunities, diversifying the economy and deepening Nigeria’s cultural export potential.

“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to nurture Nigeria’s creative talent by empowering our youths with the skills they need to excel in the creative industries.

“We are not only creating jobs but also positioning Nigeria as a global leader in cultural exports.

“In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this programme will empower youths to become even more active contributors to the economy, driving innovation and economic growth,’’ she said.

Olumide Falegan, manager, EMEA Music & Culture at Google sub-Saharan Africa, said that this initiative was about recognising and equipping the unsung heroes of the creative industries.

Mr Falegan said by empowering these 2,500 professionals, and eventually 10,000 across Nigeria, Google was investing in the future of Africa’s cultural influence and economic prosperity.

He said that Google’s commitment to supporting the creative ecosystem in Africa included initiatives like the ‘Black Voices Fund’ and ‘Made for You’, which had already empowered countless creators across the continent.

The manager noted that its collaboration with FMACCE and Del York Creative Academy built upon this foundation, reaffirming Google’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative landscape in Nigeria.

Linus Idahosa, the executive chairman and chief executive officer of the Del-York Group, highlighted the significance of the initiative.

Mr Idahosa said that the partnership with Google was designed and carefully curated to bridge the gap between creative practitioners and corporate stakeholders.

‘’By equipping young talents with industry-relevant skills, we are fostering a new generation of creative entrepreneurs.

“We are also enhancing the capabilities of the corporate sector to leverage creative expertise for business growth,” he said.

According to Mr Idahosa, this programme is an opportunity for aspiring creatives in Nigeria to gain training and mentorship, paving the way for exciting career paths in the burgeoning creative sector.

He said that by equipping individuals with in-demand skills, the programme aimed at fostering a new wave of talent that would drive innovation, create compelling content and contribute to the continued growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.

Interested applicants can register for the training here: https://portal.delyorkcreative.academy/behind-the-camera/register.

(NAN)