The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has expressed its commitment to supporting young creatives striving for self-reliance.

The ministry made the commitment at the empowerment programme for schoolgirls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of activities to mark the 2024 National Creativity Week (NCW).

No fewer than 80 students participated in the empowerment programme held on Saturday at Stella Maris Schools, Life Camp, with special training on natural hair care, wig making and natural hair oil production.

The event with the theme, “Transforming World, Promoting Sustainable Development”, was organised by the ministry in collaboration with Photizo Life Foundation.

The National Creativity Week is aimed at celebrating the power of creativity to provide empowerment, particularly for youths and children.

The initiative is an offshoot of the Creative Africa Initiative programme of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Ghana 2008. It is celebrated globally as World Creativity and Innovation Day.

In his opening speech, Raphael Oraeluno, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said Nigeria’s productive future was only possible if youths’ unique talents and creative ingenuity were properly utilised.

“It is pertinent to note that the creative economy is a vital tool in reducing poverty, unemployment, violence and restiveness among the youth while promoting wealth creation, foreign earnings and enhancing the nation’s GDP.

“Against this backdrop, I wish to commend and thank the honourable minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, for providing the necessary machinery to ensure the success of today’s event.

“I wish to encourage you to seize the opportunity that this programme presents to nurture your innate God-given talents and creative abilities”, he said.

Mr Oraeluno was represented by Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, the ministry’s director of entertainment and creative economy.

In her presentation, Adanna Enwezor, founder of Photizo Life Foundation, said the training was to provide basic skills on natural hair and economic opportunities in the industry to the youngsters.

Some participants who spoke with journalists on the sideline expressed appreciation to the organisers, as they pledged to maximise the opportunities it offers.

(NAN)