In a significant step towards nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent, the Federal Government of Nigeria and Google have announced a partnership aimed at training 2,500 young creatives nationwide, with plans to expand this number to 10,000.
The initiative will be delivered through a dedicated programme by the Del-York Creative Academy, designed to promote skills development, foster innovation, and enhance public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s creative sector. The programme will be executed through the National Council for Arts and Culture, leveraging its extensive network and expertise in the cultural sector.
Google stated that participants will receive hands-on training in various disciplines, including music, film, animation, content creation, live production, and audio. The programme will also cover foundational skills in visual storytelling and creative video content production, covering essential aspects such as storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and the integration of AI in the creative process.
For a select group, there will be a three-week intensive in-person training and mentorship programme, culminating in the creation of a high-quality visual content project.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting that it marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent.
“This initiative will empower our youth with the skills they need to excel in the creative industries, creating jobs and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in cultural exports,” she said.
Google’s Manager of EMEA Music & Culture, Olumide Falegan, emphasized the importance of recognizing and equipping the unsung heroes of the creative industries.
“By empowering these 2,500 professionals, and eventually 10,000 across Nigeria, we are investing in the future of Africa’s cultural influence and economic prosperity,” Falegan said.
Linus Idahosa, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Del-York Group, added that the partnership with Google is 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 and enhancing the capabilities of the corporate sector to leverage creative expertise for business growth,” Idahosa said.
This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in promoting Nigeria’s creative sector, driving innovation and economic growth, and cementing the country’s position as a global leader in cultural exports.