Google and the Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (C.I.I.F.A.) are joining forces to empower Nigeria’s creative economy through the Engage Nigeria program’s second cohort. This initiative, part of the broader Skill Sprint’ launched in 2023 to equip 20,000 Nigerian women and youth with crucial digital skills, aims to reach 8,000 young individuals with creative industry expertise.
The Engage Nigeria program builds on its successful debut, which saw over 2,200 participants benefit from training and mentorship. It offers comprehensive education in music business, event planning, cinematography, animation, graphic design, and content creation, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the competitive creative landscape. Mentorship from industry leaders enriches their learning experience and career opportunities.
Nigeria’s creative sector is vibrant, contributing significantly to the economy through global influences like Nollywood and the rise of Afrobeats. Engage Nigeria harnesses this potential by equipping participants with essential skills for diverse creative fields. The program expands its impact through partnerships like the collaboration with the G.O.Y.F. Community Digitech Hub, extending its reach to Lagos’ Eti-Osa 02 community.
Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, representing Lagos State House of Assembly’s Eti-Osa Constituency 02 and a program advocate, emphasised the partnership’s transformative impact on local youth, fostering economic growth and innovation.
Godwin Tom, founder of C.I.I.F.A., highlighted the organisation’s mission to empower Africa’s next generation of creative professionals. Partnering with the G.O.Y.F. Community Digitech Hub underscores their commitment to nurturing talent in Eti-Osa 02, supported by Google.org’s crucial backing.
Olumide Falegan, Manager for EMEA Music and Culture at Google S.S.A., expressed optimism about Nigerian youth’s potential in the digital economy, emphasising digital technologies’ role as catalysts for innovation and economic empowerment.
Through collaborations and targeted initiatives like Engage Nigeria, Google, and C.I.I.F.A., pave the way for a brighter future in Nigeria’s creative industries, ensuring young talents thrive and contribute meaningfully to global creative landscapes.
