FG, Google to empower 10,000 young creatives

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.

According to Google, the initiative will be delivered through a dedicated programme by the Del-York Creative Academy.

In a statement on Wednesday, the multinational technology company said the collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing the FG’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme, 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.

The search engine giant noted that participants would receive hands-on training in various disciplines, including music, film, animation, content creation, live production, and audio.

Google stated that this initiative aligns with CLAP’s objectives of creating employment opportunities, diversifying the economy, and enhancing Nigeria’s cultural export potential.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, explaining that the collaboration is a testament to the government’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent.

“By empowering our youth 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 the president’s Renewed Hope agenda, this programme will empower our youth to become even more active contributors to the economy, driving innovation and economic growth,” she said.

The six-week training programme will cover foundational skills in visual storytelling and creative video content production. Participants will explore essential aspects such as storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and the integration of AI in the creative process.

Additionally, a select group will participate in a three-week intensive in-person training and mentorship programme, culminating in the creation of a high-quality visual content project.

The Manager of EMEA Music & Culture at Google SSA, Olumide Falegan, said, “This initiative is about recognising and equipping the unsung heroes of our 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.”

The Executive Chairman and CEO of the Del-York Group, Linus Idahosa, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting 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.