ABEOKUTA – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has proclaimed the creative industry a major driver of the global economy, moving beyond its former status as a mere side attraction.
The Governor made the declaration on Saturday while opening the “Creative Youths Experience” bootcamp, themed “Framing the Future,” at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun stated that this new reality informs his administration’s commitment to building an enabling environment where talent is nurtured and can flourish.
He directly linked this local initiative to the broader national vision, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s youth development policies have “continued to open doors of opportunity” across various sectors, with a significant impact on the creative industry.
“This programme is not just an event, but a movement that places youths at the center of creativity, innovation, and cultural preservation,” Abiodun said. He emphasized that the event aligns with both his administration’s “Building Our Future Together Agenda” and the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Governor promised continued government support for youths through mentorship, resources, and opportunities to position them as leaders in Africa’s creative landscape. He charged attendees to let their “passion and creativity be their propelling force.”
Echoing the theme of responsibility, renowned film producer and director Tunde Kelani urged young photographers and videographers to use their cameras with a conscience. “Challenge authority, celebrate beauty and hope,” he advised, while also encouraging them to embrace culture as essential to shaping the future.
Adding a perspective from the business sector, the Chairman and CEO of NORD Motors, Mr. Oluwatobi Ajayi, counseled youths to focus on positives, be determined, and build a reputation for integrity, passion, and diligence.
The convener of the event, Mr. Ayomide Ilesanmi, explained that the platform was created to provide an avenue for youths to thrive in the digital age. The three-month programme will offer training in skills such as photography, filmmaking, and editing. Ilesanmi announced that the most outstanding trainees upon completion will receive “gifts beyond their imagination.”
