The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy (FMACCE) has launched a significant new initiative, in collaboration with Google, aimed at empowering 2,500 young creatives across Nigeria.
This initiative is part of the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), an effort to advance skills development, foster innovation, and encourage public-private partnerships within Nigeria’s burgeoning creative sector.
The goal is to scale the number of beneficiaries to 10,000 creatives through a dedicated training program delivered by the Del York Creative Academy.
CLAP is spearheaded by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), serving as the primary implementing agency. With the support of Google’s expertise and Del York Creative Academy’s hands-on training capabilities, the program will provide participants with crucial skills in areas like Music, Film, Animation, Content Creation, Live Production, and Audio.
This initiative aligns with the federal government’s objectives of job creation, economic diversification, and expanding Nigeria’s cultural exports.
Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa-Musawa of FMACCE praised the partnership, stating: “This collaboration is a testament to our 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 program will empower our youth to become even more active contributors to the economy, driving innovation and economic growth.”
The six-week program will focus on foundational skills in visual storytelling and creative video content production, including storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and incorporating AI into creative processes. A select group will receive additional intensive in-person mentorship, culminating in a high-quality visual content project.
Olumide Falegan, Manager of EMEA Music & Culture at Google SSA, expressed excitement over the collaboration, saying: “This initiative is about recognizing 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.”
Linus Idahosa, CEO of the Del-York Group, emphasized the initiative’s impact:
“Our partnership with Google is designed and 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.”
Interested participants can apply through the Del York Creative Academy portal, with registrations open from October 8th to October 30th.
This initiative represents a substantial opportunity for young creatives in Nigeria to gain valuable training, mentorship, and career opportunities in the growing creative economy.
Google’s ongoing efforts to support Africa’s creative industries through programs like the Black Voices Fund and Made for You further demonstrate its commitment to fostering sustainable creative growth in Nigeria.
