The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy (FMACCE), has partnered with Google to launch an ambitious training program aimed at empowering 2,500 young creatives across Nigeria.
This initiative falls under the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) and is designed to enhance participants’ skills in areas such as music, film, animation, content creation, live production, and audio.
With plans to expand the number of beneficiaries to 10,000, this program marks a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s creative industry and establishing the country as a global leader in cultural exports.
Program Details
The training program, delivered by Del York Creative Academy, seeks to provide essential skills needed to succeed in the creative industries.
Participants will receive hands-on experience in visual storytelling, creative video content production, storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process.
The six-week course will offer a select group of participants an additional three-week intensive mentorship, culminating in the creation of high-quality visual content projects.
The program’s key objectives are to create employment opportunities, diversify Nigeria’s economy, and foster sustainable growth in the creative sector. It aligns with the president’s Renewed Hope agenda, which emphasizes youth empowerment, innovation, and economic growth.
According to Hannatu Musa-Musawa, Minister of FMACCE, this collaboration highlights the government’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent and positioning the nation as a leading exporter of cultural products.
What Participants Will Gain
The participants of the training program will gain practical knowledge in various creative fields, such as:
- Music Production: Covering songwriting, sound engineering, and music business management.
- Film and Animation: Providing training in scriptwriting, directing, animation techniques, and film editing.
- Content Creation and Live Production: Focusing on creating compelling digital content, live event production, and media broadcasting.
- Audio Production: Teaching sound design, mixing, and podcast creation.
In addition to the technical skills, the program also aims to enhance participants’ understanding of how to leverage creative expertise for business growth and to bridge the gap between creative practitioners and corporate stakeholders.
This aspect is critical for fostering a new generation of creative entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Why This Initiative Matters
The collaboration between FMACCE and Google goes beyond skill acquisition; it’s about investing in the future of Nigeria’s creative sector.
As stated by Olumide Falegan, Manager of EMEA Music & Culture at Google SSA, the initiative is aimed at recognizing and equipping the often-overlooked talents within Nigeria’s creative industries. By empowering these 2,500 professionals, and eventually expanding to 10,000, the program seeks to boost Africa’s cultural influence and economic prosperity.
Linus Idahosa, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Del York Group, emphasized the program’s impact on bridging the gap between creative practitioners and corporate stakeholders. By equipping young talents with industry-relevant skills, the initiative is set to foster a new generation of creative entrepreneurs and enhance the corporate sector’s ability to leverage creative expertise for business growth.
Program Implementation and Application Process
The training will be implemented through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), which will leverage its extensive network and experience in the cultural sector to ensure the program’s success.
Applications for the program opened on October 8th and will close on October 30th. Interested individuals can register through the Del York Creative Academy portal.
This initiative is expected to have a long-lasting impact on Nigeria’s creative industry by providing the next generation of creatives with the skills, mentorship, and career opportunities they need to excel.
With the support of Google’s expertise and resources, the training program will enable participants to thrive in the ever-evolving creative landscape, both locally and internationally.
