FG, Google Launch Initiative To Empower 2,500 Nigerian Creatives

The federal government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy (FMACCE), has partnered with Google to launch a training program aimed at empowering 2,500 young creatives in Nigeria. This initiative is expected to eventually scale up to benefit 10,000 participants.
The program, delivered by the Del York Creative Academy, marks a key milestone in FMACCE’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP). CLAP is focused on driving skills development, encouraging innovation, and fostering public-private partnerships within Nigeria’s creative industry. Led by FMACCE and implemented by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), CLAP aims to equip aspiring creatives with vital skills to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector.
With the NCAC’s extensive experience in the cultural sector, the program is set to deliver impactful training. By collaborating with Google and Del York Creative Academy, participants will receive hands-on training in fields such as music, film, animation, content creation, live production, and audio, all of which are vital to Nigeria’s burgeoning creative economy.
Speaking on the collaboration, minister of FMACCE, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, expressed her excitement, “This partnership underscores our dedication to nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent. By equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in the creative industry, we are not only creating jobs but also positioning Nigeria as a global leader in cultural exports. This program ties into the president’s Renewed Hope agenda, empowering youth to drive innovation and contribute to economic growth.”
The six-week training program will provide foundational skills in visual storytelling and creative video content production, covering essential areas like storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and integrating AI into the creative process. A select group of participants will undergo a three-week intensive in-person mentorship, culminating in the creation of high-quality visual content.
Manager of EMEA Music & Culture at Google SSA, Olumide Falegan, emphasised the significance of the initiative:
“This initiative recognises the untapped talent in our creative industries. By empowering these 2,500 professionals, and later expanding to 10,000 across Nigeria, we are investing in Africa’s cultural influence and economic prosperity.”
Linus Idahosa, CEO of Del York Group, highlighted the impact of the program, noting that the partnership with Google bridges the gap between creative professionals and corporate stakeholders. He believes the initiative will nurture a new generation of creative entrepreneurs while enhancing the corporate sector’s ability to leverage creative talent for business growth.
Applications for the program opened on October 8th and will close on October 30th, offering a unique opportunity for Nigerian creatives to develop industry-relevant skills and contribute to the nation’s growing creative economy.