The second cohort of the Engage Nigeria project, which aims to provide 8,000 young people with skills relevant to the creative industry, has been inaugurated by the Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (CIIFA) in collaboration with Google.

In a statement, Google stated that the programme is a component of the Skill Sprint initiative, which was started in 2023 and aims to train 20,000 young women and men in Nigeria in digital skills.

The programme, which offers thorough instruction in various creative disciplines, including music business and production, event planning and management, photography and videography, animation, graphic design, and content creation, was said to help 6,000 creatives from throughout Nigeria.

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It further stated that participants will be provided networking opportunities with industry leaders and mentorship from specialists in the field.

The Engage Nigeria initiative helps Nigeria’s creative economy flourish, which has been significantly influencing the world stage.

The software company claims that this curriculum aims to give participants the abilities and information required to succeed in various creative fields.

It stated that more than 2,200 participants in the program’s first cohort benefited from insightful coaching and training.

The software company claims the second batch will be even bigger and better, with new partnerships and a wider reach.

It clarified that the collaboration with the GOYF Community Digitech Hub, which extended the initiative to the thriving Eti-Osa 02 community in Lagos, was a noteworthy growth in the cohort.

Yishawu commends the CIIFA 

Gbolahan Yishawu, a prominent supporter of the initiative and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for Eti-Osa Constituency 02, said, “We are thrilled to work with CIIFA to bring the Engage Nigeria programme to our constituency.

Through this collaboration, our young people will have access to new opportunities and acquire vital skills necessary for success in the creative industries. It is a massive step in the right direction for promoting innovation and economic progress in Eti-Osa Constituency 02, particularly in Lagos State.

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CIIFA founder’s remark

“Our mission at CIIFA is to empower the next generation of creative professionals in Africa,” stated Godwin Tom, the organisation’s founder. By collaborating with GOYF Community Digitech Hub, we can reach more young people in Eti-Osa 02 and give them the skills and information they need to thrive in the creative industry. He said, “We appreciate Google.org’s assistance in making this possible.”

Through this collaboration, our young people will have access to new opportunities and acquire vital skills necessary for success in the creative industries. It is a massive step in the right direction for promoting innovation and economic progress in Eti-Osa Constituency 02, particularly Lagos State.

Olumide Falegan, Manager of EMEA Music and Culture at Google SSA, emphasised the potential in Nigeria’s young people, said, “Digital technologies are not just tools; they are catalysts for endless possibilities.” Our youthful talent has the opportunity to become significant contributors to the digital economy through these platforms.

Applications for the second cohort of the Engage Nigeria programme are now open. For more information and to apply, kindly visit https://ciif.africa/engageng.