Creative Players Tasked on Economic Growth

Omolabake  Fasogbon

Players in the creative sector have been charged to push out narratives that would project the country in good light, while attracting reasonable investment that would boost the sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to national economy. 

The Vice- Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, who gave the charge during the second graduation ceremony of Terra Academy for Arts Graduation Ceremony (TAFTA) in Lagos, asserted that local creatives possess the weapon to position Nigeria as a foremost global hub for arts and creativity. This was just as the sector has pegged its GDP target to 10 per cent in a bid to expand sector’s yield to $100 billion by 2030.

Ogunsola, emphasised skills and upskilling, not just to produce talent that would distinguish Nigeria at the global levels, but enable self-sufficiency and boost employment and employability level. 

She commended TAFTA and Master Card Foundation for taking the giant step in empowering future creatives at no cost, describing the gesture as a step towards enabling self- actualisation for graduands.

She said, “We are being narrowed to the colonial system that everyone is must pass through the university to learn but learning is not all on university but about acquiring skills in which university alone cannot do it all.” 

She encouraged youths to chase skills in order to become job creators rather than chasing jobs that are non-existent or chased by several others. 

Also, the Country Head at Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn, stated that TAFTA set out in 2021, not only to empower young creatives but to impact creative sector for growth. 

“We recognise the immense potential of the creative sector to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create sustainable livelihoods for millions of young people.

“So far, the programme stands as a shining example of our commitment to nurturing talents and fostering entrepreneurship within the creative industry,” she said. 

Speaking further, Founder of TAFTA, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, said the programme aimed to enroll 65,000 young women and men over five years. 

“Over 18,000 participants have completed the program so far, and we have graduated 16,766 students from cohorts two, three and four,” she added. 

She encouraged the graduands to explore opportunities with their skills, advising not to be weighed down by obstacles as they journey but to remain strong and resolute.