Google Sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with the Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (C.I.I.F.A.) on Tuesday said it was launching the second cohort of its Engage Nigeria Programme.
Mr Olumide Falegan, Manager, EMEA Music & Culture at Google Sub-Saharan Africa, said in statement that the Engage Nigeria Programme was a transformative initiative aimed at equipping youths with creative industry skills.
Engage Nigeria is part of the Skill Sprint initiative launched in 2023 to equip 20,000 Nigerian women and youths with vital digital skills.
Falegan said that this national programme continued to support the country’s burgeoning creative economy with expanded reach and new partnerships.
He said: “This cohort will benefit 6,000 creatives from across Nigeria.
“The Engage Nigeria Programme will build on the success of its inaugural cohort, where over 2,200 participants received valuable training and mentorship, to continue to provide comprehensive training in music business and production.
“Other trainings include event planning and management, cinematography and videography, animation, graphic design, and content creation.
“This holistic approach ensures participants are well-prepared to navigate and thrive in the competitive Nigerian creative industry.
“Digital technologies are not just tools, they are catalysts for endless possibilities.
“Through these platforms, our young talents can emerge as key contributors to the digital economy.”
According to the Google manager, Nigeria’s creative landscape is a dynamic and growing sector, contributing significantly to the economy.
He said that from Nollywood’s global influence to the rise of Afrobeats, Nigerian creatives are making their mark worldwide.
Falegan said that the Engage Nigeria Programme tapped into this potential, providing participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various creative disciplines.
Mr Godwin Tom, Founder of C.I.I.F.A., said that the mission of C.I.I.F.A was to empower the next generation of creative professionals in Africa.
He said that the C.I.I.F.A and Google was partnering with GOYF Community Digitech Hub as a physical venue for the trainings.
Tom said that using the hub, which was based in Eti-Osa Constituency 02, would allow it to reach more young talents in the constituency, and provide them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the creative economy.
“We are grateful for the support from Google.org in making this possible.”
Also speaking on the partnership, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Eti-Osa Constituency 02 and a key supporter of the programme, expressed excitement on the collaboration.
“We are delighted to collaborate with C.I.I.F.A to bring the Engage Nigeria Programme to our constituency.
“The partnership will unlock opportunities for the constituency’s youths and provide them with critical skills indispensable to excel in the creative industry,” Yishawu said.
He said it was a monumental stride towards fostering economic growth and innovation in Eti-Osa Constituency 02 specifically and Lagos State at large.
Applications for the second cohort of the Engage Nigeria Programme was now open.
