Experts in Nigeria’s creative sector have lauded the United States Mission in Nigeria for its innovative approach to nurturing young talents through the recently held Social Media Skit Contest Award Ceremony.
The event, themed ‘Made in America, Loved in Nigeria’, aims to inspire young Nigerians to leverage American innovations to enhance their creativity and skills.
The contest, which ran for a week, attracted over 30 entries from aspiring creatives across the country.
After a rigorous evaluation process, five standout finalists were invited to the awards ceremony in Abuja to showcase their talents before a panel of judges.
Organisers said the competition reflected the U.S. mission’s commitment to supporting a new generation of Nigerians who could blend American ingenuity with local storytelling to drive positive social and cultural change.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony, former Director of the FCT Council for Arts and Culture, Kayode Ayegbusi, described the initiative as “a wonderful platform” for young creators.
He noted that beyond strengthening bilateral relations, the contest has significantly stimulated creativity among Nigerian youth.
“You can imagine the number of entries, even for this first edition. The more people hear about this and see that winners are rewarded, the next edition could attract far more participants,” Ayegbusi said.
He also praised the finalists for integrating Nigerian cultural elements into their storytelling, even while highlighting American products, describing the narratives as “beautifully crafted.”
Filmmaker and Secretary of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Abuja Chapter, Dr. Tola Balogun, also commended the initiative.
He emphasised that the contest provides a vital platform for emerging creatives and opens avenues for collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in sectors such as film, technology, and social advocacy.
“This contest is particularly valuable for those just starting out in the creative industry.
”It sets the stage for potential co-productions and partnerships addressing issues like climate change, migration, and peace-building,” Balogun noted.
Professional comedian, actor, and singer Sarkin Dariya, who participated as a resource person, highlighted the broader purpose of the initiative as fostering symbiotic relationships between Nigerian and American creatives.
He said the programme created spaces for aspiring skit-makers nationwide to refine their skills, exchange ideas, and learn from the experiences of established professionals.
“This initiative also commemorates America’s 250th anniversary, extending the reach of U.S. creativity across its bilateral partnerships.
”At the Skits Lab, we shared our journeys, the challenges we faced, and provided guidance on how to succeed. Many participants left more skilled and inspired,” Dariya explained.
The U.S. mission’s effort, according to industry observers, represents a meaningful step in bridging cross-cultural exchanges, while providing a platform for Nigeria’s young creative talents to shine on a global stage.
The inaugural edition has set a high benchmark, and expectations are high for future editions of the contest to further nurture the country’s creative ecosystem.
