AgegePulse Magazine
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged that the State Government will continue to partner with stakeholders in the creative industry by strengthening skills development, expanding training opportunities, and providing the necessary infrastructure to support the growth of the sector.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Official Commissioning and Grand Opening of Euphoria360 Hub, put in place by one of the Thespians, Mr. Femi Adebayo, held at Oregun, Lagos, Hamzat said that the State Government is determined to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled creative professionals who could compete and earn globally.
According to Hamzat, Lagos has no shortage of talent but needs to provide the right structures and opportunities to harness it. "The state is already investing in creative infrastructure, which includes the development of theatres in Ikorodu, Badagry, among other divisions.
"Besides, the government is exploring further opportunities to expand training in areas such as filmmaking, acting, photography and other creative disciplines, and training up to one million Lagosians across various fields", he said.
The Deputy Governor also noted that the state must move beyond training young people to creating a sustainable pipeline of globally competitive talent and linking skills development directly to employment opportunities, adding that the objective of the government is to create an enabling environment where creative talents can not only showcase Nigerian culture to the world but also earn commensurate economic value from their works.
Citing the global influence of Nigerian films and storytelling, Hamzat noted that Nigerian productions have become a major means of projecting the country’s identity and culture across Africa and beyond. “I want to challenge you, our elders and stakeholders in the creative industry, to identify the major barriers limiting growth and work with the government to develop practical solutions, particularly in areas such as intellectual property, contracts, and skills development,” the Deputy Governor said.
He congratulated the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Euphoria 360, Mr. Femi Adebayo, on the establishment of the Mega Audio Visual Project, describing the initiative as an important contribution to the growth of the creative ecosystem in Lagos.
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, said the Nigerian entertainment industry is a powerful force that has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s visibility and global influence.
Dare added that the government needs to support and strengthen the creative sector, noting that the industry generates a huge sum of money and has the capacity to engage and create job opportunities for a large number of young people.
Earlier in his welcome address, Filmmaker/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Euphoria 360, Mr. Femi Adebayo, said the vision behind the hub is to create a one-stop hub for the entertainment industry where producers, filmmakers, creators, film enthusiasts, and event planners can access the quality facilities and services they need to bring their projects to life.
His words, “Here, everything required to produce and deliver world-class projects is brought together under one roof,” adding that the initiative will become a landmark destination for creativity, collaboration, and excellence in the entertainment industry."
Adebayo noted that the hub brings together key players across the entertainment value chain while offering access to modern facilities and professional services needed to develop and deliver world-class productions.
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