LASG Graduates 570 Youths, Reaffirms Commitment To Creative Economy
Lagos State Government graduates 570 young men and women from its talent development programme, where Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a 21st-century economy where creative talent can flourish, and young people can turn their passion into sustainable careers.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated this on Tuesday at the Eko Studio Culture Graduation Ceremony, themed “Creating Wealth, Elevating Lagos Creatives,” held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the state had recently unveiled a ₦10 billion Cooperative Fund to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including businesses expected to be established by graduates of the Eko Studio Culture Programme, adding that the initiative aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda to build a modern economy driven by creativity and innovation.
Sanwo-Olu noted that 570 young men and women were selected from the five Divisions of the State to benefit from the Talent Hunt Eko Studio Culture Programme, stating that initiatives such as the Eko Studio Culture reflect the administration’s belief that the greatest wealth of Lagos is its people.
“Initiatives such as this reflect our administration’s belief that the greatest wealth of Lagos is its people. By investing in skills development and entrepreneurship, we are empowering our young people not merely to seek opportunities, but to create them,” said the Governor.
Speaking on the initiative, the Governor noted that the creative economy is no longer viewed simply as entertainment but as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, generating jobs, attracting investment and driving innovation.
He added that Nigerian music dominates global charts, her films reach audiences across continents, stressing that events such as AMVCA, Lagos Fashion Week, among others, show that Lagos is where creativity meets opportunity, generating economic activity and showcasing our State globally.
“To our graduands: think beyond employment. Become employers. Think beyond creating content, create businesses and build brands that can compete across Africa and the world. A creative idea developed in Lagos today can reach millions tomorrow; take advantage of technology, keep learning, and keep improving your craft. Remember that your talent may open the first door, but your character, professionalism, and consistency will keep those doors open,” he stated.
The Governor, therefore, urged graduating students to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology by building globally competitive businesses rather than relying solely on paid employment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, lauded the unwavering support of the Government for their continued commitment to initiatives that empower our youth, create wealth, and expand economic opportunities across our State.
Ajigbotafe noted that the Eko Studio Culture programme was designed to give young Lagosians skills they can use, adding that through classroom sessions, virtual learning, practical training, and mentorship from industry professionals, participants gained hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
The Commissioner noted that the graduation ceremony is a proud moment, adding that “It is a celebration of talent, hard work, resilience, and opportunity. As we are gathered here to recognise a group of young, determined individuals who chose to invest in themselves by acquiring skills that are relevant in today’s fast-growing creative economy,” he said.
In his Goodwill Message, Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, stated that the state government remains committed to creating an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Lagos State.
Agoro added that the state will continue to recognize the immense potential of our youth and keep implementing initiatives that will provide them with the opportunities and support required to realize their dreams.
According to him, the Eko Studio Culture was conceived in response to the growing interest of young people in the entertainment industry to harness their immense talent and technological skills for self-reliance, wealth creation, and societal development.
In his overview of the Eko Studio Culture, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dream Music Hall Academy, Mr. Bolaji Williams said Lagos remains the hub of Nigeria’s creative economy, noting that the state’s entertainment industry generated an estimated $10.8 billion between 2024 and 2025, noting that the Eko Studio Culture Programme was designed to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce by equipping participants with entrepreneurship, finance, and business management skills needed to build sustainable careers.
