FG partners Google, Del York Creative Academy to empower 10,000 young Nigerian creatives 

Joy Agwunobi

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy (FMACCE) has announced an innovative partnership with Google and Del York Creative Academy aimed at empowering 10,000 young Nigerian creatives through a specialised training programme.

The initiative seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in cultural exports while equipping the youth with the skills to actively contribute to the economy, driving both innovation and growth. As part of FMACCE’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), the program will begin by training 2,500 participants, with plans to scale the number across Nigeria.

The partnership is designed to equip aspiring creatives with vital skills in areas such as music, film, animation, content creation, live production, and audio; by leveraging the expertise of Google and the training capabilities of Del York Creative Academy, the program will offer hands-on learning experiences and mentorship to help participants launch successful careers in Nigeria’s growing creative industry.

The initiative, executed through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), is aligned with the FMACCE’s broader goals of fostering public-private partnerships, creating employment opportunities, and driving innovation in Nigeria’s cultural sector; according to the ministry, applications are open until October 30th.

The six-week training will be delivered by Del York Creative Academy and  will cover essential skills in visual storytelling and video production, including storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and the integration of AI into creative processes. The program’s final phase will see a selected group of participants engage in a three-week, intensive in-person mentorship, culminating in the production of a high-quality content project.

Google’s dedication to nurturing the creative ecosystem in Africa is evident through initiatives such as the Black Voices Fund and Made for You, which have already empowered numerous creators across the continent. This collaboration with the FMACCE and Del York Creative Academy builds on that foundation, and its commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative landscape in Nigeria.

Commenting on the partnership, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, the minister of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, expressed the significance of the partnership, emphasising its role in nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent. She noted that the collaboration reflects the ministry’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed to excel in the creative industries.

According to her, this initiative will not only help create jobs but also position Nigeria as a global leader in cultural exports. “By empowering our youth, we are paving the way for them to actively contribute to the economy, driving both innovation and growth,” she stated.

Linus Idahosa, CEO of Del York Creative Academy, also highlighted the significance of bridging the gap between creative practitioners and corporate stakeholders. “By equipping young talents with industry-relevant skills, we are fostering a new generation of creative entrepreneurs and enhancing the capabilities of the corporate sector to leverage creative expertise for business growth,” he said.

On his part, Olumide Falegan, Manager of EMEA Music & Culture at Google Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised the significance of investing in young talent, highlighting the initiative’s focus on recognising and equipping those who play pivotal roles in the creative industries.

He noted that by empowering 2,500 professionals, with plans to eventually reach 10,000 across Nigeria, the program is making an investment in Africa’s future cultural influence and economic growth.