Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, in collaboration with Google, has launched an initiative to empower 2,500 young creatives in Nigeria through a dedicated training programme delivered by Del York Creative Academy.

According to a statement, the collaboration is a significant step in advancing the Ministry’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), which aims to drive skills development and innovation and foster public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s creative sector.

CLAP is being executed through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). The NCAC, as the primary implementing agency, is leveraging its extensive network and expertise in the cultural sector to ensure that CLAP meets its objectives of equipping aspiring creatives with vital skills and fostering sustainable growth within Nigeria’s creative industry.

The six-week training programme will cover foundational skills in visual story-telling and creative video content production. Participants, according to the statement, will explore essential aspects such as storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and the integration of AI in the creative process. Additionally, a select group will participate in a three-week intensive in-person training and mentorship programme, culminating in the creation of a high-quality visual content project.

“By leveraging the expertise of Google and the training capabilities of Del York Creative Academy, this programme will provide participants with hands-on learning experiences in areas such as music, film, animation, content creation, live production, and audio. The programme is aligned with the core objectives of CLAP, which include creating employment opportunities, diversifying the economy, and deepening Nigeria’s cultural export potential,” the statement read.

Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, said: “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative talents. By empowering our youth with the skills, they need to excel in the creative industries, we are not only creating jobs but also positioning Nigeria as a global leader in cultural exports. In line with the president’s Renewed Hope agenda, this programme will empower our youths to become even more active contributors to the economy, driving innovation and economic growth.”

Executive Chairman and CEO of the Del-York Group, Linus Idahosa, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “Our partnership with Google is designed and carefully curated to bridge 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” Interested applicants, according to the statement can register for the training via https://portal.delyorkcreative.academy/behind-the-camera/register.