Google Partners Creative Industry To Empower 6,000 Youths

Google Sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with the Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (C.I.I.F.A.) on Tuesday said it was launching the second cohort of its Engage Nigeria Programme.

Manager, EMEA Music & Culture at Google Sub-Saharan  Africa, Olumide Falegan, said in a statement that the Engage Nigeria Programme was a transformative initiative aimed at equipping youths with creative industry skills.

Engage Nigeria is part of the Skill Sprint initiative  launched in 2023 to equip 20,000 Nigerian women and youths with vital digital skills.

Falegan said that this national programme continued to support the country’s burgeoning creative economy with expanded reach and new partnerships.

He said: “This cohort will benefit 6,000 creatives from across Nigeria.

“The Engage Nigeria Programme will build on the success of its inaugural cohort, where over 2,200 participants received valuable training and mentorship, to continue to provide comprehensive training in music business and production.

“Other training includes event planning and management, cinematography and videography, animation, graphic design, and content creation.

“This holistic approach ensures participants are well-prepared to navigate and thrive in the competitive Nigerian creative industry.

“Digital technologies are not just tools, they are catalysts for endless possibilities.

“Through these platforms, our young talents can emerge as key contributors to the digital economy.”

According to the Google manager, Nigeria’s creative landscape is a dynamic and growing sector, contributing significantly to the economy.

He said that from Nollywood’s global influence to the rise of Afrobeats, Nigerian creatives are making their mark worldwide.

Falegan said that the Engage Nigeria Programme tapped into this potential, providing participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various creative disciplines.