Sanwo-Olu Urges Eko Studio Graduates To Build Businesses, Says Lagos Has Trained Over 1,000 Creatives

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Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, has urged graduates of the Eko Studio Culture Programme to move beyond seeking employment and focus on building businesses that will drive the state’s creative economy.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Eko Studio Culture Graduation Ceremony held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, the Governor who was represented by Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his Deputy described the event as a celebration of talent, resilience and the opportunities available to young people equipped with relevant skills.

Congratulating the graduands, Sanwo-Olu said the certificates awarded to them symbolised their hard work and readiness to create value, establish businesses and contribute to the future of the creative economy.

According to him, the theme of the ceremony, “Creating Wealth, Elevating Lagos Creatives,” reflects the growing importance of the creative industry, which has become one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, generating jobs, attracting investment and driving innovation.

He said Lagos remains at the forefront of Africa’s creative industry, noting that the state’s music, film, fashion and digital creative sectors continue to gain global recognition.

“Our music dominates global charts, our films reach audiences across continents, and our fashion designers, photographers and digital creators are redefining how Africa is seen by the world,” he said.

The Governor noted that events such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Lagos Fashion Week and Art X Lagos continue to position the state as a hub where creativity meets opportunity while generating economic activity and promoting Lagos internationally.

The governor said this was why the state government had continued to invest in initiatives such as the Eko Studio Culture Programme.

He disclosed that through the Skill Up Lagos initiative under the Lagos Cultural Mission, the state had trained more than 1,000 artists, designers, performers and cultural entrepreneurs over the past two years.

He also highlighted other youth empowerment initiatives, including the “Get Skilled, Earn Money” programme implemented by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in partnership with the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, which provides free vocational training and paid internships for young residents.

According to him, the state’s specialised ICT training programme with Mactay Consulting has also equipped hundreds of graduates with globally recognised digital certifications.

Sanwo-Olu further noted that the state government recently unveiled a N10 billion Cooperative Fund to support micro, small and medium enterprises, including businesses expected to be established by graduates of the programme.

Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, earlier in his welcome address, lauded the unwavering support of the Government for its continued commitment to initiatives that empower the youths, 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.

Olabode Agoro, Lagos State Head of Service in his goodwill message, said 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.

Bolaji Williams, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dream Music Hall Academy, in his overview of the Eko Studio Culture, 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.