Hamzat unveils Lagos plan to strengthen creative industry, expand infrastructure
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged that the state government will continue to partner with stakeholders in the creative industry by strengthening skills development, expanding training opportunities and providing infrastructure needed to support the sector’s growth.
Hamzat spoke on Tuesday at the official commissioning and grand opening of Euphoria 360 Hub, established by filmmaker and actor Femi Adebayo, at Oregun, Lagos. He said Lagos had no shortage of creative talent but needed to provide the right structures and opportunities to harness it effectively.
Hamzat said, “The state is already investing in creative infrastructure, which includes the development of theatres in Ikorodu, Badagry, among other divisions. Besides, the government is exploring further opportunities to expand training in areas such as filmmaking, acting, photography and other creative disciplines, and training up to one million Lagosians across various fields”.
The deputy governor said the state must move beyond training young people to creating a sustainable pipeline of globally competitive talent and linking skills development directly to employment opportunities. He added that the government wanted to create an enabling environment where creative talents could showcase Nigerian culture globally while earning commensurate economic value from their works.
Citing the global influence of Nigerian films and storytelling, Hamzat said Nigerian productions had become a major means of projecting the country’s identity and culture across Africa and beyond. He urged stakeholders to identify barriers limiting the industry’s growth and work with government to develop practical solutions, particularly in intellectual property, contracts and skills development.
Hamzat congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of Euphoria 360, Femi Adebayo, on the establishment of the mega audio-visual project, describing it as an important contribution to the growth of Lagos’ creative ecosystem.
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described the Nigerian entertainment industry as a powerful force that had significantly enhanced the country’s visibility and global influence. He said government needed to support and strengthen the sector, noting its revenue-generating capacity and potential to create jobs for young people.
Earlier, Adebayo said the vision behind Euphoria 360 was to create a one-stop hub for the entertainment industry where producers, filmmakers, creators, film enthusiasts and event planners could access quality facilities and services needed to bring their projects to life.
