Lagos graduates 570 creatives, highlights ₦10bn MSME support fund
The Lagos State Government has graduated 570 young men and women from its Eko Studio Culture talent development programme, while highlighting its newly launched ₦10 billion Cooperative Fund to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including businesses expected to be established by the graduates.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Kadri Hamzat, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Eko Studio Culture Graduation Ceremony themed “Creating Wealth, Elevating Lagos Creatives,” held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa.
Sanwo-Olu said the ₦10 billion Cooperative Fund forms part of the administration’s efforts to build a modern economy driven by creativity and innovation under its THEMES+ Agenda, noting that the initiative will provide financial support for MSMEs, including enterprises to be launched by beneficiaries of the programme.
According to the governor, the 570 beneficiaries were selected from the five divisions of the state, adding that the programme reflects the government’s belief that the greatest wealth of Lagos lies in its people through investments in skills development and entrepreneurship.
He described the creative economy as one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, saying Nigerian music, films and fashion have gained global recognition while Lagos continues to position itself as the country’s creative capital through events such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and Lagos Fashion Week.
Sanwo-Olu urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship by building businesses and brands capable of competing across Africa and beyond, stressing that technology, innovation, professionalism and consistency are essential to long-term success.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said the Eko Studio Culture programme was designed to equip young Lagosians with practical skills through classroom sessions, virtual learning, hands-on training and mentorship from industry professionals. He described the graduation as a celebration of talent, resilience and opportunity.
Also speaking, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive, while the Managing Director of Dream Music Hall Academy, Bolaji Williams, said Lagos’ entertainment industry generated an estimated $10.8 billion between 2024 and 2025, adding that the programme was created to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce by equipping participants with entrepreneurship, finance and business management skills.
