Nigeria’s creative ecosystem received a major boost as the Black History and Lifestyle Awards, in partnership with Yaba College of Technology, convened young talents, industry leaders, and policymakers at the maiden edition of Youth in Creativity 1.0, a corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at equipping the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
Held on December 3, 2025, on the Yabatech campus, the event transformed the institution into a vibrant hub of learning, networking and creative expression. From early hours, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as more than 1,000 young creatives gathered to gain practical skills, industry insights and access to opportunities that could turn their talents into sustainable livelihoods.
The programme was hosted by media personality Layole Oyatogun, whose engaging delivery set the tone for a full day of inspiration and hands-on learning. In her keynote address, BHLA founder, Mrs Eziada Folashade Balogun, underscored the growing economic power of creativity, urging young people to dream boldly, learn fearlessly and create relentlessly. She stressed that with the right access and support, creative ideas can evolve into viable careers and long-term sources of income, particularly in an economy where self-driven enterprise is becoming increasingly important.
Representing the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Angel Bismilai reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting initiatives that prepare graduates for the realities of today’s digital and creative economy. He noted that the collaboration with BHLA marked the beginning of a long-term movement to equip young Nigerians with relevant skills needed to translate creativity into real-world impact and job creation.
Discussions at the event gained momentum as leading figures from Nigeria’s creative industries shared candid experiences on navigating the sector, building resilience and monetising talent. Their contributions offered practical perspectives on turning passion into opportunity, particularly for young people seeking to build small creative businesses in fashion, media, beauty, and design.
The event also drew strong institutional support, with senior government and local council officials in attendance, highlighting the growing recognition of the creative sector as a driver of youth employment and economic inclusion. Their attendance signalled increasing alignment between public institutions and private initiatives focused on youth development.
Beyond conversations, Youth in Creativity 1.0 delivered tangible empowerment. Participants took part in masterclasses and creative labs covering fashion design, digital content creation, photography, makeup artistry, and hairstyling. To support the immediate application of skills, beneficiaries received tools such as sewing machines, smartphones, makeup kits, and professional hairstyling equipment, giving many young creatives a practical foundation to start or scale their ventures.
The collaboration between BHLA and Yabatech reinforced the role of strategic partnerships in unlocking opportunities for young Nigerians. By combining institutional support with industry expertise and targeted resources, the initiative demonstrated how intentional investment in creativity can drive entrepreneurship, strengthen MSMEs, and expand pathways to sustainable income for the country’s youth.
