The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has pledged to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes to equip young creatives with skills needed to become job creators.
Musawa made the commitment at the Creative Corner Summit 2026 held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu State, where she also commended the organisers for creating a platform that nurtures talent and promotes entrepreneurship.
The minister described the creative economy as a critical driver of economic diversification, employment generation and national identity, stressing that the sector extends beyond entertainment.
“The creative economy is not just about entertainment but also about turning our potential into value, jobs, and wealth for Nigerians,” she said.
She disclosed that the ministry was expanding industry-relevant TVET programmes to equip young creators with practical skills needed to compete in a digital and global marketplace.
According to her, the initiative is aimed at enabling young people to create employment opportunities rather than merely seek jobs.
Musawa also lauded the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for his leadership and support for the creative industry, while describing the convener of the summit, Judith Okechukwu, as a role model for young Nigerian women.
She said Creative Corner had become an important platform for networking, mentorship, capacity building, market access and creative incubation.
The minister urged creatives across the country to take advantage of government interventions in training, financing, partnerships and access to international markets.
Earlier, the convener of Creative Corner 2.0, Judith Okechukwu, said the initiative was established to support talented but overlooked creatives by providing them with opportunities for growth and visibility.
She said the platform was designed to address the needs of creators by offering guidance, exposure, opportunities and a supportive community.
“The event was created as a response to what creators truly need: guidance, visibility, opportunity, and community,” Okechukwu said.
She encouraged young people to pursue their ideas and ambitions, noting that transformative initiatives often begin with a single vision.
Also present at the summit were the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Nollywood actor and humanitarian Williams Uchemba, as well as other stakeholders in the creative industry.
