The Federal Government has intensified efforts to position Nigeria’s creative economy as a major source of jobs and wealth creation, with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, announcing plans to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes aimed at equipping young creatives with entrepreneurial and industry-relevant skills.
Musawa made the announcement at the Creative Corner Summit 2026 held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, where she underscored the growing importance of the creative sector in driving economic diversification and empowering young Nigerians.
Speaking at the summit, the minister said the government was determined to move beyond conventional approaches to employment by supporting initiatives that would enable creatives to become business owners, innovators and employers of labour.
“The creative economy is not just about entertainment. It is about transforming talent into value, creating jobs, building wealth and projecting Nigeria’s identity to the world,” she said.
Musawa described Creative Corner 2.0 as a strategic platform that provides young talents with opportunities for networking, mentorship, skills development, market access and creative incubation.
She commended the organisers for creating an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and enterprise, while also applauding Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for supporting initiatives designed to unlock the potential of the state’s youthful population.
The minister reserved special praise for the convener of the summit, Judith Okechukwu, describing her as a role model for young Nigerian women and a symbol of what determination and vision can achieve in the creative industry.
According to Musawa, the planned expansion of TVET programmes will focus on practical, industry-driven training capable of preparing creatives for success in an increasingly digital and globally competitive economy.
She urged participants to take advantage of the Federal Government’s interventions in training, financing, partnerships and international market opportunities, stressing that the administration remains committed to making the creative economy a cornerstone of national development.
Earlier, Okechukwu explained that Creative Corner was conceived to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by providing a platform for emerging creatives who often struggle for visibility and support.
She said the initiative was designed to offer guidance, exposure and access to opportunities that can help young people transform their ideas into sustainable ventures.
“The event was created as a response to what creators truly need: guidance, visibility, opportunity and community. It is a space where talent is recognised, opportunities are real and young people are encouraged to start, stand and grow,” she said.
Encouraging participants to remain committed to their aspirations, she noted that many transformative ventures begin as simple ideas nurtured with persistence and purpose.
The summit attracted a wide range of stakeholders from the creative industry, government and civil society, including the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, award-winning Nollywood actor and humanitarian Williams Uchemba, as well as hundreds of young creatives from across the country.
The gathering served as another indication of the growing recognition of the creative economy as a viable pathway for youth empowerment, innovation and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.