.....Empowering the Next Generation of Creative Professionals
By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC), in collaboration with Rhoda Johnson Media (RJM), successfully hosted the Eko Creative Summit 2026 on Wednesday, 15th July 2026, at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The summit brought together young creatives, industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, educators and key stakeholders within the creative and cultural industries for a day of learning, inspiration, networking and innovation. Designed as a youth-focused platform, the summit sought to equip emerging creative professionals with the knowledge, practical skills, professional networks and opportunities required to build sustainable careers and successful businesses within Lagos State’s rapidly growing creative economy.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MTAC), Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the Director of Administration and Human Resources (MTAC), Mr. Taoreed Dosumu, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening the creative sector as a major driver of economic growth, youth empowerment, innovation, tourism development and job creation. He encouraged participants to take advantage of opportunities within the creative ecosystem by continuously developing their skills, embracing innovation and building strategic partnerships capable of positioning them for success in both local and international markets.
In his welcome address, the Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson, warmly welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, partners, speakers and guests for supporting the vision of the Eko Creative Summit.
He described the summit as a strategic initiative aimed at nurturing creativity, promoting entrepreneurship and creating a thriving ecosystem where young talents can transform their passion into sustainable careers and globally competitive enterprises.
Also speaking as one of the panelists at the summit, Dr. Busola Odedina, Director of Administration and Human Resources, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC), highlighted the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of the creative and cultural industries. She enlightened participants on various initiatives and opportunities provided by the State Government to nurture creativity, empower young talents and promote entrepreneurship within the creative sector. She encouraged aspiring creatives to take advantage of available government programmes, training opportunities, partnerships and platforms designed to enhance their skills, increase their visibility and enable them to compete successfully in both local and international creative markets.
One of the major highlights of the summit was the series of four engaging panel sessions, each focusing on critical aspects of the creative industry. The discussions explored topics such as career development, personal branding, media and public relations, music and entertainment, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, business sustainability, collaboration and strategies for building successful careers within the creative economy. Each session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and receive practical guidance.
The summit featured an impressive lineup of accomplished professionals and creative industry leaders.
Dami Adenuga, an award-winning media and public relations strategist, shared valuable insights on building a strong personal brand, leveraging the media and creating visibility in today’s competitive creative landscape.
Ycee, an award-winning Nigerian rapper, encouraged participants to remain committed to their craft, emphasizing consistency, discipline and continuous self-improvement.
Dotti, a popular Nigerian musician, inspired the audience with his personal journey, urging resilience, originality and turning challenges into opportunities.
Ola Oluwasanmi, a renowned artist and brand consultant, enlightened participants on creativity, storytelling and strategic branding for sustainable businesses.
Michael Esio (Oscar), a business strategist and programmer, provided practical insights into entrepreneurship, innovation and digital transformation.
Odumodu Blvck, joining virtually, shared candid experiences on perseverance, authenticity and hard work, leaving a lasting impression.
Another major highlight was an impactful masterclass facilitated by Dr.. Princess Kelechi, Founder of GMYT Fashion Academy. During the interactive session, she challenged participants to embrace creativity as a pathway to innovation, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. In a remarkable act of generosity, she presented a cash gift of ₦100,000 to a participant in recognition of his enthusiasm and active participation, inspiring the audience with the message that dedication and excellence are rewarded.
Participants described the summit as an eye-opening and transformative experience, praising the quality of discussions, networking opportunities and practical knowledge shared.
The event provided a platform for emerging creatives to interact with established professionals, exchange ideas, build valuable connections and gain insights capable of accelerating their personal and professional growth.
Speaking at the close of the summit, participants commended the Lagos State Government for creating an inclusive platform that supports youth development and strengthens the State’s creative ecosystem..
They expressed optimism that initiatives such as the Eko Creative Summit would continue to inspire innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and unlock new opportunities for young people across Lagos State.
The Eko Creative Summit 2026 concluded on a high note, leaving participants motivated, better informed and equipped with practical knowledge, industry insights and renewed confidence to pursue excellence within the creative economy.
The success of the summit further reinforces Lagos State’s position as Africa’s leading creative and cultural hub and demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of creative professionals.
No comments:
Post a Comment