The Lagos state Government says it is encouraged by the boost in the tourism and entertainment industry due to the conducive environment and incentives provided by government.
In addition, the state government is of the view that the recent foundation laying of the Lagos Film City in Ejinrin, Epe area of the state was to harness local talents and create new economic opportunities for talented youngsters in the culture and entertainment industries.
The state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka stated this at the graduation and showcase ceremony of Class of 2022 from the Gidi Creative Centre held at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos, Akoka.
She said that it gladdens the heart of the state and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to celebrate the remarkable achievements by the Gidi Creative Centre in impacting positively on the lives of young talented residents of the state.
According to her, the contributions of the Gidi Creative Centre tells the story of the potentials of youths of the state assuring that government will not shy away in creating friendly environment for people to showcase their creative talents.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos Prof Folasade Ogunsola stressed the need for
Africa to ensure we cchange the narrating in telling our stories by ourselves.
While addressing the gathering, Prof Ogunsola said it was unfortunate that most of the stories told about Africa were negative.
She insists that Nigeria is not the worst, dirtiest but one of the most creative countries with abundant talents in the world.
The UNILAG VC noted that out of African population of one point three billion, 75% are youths.
According to her and i quote “The future of Nigeria and Africa lies with the youths.
Gidi creative centre has prepared them for leadership role in the future.
They were encouraged to break the boundaries and maximise opportunities that comes their way”. End of quote.
On his part, the Director of Enterpreneurship and Skills Development Centre, University of Lagos, Prof Sunday Adebisi said the institution remained committed to empowering students with enterpreurial skills to make them self reliant.
He explained that the dream of the centre was to build youths that will create jobs after leaving the University adding the skills acquired by the Graduands was at no cost to them
Prof Adebisi thanked Governor Sanwoolu for the massivve support during the programme.
Two of the Graduands, Azobu Miracle and Oyedepo Adeola said they were privileged to be part of the programme while thanking the Temple Company, Gidi Creative Centre, Lagos state Government and University of Lagos for the opportunity.
They described the journey as memorable and assured that the Class 2022 will make judicious use of the skills acquired in future.
The Graduands said it was a moment of joy in their lives while expressing their appreciation to the facilitators during two- month programme.
For Oyedepo Adeola and i quote” The programme has given us the future we want and we may not need to japa in the long run. We will treasure the experience for the rest of our lives. We are ready to face the world”. End of quote.
In his closing remarks, Founder/Group Chief Executive of the Temple Company, Idris Olorunimbe said he was inspired by the need to impact knowledge and change a life.
He charged the graduands to be bold in their creativity and not take the opportunity for granted.
Mr Olorunimbe said that he deeply admire the dedication and hard work the students shown during the journey at Gidi Creative Centre.
He concluded by saying that he has faith in their ability and extraordinary capacity to create beauty and make a lasting impression in the creative world.
The Students of Gidi Creative Centre were trained in Film Making, Fashion Design, Media Studies, Creative Writing, Production Design and Audio Engineering & Sound Production.
