Hundreds gathered at the vibrant Yaba College of Technology for the inaugural event of Youth in Creativity 1.0, a compelling corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at equipping young Lagosians with essential skills, mentorship, and inspiration to thrive within Nigeria’s burgeoning creative economy.
This visionary programme was orchestrated by entrepreneur Eziada Folashade Balogun under the auspices of the Black History & Lifestyle Awards (BHLA). It featured a rich agenda comprised of workshops, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, and various empowerment giveaways, fostering an environment conducive to creativity and growth.
In today’s world, creativity is a highly sought-after skill that permeates diverse sectors such as digital content, media, fashion, design, technology, and storytelling. The initiative was crafted as a platform for students to explore and hone their creative abilities, providing them with the necessary tools to express themselves in impactful ways.
During her keynote address, Balogun asserted the transformative power of creativity, asserting that it has transcended the notion of a mere side hustle to become a fundamental driver of the modern economy. She boldly encouraged attendees to dream beyond constraints, learn without fear, and create unceasingly.
“When young people are given access, guidance, and support, they can build careers, launch businesses, share their narratives, and influence the trajectory of their communities—one idea, one skill, and one young mind at a time,” Balogun emphasized, inspiring hope and ambition among the crowd.
Balogun further articulated her vision for the programme as a transformative tool for the youth, stating, “Through this initiative, we want to empower young Lagosians to pursue their passions, enhance their skills, and contribute to constructing a more innovative and brighter future.” She declared plans for Youth in Creativity to be an annual event, extending opportunities for young creatives and paving pathways for local and international success.
Lagos State’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, took to the podium to echo the importance of integrity among students. He encouraged them to leverage their vitality and fully embrace the day’s lessons. Ogunlende also commended the organizers for actively involving young people and reiterated the Lagos State government’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives encouraging youth development, social progress, and gender equality.
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, also highlighted the vital role the institution plays in nurturing innovators and future entrepreneurs. Attendees participated in hands-on sessions covering crucial areas such as fashion, digital content creation, beauty, technology, and entrepreneurship. Empowerment packages, including phones, beauty kits, hair styling tools, and sewing machines, were also distributed, providing students with invaluable resources to help them turn their creative visions into sustainable ventures.
This initiative underscores the synergy between education, governmental efforts, and the creative sector, showcasing a collective dedication to youth empowerment, innovation, and skills enhancement. Organizers made it clear that Youth in Creativity 1.0 is about more than just inspiration; it’s about equipping young people with the tools, mentorship, and networks necessary to thrive in the creative economy.
Eziada Folashade Balogun, a family-oriented multifaceted entrepreneur with a rich portfolio across various industries, spearheads this initiative. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies from the University of Uyo and has refined her expertise through executive programs at prestigious institutions such as Lagos Business School, Shanghai Business School, Strathmore Business School, and NUS Business School.
Her diverse career journey began in the petroleum sector, where she spent over two decades as a dealer with African Petroleum Plc. Following her transition into the creative world, she founded House of SOTA, a fashion brand that skillfully bridges African fashion with the diaspora. Her personal experiences and insights led her to establish BHLA, a non-profit dedicated to celebrating individuals of African and African descent who are making significant strides in business, lifestyle, and culture while tackling the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses on a global scale.
