By Aderonke Ojediran
Gazmadu Education has renewed calls for stronger investment in globally competitive skills to accelerate Africa’s creative economy after hosting the ABC Conference 3.0 in Lagos.
The four-day event, held with Fujifilm, gathered more than 3,000 participants from Africa and the diaspora, including hundreds who joined virtually.
The conference, with the theme ‘Beyond Borders,’ blended networking, masterclasses and policy dialogue to address persistent skill gaps across the creative sector.
Mr Ayo Adeagbo, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, said the administration remains committed to strengthening the industry.
He said creativity must be backed by finance, infrastructure and sustained government support.
“Our major goal is to provide an enabling environment. Nigeria is blessed with superb creatives, but finance and trade remain constraints,” he said.
He added that the new Creative Government Fund would expand access to grants and loans through private-sector partnerships.
Convener of the conference, Mrs Yagazi Eguare, said the initiative tackles long-standing gaps restricting the economic potential of African creators.
She said creativity has evolved beyond passion and now requires strong business competence.
“The ABC Conference was created to empower creatives to level their skillsets and build successful businesses,” she said.
Eguare said the rapid growth of digital storytelling and artificial intelligence demands structured upskilling to prevent creators being left behind.
She said the event enabled cross-disciplinary training in photography, filmmaking, storytelling and leadership.
Fujifilm representative, Mr Richard Lackey, said the company’s support reflects its commitment to Africa’s creative future.
“This is about building community and empowering people to grow their art and business,” he said.
Keynote speaker and photographer, Ms Tolani Ali, shared her career journey and said authenticity and excellence can unlock global opportunities.
She highlighted supportive policies and national honours that have expanded prospects for professionals.
She also praised pioneers such as T.Y. Bello and Kelechi Amadi-Obi for opening doors for younger women.
Eguare said the real value of the conference lies in its long-term impact on the continent’s creative landscape.
“When you build people, you build society. One idea here can create jobs and shape narratives,” she said.
Photographer Emmanuel Oyeleke urged creatives to adopt scalable business models to grow beyond subsistence.
Big Age Studios CEO, Mr Henri Ojimadu, called for wider access to grants and resources to help young practitioners secure tools and establish viable enterprises. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
