Lagos State Government Launches Creative Vaults Pilot Scheme with 50 Participants
The Lagos State Government has officially launched the Lagos Creative Arts Vault, kicking off a pilot program involving 50 participants. This initiative, spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, aims to train approximately 3,000 young individuals over the next 18 months, equipping them with relevant creative skills synonymous with Lagos’s vibrant artistic culture.
During a news conference held at the Lekki Creative Arts and Crafts Market on Friday, Aregbe emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering youth and addressing the issue of unrest among street urchins. He urged the participants to leverage this opportunity to become job creators, taking advantage of the expertise offered by both local and international trainers.
“This moment is about passion, unity, and love. It’s about training and enhancing the essence of life,” Aregbe remarked. “When we discuss tourism, arts, and culture, if we neglect to nurture the next generation, we’re not fulfilling our responsibilities in this sector.”
He further explained that the initiative is designed to engage with grassroots communities, enhancing their skills and adding value to their lives.
“We plan to conduct around 3,000 training sessions over the next 18 months, which is why we are beginning with these 50 practical pilots. The objective of these pilot sessions is to provide a tangible experience that demonstrates what is achievable,” Aregbe added, highlighting the participants’ recent visits to the market to observe successful local craftspeople.
Debo Oyewole, a consultant for the Lagos Creative Arts Vault, along with Yulisa Maddy, an international trainer from South Africa, assured the participants of an enriching mix of theoretical knowledge and practical training across various vocational fields, including furniture making, fashion design, creative and entertainment arts, catering, digital marketing, and customer service.
Yulisa, whose mother hails from Nigeria, expressed his joy at the opportunity to contribute to this initiative. “It’s a blessing to be involved, and I’m proud to give back to my homeland. I’ll also focus on training related to nutrition and health, educating participants about maintaining wellness,” he stated.
The event also featured a celebratory moment for Aregbe, as he marked his birthday by distributing N2 million to support 10 traders at the Lekki Creative Arts and Crafts Market, further emphasizing the initiative’s commitment to empowering local businesses.
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