Hundreds of students, professionals, and government officials converged at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) for Youth in Creativity 1.0, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The program’s objective was to furnish young Lagos residents with the necessary skills, mentorship, and inspiration to succeed in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy.
Organized by entrepreneur Eziada Folashade Balogun through her Black History & Lifestyle Awards (BHLA) platform, the event featured a diverse range of activities, including workshops, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, and empowerment giveaways. Recognizing creativity as a high-value global skill spanning areas like media, digital content, fashion, design, tech, and storytelling, the initiative’s goal was to provide a forum for students to explore, develop, and professionally express their creative talents.
In her keynote address, Folashade Balogun stressed that creativity has evolved beyond a casual pursuit to become a major driver of the modern economy. She encouraged attendees to pursue ambitious goals, learn continuously, and create relentlessly. She stated that when young people are given the “access, guidance, and support,” they possess the ability to build businesses, establish careers, share their narratives, and ultimately “shape the future of their communities.”
Founder’s Profile and Government Endorsement
Folashade Balogun, an accomplished, multifaceted entrepreneur, holds a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo and has enhanced her business acumen through executive programs at prestigious international and local institutions. After two decades in the petroleum and marketing sectors (serving as a dealer for African Petroleum PLC), she transitioned to the creative sector, founding the fashion brand House of SOTA, which connects African fashion with the diaspora. Her background inspired the launch of BHLA, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating African and African-descended achievers globally while addressing challenges faced by Black-owned businesses.
The Lagos State government showed strong support for the initiative. Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the State’s Chief of Staff, advised students to embrace due process and start small, emphasizing that their future success rests in their hands. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development (representing the governor), urged students to maintain integrity and fully utilize the lessons learned, reaffirming the government’s commitment to initiatives supporting youth empowerment and social advancement. The Rector of Yabatech also praised the college’s role in nurturing entrepreneurs and innovators.
Practical Empowerment and Future Plans
Participants benefited from practical training sessions in fields such as fashion, beauty, digital content creation, tech, and entrepreneurship. The event concluded with the distribution of empowerment packages—including phones, sewing machines, beauty kits, and hair styling tools—aimed at helping students immediately convert their ideas into sustainable ventures.
The initiative successfully strengthened the collaboration between the education sector, government, and the creative industry, showcasing a mutual commitment to skills development. Organizers confirmed that Youth in Creativity 1.0 is intended to become an annual program, expanding opportunities and fostering pathways for young creatives to achieve local and international success.
