By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a 21st-century economy driven by creativity and innovation as the Lagos State Government graduated 570 young men and women from its Eko Studio Culture talent development programme.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, at the Eko Studio Culture Graduation Ceremony, themed “Creating Wealth, Elevating Lagos Creatives,” held on Tuesday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, said beneficiaries would have opportunities to access the state’s recently launched ₦10 billion Cooperative Fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Sanwo-Olu said the Cooperative Fund was designed to support small businesses, including enterprises expected to be established by graduates of the Eko Studio Culture Programme, adding that the initiative aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda of building a modern economy driven by innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.

The governor said the 570 beneficiaries were selected from the five divisions of Lagos State under the Talent Hunt Eko Studio Culture Programme, stressing that the government would continue investing in initiatives that equip young people with practical skills and empower them to create jobs.

“Initiatives such as this reflect our administration’s belief that the greatest wealth of Lagos is its people. By investing in skills development and entrepreneurship, we are empowering our young people not merely to seek opportunities, but to create them,” he said.

Describing the creative industry as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, Sanwo-Olu said Nigerian music, films and fashion had continued to earn international recognition, positioning Lagos as a leading destination for creative enterprise and investment.

He urged the graduands to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, advising them to build sustainable businesses and globally competitive brands rather than relying solely on paid employment.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said the Eko Studio Culture Programme was designed to equip young Lagosians with practical skills through classroom learning, virtual training, hands-on experience and mentorship from industry professionals.

According to him, the programme equips participants with the knowledge and experience required to build successful careers in the creative industry, describing the graduation as a celebration of talent, resilience, hard work and opportunity.

In his goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive, innovate and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dream Music Hall Academy, Mr. Bolaji Williams, said the Eko Studio Culture Programme was established to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce by equipping participants with entrepreneurship, finance and business management skills needed to build sustainable careers. He added that Lagos remains the nation’s creative hub, with the entertainment industry generating an estimated $10.8 billion between 2024 and 2025.