Get ready for some amazing news! Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) is going all-in to support young, creative minds. During the 2024 National Creativity Week (NCW), they showed off their commitment by empowering schoolgirls with some seriously useful skills.
Here’s the lowdown:
- The ministry is backing young creatives to become self-reliant.
- Eighty students got hands-on training in natural hair care, wig making, and natural hair oil production.
- This initiative celebrates creativity as a tool for empowerment.
- It’s part of a global celebration known as World Creativity and Innovation Day.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Creative Potential
The Permanent Secretary of FMACTCE, Mr. Raphael Oraeluno, emphasized that Nigeria’s future depends on nurturing the unique talents of its youth. He stated that this initiative aims to unlock the creative potential of young Nigerians, helping them to imagine, make decisions, and take new steps towards a better world. It’s all about creativity as a catalyst for economic transformation, which will help reduce poverty, unemployment, and violence, while also boosting the nation’s GDP.
Empowering the Next Generation of Hair Care Experts
The empowerment program focused on training students in natural hair care, wig making, and the production of natural hair oil. Mrs. Adanna Enwezor, the founder of Photizo Life Foundation, explained that the training aimed to provide valuable skills to these young women, highlighting the economic opportunities within this industry. This included learning about the dangers of toxic chemicals in relaxers and texturizers, and encouraging the use of local and organic alternatives. She stated that this program seeks to encourage entrepreneurship and pride in natural beauty, aligning with the ministry’s aims.
Hands-on Experience and a Bright Future
The girls who participated in the program were super excited to learn new skills. One student, Popoola Arinlade, mentioned that understanding her hair’s needs will boost her confidence in growing her natural hair. Another participant, Christabel Akperobe, stated that the training helped her understand how to take care of her hair while avoiding damaging chemical treatments.
Why This Matters
This event is more than just a one-off workshop, it’s about celebrating African heritage and identity, while promoting the power of creativity. The program also demonstrates a commitment to using creativity to promote sustainable development. It highlights how creative talents can drive economic growth and provide opportunities for the youths.
What’s Next?
The event has successfully kicked off the National Creativity Week, which is geared toward empowering young people through creative skills. In a rapidly changing world, these young women are being equipped with the tools they need to succeed. They are encouraged to take these newly acquired skills and to turn them into viable businesses, so that they not only become self-reliant, but also become contributors to Nigeria’s economy.
The program is a partnership with the Photizo Life Foundation and is part of the Creative Africa Initiative, which has been celebrated globally as World Creativity and Innovation Day since 2008. The National Creativity Week shows that Nigeria is fully invested in the future of its young people and the power of creativity.
