By Michael Dibie
It was the inaugural event of the African Creative Conference 2024, held in the city of Abuja to examine some critical issues in the creative industry and to support youths in the sector. The event themed “Technology, creativity and talent for social development” featured: panel discussions, cultural displays, exhibition, workshops and competitions.
Executive Director, Kaduna film festival and African Creative Conference, Israel Audu, said the essence of the event was for African creative industry professionals to come together in the capital city to see how they can highlight and discuss some key issues in the industry and also support the youths.
“There are various issues in the industry, It is an opportunity to highlight some green areas, so it’s about catching up with the youths and see howe we can support them, to empower, support and encourage the creatives. There are so many issues of copy rights, fundings, training of creative,” he said.
He noted that it was also an avenue for the youths in Abuja to network and make meaningful contacts and enrich themselves in various creative areas.
“The industry is large and wide, you talk about music, fashion, dance, films and so many others. There are so many talents in the industry, so we are providing free training for them, and we plan to address some of these issues”
Also speaking Frankie Ohwo, Event and sponsorship manager, Colgate Tolaram said that the sector is one of the thriving industries in Nigeria that is the entertainment and movie making industry, and helping young people in the sector to express themselves and be better in their craft as actors, producers, script writer is their aim.
“So our brand involves in helping people get their confidence, For you to be in the camera, you should have the right smile, be confident and able to express yourself, that is one thing we are interested in doing, giving you confidence no matter how you look. Our brand is for building confidence in anybody, young or old and to be in the entertainment industry, you have to be confident.
She reiterated that her company is also trying to build a collaboration with the industry where they can all come together and work as one.
“Without the public, we can’t be who we are. So we are trying to pass a message to the young adult on the need to take care of their hygiene, providing that education to the people is our role.
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