Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has lauded the organizers of the Creative Corner Summit 2026 for creating a platform that nurtures talent, promotes innovation, and empowers young entrepreneurs across Nigeria’s creative sector.
Speaking at the Creative Corner 2.0 Summit held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, the Minister described the initiative as a vital vehicle for talent development, networking, mentorship, and enterprise growth within the nation’s burgeoning creative industry.
Musawa commended the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for youth-focused initiatives. She also praised the summit’s convener, Judith Okechukwu, describing her as a shining example of what young Nigerian women can achieve through determination and innovation.
According to the Minister, Creative Corner has evolved into a strategic platform that provides creatives with access to mentorship, capacity building, market opportunities, and incubation support needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy, Musawa emphasized its growing role in driving economic diversification, job creation, and national development.
“The creative economy is not just about entertainment; it is about transforming talent and potential into value, jobs, and wealth for Nigerians,” she said.
As part of efforts to deepen the impact of the sector, Musawa announced the expansion of the Ministry’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
She explained that the initiative would introduce industry-relevant training designed to equip young creatives with practical skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital and global marketplace.
The Minister noted that the goal is to empower creators not only to seek employment but to become employers and innovators capable of generating sustainable economic opportunities.
She also encouraged creatives from across the country to take advantage of the Ministry’s interventions in training, financing, partnerships, and international market access.
Earlier in her remarks, Okechukwu explained that Creative Corner was established to spotlight talented but often overlooked creatives and provide them with the tools needed to succeed.
According to her, the platform was created in response to the real needs of creators, including guidance, visibility, opportunities, and a supportive community.
“Creative Corner was designed as a space where talent is recognized, opportunities are real, and young people are encouraged to start, stand, and grow,” she said.
She urged aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives not to underestimate the power of their ideas, noting that transformative movements often begin with a single vision.
“Every big movement starts with one small idea. The dream keeping you up tonight could be the platform that changes lives tomorrow,” Okechukwu added.
The summit attracted a diverse gathering of stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, acclaimed Nollywood actor and humanitarian Williams Uchemba, emerging creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders committed to advancing Nigeria’s creative economy.
