Hon. Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa Champions Youth Empowerment Through Creative Economy Partnerships at 2025 Lagos Convention
By Arikawe Femi, People’s Voice Nigeria News
“When we ignite creativity, we ignite commerce — and when young Nigerians create, they lead nations.”
In a powerful display of collaboration and innovation, the 2025 Lagos Youths Convention spotlighted Nigeria’s creative economy as a tool for employment and national growth. Hon. Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development through skill acquisition and cultural investment.
Representing the Honourable Minister, Doyin Diya Odusanya, Special Assistant to Hon. Musawa delivered her remarks and highlighted the Ministry’s dedication: “This convention is a shining example of what happens when government, faith-based organisations, and legacy institutions come together to invest in young Nigerians The creative economy is not just about art. It’s about livelihoods, dignity, and national transformation.” She added, “Hon. Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa believes that every young person deserves access to opportunity and that our cultural heritage can be a powerful tool for economic growth. Through programmes like this, we are laying the foundation for a future where skills meet purpose, and creativity meets commerce.”
Finished products at the 2025 Youth Convention, Lagos Province.
Finished products at the 2025 Youth Convention, Lagos Province.
The Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme was delivered through strategic partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Lagos State Government (Ministry of Youth and Social Development), the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, and The Morning Star Youths.
A cross section of participants during training at the 2025 Youth Convention, Lagos Province.
Over 500 participants were trained in high-demand fields including textile arts (tie & dye, adire), footwear production and branding, beauty and grooming (barbing, hairstyling), digital enterprise and website design, and cultural storytelling. Each participant received starter kits, mentorship, and access to post-training incubation. Early outcomes are already visible, with over 50 micro-enterprise ideas pitched, a 90% satisfaction rate among trainees, and new online shops and brand collaborations in development.
One of the trainees, Adaobi, who specialised in footwear branding, shared: “Before this, I thought skills were backup plans. Now, I see them as building blocks to independence.”
A cross section of participants during training at the 2025 Youth Convention, Lagos Province.
The Minister’s representative concluded by affirming that this is not a one-off event but a movement. Hon. Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa is committed to scaling this model across Nigeria, ensuring that youth empowerment is not just a promise but a policy priority.
In his closing remarks, His Eminence Pa. Joseph Olatunji Adenaike, the 93-year-old Baba Aladura of the Morning Star and St. Michael Star Fountain of Life Mount Zion, World Wide, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, her representative, and all partnering institutions for their unwavering support. He praised the convention’s organisers for creating a platform that blends spiritual purpose with practical empowerment. Addressing the youth directly, he said: “You have been given tools, not just for trade, but for transformation. Use them wisely, build with integrity, and let your light shine beyond this gathering. The future of Nigeria rests in your hands — rise and shape it.”
Pa. Joseph Olatunji Adenaike, Baba Aladura of the Morning Star and St. Michael Star Fountain of Life Mount Zion, World Wide
As Nigeria continues to harness its creative potential, this convention serves as a compelling blueprint for inclusive growth and youth-driven economic revival.
