By Peter.
Nigeria’s creative economy received a major boost on December 3, 2025, as the Black History and Lifestyle Awards (BHLA) partnered with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to host the maiden edition of Youth in Creativity 1.0 – a transformative CSR initiative focused on youth empowerment, skills development, and turning passion into sustainable careers.
entrepreneur Mrs. Eziada Folashade Balogun, BHLA brought together expertise, vision, and commitment to nurture Nigeria’s young creatives. The YABATECH campus buzzed with energy as over 1,000 enthusiastic participants gathered for a day of learning, networking, and hands-on inspiration.
Dynamic Hosting and Keynote Inspiration
Renowned Nigerian media personality Layole Oyatogun expertly hosted the event, captivating the audience with her vibrant energy and seamless delivery from start to finish.
In her powerful keynote, Mrs. Eziada Folashade Balogun emphasized that creativity is a driving force in today’s economy. She urged young attendees to “dream boldly, learn fearlessly, and create relentlessly,” highlighting how access and support can convert ideas into thriving careers and passions into sustainable income.
Representing YABATECH Rector, Dr. Angel Bismilai reinforced the institution’s dedication to fostering talent, describing the BHLA partnership as the start of a long-term initiative to equip young Nigerians with essential skills for impactful creativity.
Star-Studded Panels and High-Profile Guests
The event featured insightful panel discussions with top Nigerian creative industry leaders, including Bimpe Onakoya, Ugochukwu George Igbokwe, Emmy Kasbit, Kid Baby, Anita Asianya, Tope Adenola, Tolu Arogunmati, Gift Vincent, Ololade Amina Afolabi-Borogun, and Omosalewa Ogunnowo. They shared practical advice on navigating the industry, building resilience, and monetizing passion.
Distinguished guests included Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mobolaji Ogunlende, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, and Onigbongbo LCDA Executive Chairman Moyosore Adebanjo, underscoring strong governmental support for youth empowerment and creative innovation in Nigeria.
Hands-On Masterclasses and Life-Changing Giveaways
Beyond motivation, the program delivered practical value through masterclasses and Creative Labs in fields like fashion design, digital content creation, photography, makeup artistry, and hairstyling.
Participants received empowering gifts, including sewing machines, smartphones, professional makeup kits, and hairstyling tools – essential resources to launch sustainable creative careers.
This groundbreaking collaboration between BHLA and YABATECH showcases the impact of intentional investment in Nigeria’s youth and the booming creative sector. As the creative economy continues to grow, initiatives like Youth in Creativity 1.0 are paving the way for the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
