Hamzat Pledges Inclusive Government in Lagos
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders in the creative industry through skills development, expanded training opportunities and the provision of essential infrastructure to support the sector’s growth.
Hamzat made the remarks at the official commissioning and grand opening of Euphoria360 Hub, an initiative established by Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo, at Oregun, Lagos.
He described the facility as a platform where ideas can be transformed into reality and young creatives can access the tools and opportunities needed to build sustainable careers in the industry.
“This is a space where ideas can take shape, and young creatives can find the tools and opportunities to build meaningful careers in the creative industry. I am encouraged by its focus on production, post-production, distribution and training,” he said.
“As a government, we will continue to support initiatives that create opportunities for our people and strengthen Lagos as a home for talent and innovation.”
Hamzat said the state government was committed to developing a sustainable pipeline of skilled creative professionals capable of competing internationally and earning global recognition.
He noted that Lagos had abundant creative talent but required the right structures and opportunities to harness its full potential.
According to him, the state is investing in creative infrastructure, including the development of theatres in Ikorodu, Badagry and other divisions of Lagos.
He added that the government was exploring additional opportunities to expand training in filmmaking, acting, photography and other creative disciplines, alongside its plan to train up to one million Lagos residents across various fields.
The deputy governor stressed the need to move beyond training young people to establishing a sustainable pipeline of globally competitive talent and linking skills development directly to employment opportunities.
He said the government’s objective was to create an enabling environment where creative professionals could showcase Nigerian culture to the world while earning appropriate economic returns from their work.
Highlighting the international influence of Nigerian films and storytelling, Hamzat noted that local productions had become important platforms for promoting the country’s identity and culture across Africa and beyond.
He also challenged industry veterans and stakeholders to identify the major obstacles limiting the sector’s growth and collaborate with the government to develop practical solutions, particularly in intellectual property protection, contracts and skills development.
“I want to challenge you, our elders and stakeholders in the creative industry, to identify the major barriers limiting growth and work with the government to develop practical solutions, particularly in areas such as intellectual property, contracts, and skills development,” he said.
Hamzat congratulated Adebayo, the Chief Executive Officer of Euphoria360, on establishing the audiovisual facility, describing the project as a significant contribution to the development of Lagos’ creative ecosystem.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Dr Sunday Dare, described the Nigerian entertainment industry as a powerful force that had significantly enhanced the country’s visibility and global influence.
Dare said the government needed to support and strengthen the creative sector, noting its substantial economic potential and capacity to generate employment for a large number of young Nigerians.
Adebayo said the vision behind Euphoria360 Hub was to establish a one-stop destination for the entertainment industry, providing producers, filmmakers, content creators, film enthusiasts and event planners with access to quality facilities and professional services.
“Here, everything required to produce and deliver world-class projects is brought together under one roof,” he said, expressing confidence that the facility would become a landmark destination for creativity, collaboration and excellence in the entertainment industry.
He added that the hub brings together key players across the entertainment value chain while providing access to modern facilities and professional services required to develop and deliver world-class productions.
