The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has entered into a collaboration with two creative firms, EbonyLife Media and Del-York Creative Academy, to empower thousands of filmmakers.

The ministry has officially launched the Lagos State Creative Industries Initiative which will serve as a training platform for practitioners in the creative sector on the use of modern technology, to enhance the content and quality of entertainment in the country.

At least 1,500 practitioners are set to benefit from the partnership which aims to enhance their skills and exposure.

Speaking during the week at the unveiling of the initiative, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said, “LACI is a continuation of Lagos State’s commitment to supporting our creative industries, as we drive towards leading Africa in this area and being recognised as a centre of excellence for filmmaking in particular. With a growing pool of practitioners with world-class skills, our creatives can build companies that provide investment and employment for our young people.”

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The Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife Creative Academy, Mo Abudu, also expressed delight at the partnership. “Without the support of the Lagos Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we would not be able to provide filmmaking courses of this quality free. Our most talented people cannot afford to go abroad for training, so we are bringing world-class trainers to Lagos. It is an amazing opportunity for anyone wishing to improve their technical skills,” she said.

Meanwhile, the founder of Del-York Creative Academy, Linus Idahosa, commended the state government’s commitment. He said, “Thanks to the unwavering commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, our Creative Lagos project will harness talent, technology and technical education to ensure that all participants are exposed to cutting edge innovation, making them invaluable to local and global film production companies creating high-quality content in Lagos. We are delighted to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative.”