National Creativity Week: Ministry commits empowerment programme for Creatives

The  Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and  Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has iterated its commitment to supporting young creatives who aim for self-reliance. The ministry committed the empowerment programme for schoolgirls in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) as part of activities to mark the 2024 National Creativity Week (NCW). About 80 students participated in the empowerment programme held on Saturday at Stella Maris Schools, Life Camp, with special training on natural hair care, wig making and natural hair oil production.

The event with the theme, “Transforming World, Promoting Sustainable Development” is organised by the ministry in collaboration with Photizo Life Foundation. According to newsmen reports the National Creativity Week is aimed at celebrating the power of creativity to provide empowerment, especially for youths and children.

The initiative stems from the Creative Africa Initiative programme of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Ghana 2008 and is celebrated globally as the World Creativity and Innovation Day.

Mr Raphael Oraeluno, Permanent Secretary, FMACTCE  said in his opening speech that Nigeria’s productive future was only possible if the unique talents and creative ingenuity of youths were properly utilised.

“It gives me great joy that this particular occasion is directed towards discovering, nurturing and showcasing the innate creative potentials as well as talent in these beautiful young children of Stella Maris Schools, Abuja.

“The theme of today’s event, “Transforming World, Promoting Sustainable Development” is a testament to the ability of creativity to bring economic transformation.

“It will also empower everyone to imagine new ideas, make new decisions and take new steps towards making the world a better place through creativity and innovation.

“It is pertinent to note that the Creative Economy is a vital tool in reducing poverty, unemployment, violence and restiveness among the youth while promoting wealth creation, foreign earnings and enhancing the Nation’s GDP.

“Against this backdrop, I wish to commend and thank the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy for providing the necessary machinery to ensure the success of today’s event

He said, “I wish to encourage you to seize the opportunity that this programme presents to nurture your innate God-given talents and creative abilities.” Oraeluno was represented by Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy in the ministry.

In her presentation, Mrs Adanna Enwezor, Founder of Photizo Life Foundation, said the training was to provide youngsters with basic skills in natural hair and economic opportunities in the industry.

“Today we are here to celebrate an important part of our identity and heritage, and this is more than a celebration but way to honour our roots, our culture, and the creativity within us.

“Our mission is to promote African natural hair, raise awareness about the toxic chemicals in hair and beauty products such as relaxers and texturizers, and advocate for the production of local organic alternatives.

“Our partnership with the ministry highlights how important this is, not just for our culture, but also for encouraging creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and pride in our natural beauty.

“We are here to promote the beauty and uniqueness of our natural hair and sensitize you to the dangers of hair relaxers and texturizers.

“We also intend  to expose you all to the opportunities that lie not just in the way we care for our hair, but in how we build our careers and businesses around it,” she said

Mrs Ekemini Ladejobi, natural hair enthusiast and Deputy Editor-in-Chief, of Creative Arts, Culture and Tourism of NAN, commended the organisers of the event for the initiative.

She urged the students to take the training seriously, as the knowledge gained would help them and their loved ones as they journey through womanhood.

“I urge you not to joke with this training, but ensure you make something out of it that will help you personally, besides the business opportunities it will offer you,” she said. Some of the participants who were interviewed on the sideline expressed appreciation to the organisers, who pledged to maximise the opportunities it offers.

Popoola, Arinlade, Assistant Head Girl, of Stella Maris College, Life Camp, said:  “I think me learning about what my hair needs is going to go a long way in growing my natural hair with confidence.

“The knowledge of daily hair routine is going to go a long way, not just for me, but for other girls around me.”

Also, Christabel Akperobe, a JSS 1 student, said,” This training has helped me manage my hair, especially knowing that chemical treatments will damage my hair and skin.”