By Joshua Olomu
Tolu Israel, ace visual design strategist and storyteller, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace opportunities that abound in the creative sector to express their ingenuity and become self-reliant.
He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the sideline of an exhibition, “An Evening of Words, Style and Vision” on Friday in Abuja.
It brought together stakeholders in the creative sector, art and African fashion enthusiasts and members of the diplomatic community.
The event, curated by Israel, featured a photo exhibition, fashion runway of Na’ava Queendom and presentation of the book , “ Simplicity: The Genius of Less.”
According to Israel, Nigeria’s creative sector is a goldmine that has robust opportunities that can provide jobs for its teeming youth and turn around the economic fortune of the nation.
He said instead of seeking greener pastures outside the country under the “Japa Syndrome”, youths should explore opportunities in the creative sector which include film, music, fashion, visual arts and other industries.
Israel said although the government is expected to provide the enabling environment for creativity to strive, passionate and talented youths should develop themselves and seek appropriate mentorship, instead of waiting for the government.
“There are vast opportunities in the creative space that our youths can explore and become self-empowered, and as well create jobs.
“They should also seek mentorship and be willing to learn instead of waiting for the government to provide the so-called enabling environment.
“It’s not the government alone that built the developed countries ; but there is a system in place where governments has to play their parts and the citizens play theirs,” he said.
He said , the Evening of Words, Style and Vision was an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect and chart a common front towards harnessing what the creative sector has to offer..
According to him, the creative masterpiece “Simplicity: The Genius of Less”, is about defining clear goals with focus on what really matters per time.
“The evening brings together different worlds that share the same heartbeat, the power of creativity.
“If life feels overwhelmed by expectations and distractions, this book provides a blueprint for clarity, a reminder that ‘less’ is not emptiness, but rather the space where meaning dwells,” he said.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders lauded the initiative, saying it brought to the fore the need to provide platforms to showcase ingenuity of the Nigerian youth.
Pieter Leenknegt, Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, said Nigeria has vast creative industries that needed to be explored for economic benefits of the nation.
He therefore pledged his country’s willingness for collaborations in areas of common interests to strengthen ties with Nigeria.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA