The Lagos State Government has identified talent management as a critical pillar for the growth of Africa’s creative industry, calling for stronger collaboration among government, the media, private investors and industry stakeholders to build sustainable careers for creative professionals across the continent.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, made the call through the Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Olajumoke James, at the That Good Media Roundtable Session held in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Talent Management as Infrastructure for the Creative Industry,” the Commissioner stressed the importance of nurturing talent as a driver of social and economic development. She noted that although Africa is richly endowed with creative talent, poor talent management continues to hinder the sector from reaching its full economic potential.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, effective talent management, combined with natural ability and structured capacity development, can transform gifted individuals into globally competitive professionals while creating sustainable opportunities within the creative economy.
She disclosed that, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Development Agenda, the Ministry is strengthening the creative ecosystem through capacity-building programmes, expanded market access, intellectual property protection, funding opportunities and strategic partnerships designed to position Lagos creatives for greater global competitiveness.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to working closely with the media, development partners, private organisations and creative practitioners to establish systems that identify emerging talents early, provide mentorship, ensure fair remuneration and create an enabling environment where creativity can flourish.
Also speaking, the Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Good Media and Good Media Academy, Mrs. Toyosi Etim-Effiong, said the Academy aims to train and certify 10,000 talent managers across Africa by 2030. She noted that achieving the ambitious target would require strong partnerships among governments, development agencies, private organisations and industry stakeholders.
Etim-Effiong expressed appreciation to the French Embassy in Nigeria, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and other partners for supporting the initiative. She urged stakeholders to invest in the structures and systems needed to secure the future of Africa’s creative industry.
