Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerian youths to shun criminal activities and instead explore opportunities in the creative and technology sectors to build sustainable careers.
According to The PUNCH, the governor made this appeal at the Ogun Creative Industry and Technology Conference held on Thursday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta.
The event, which featured prominent figures such as filmmaker Tunde Kelani, comedian Ali Baba, and media personality Denrele Edun, served as a platform to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Youth Development and Technology Innovation, Dennis Ogunnaike, who convened the conference, Governor Abiodun underscored the importance of harnessing the creative potential of youths for economic growth.
“The creative industry in Ogun State stands as the foundation of innovation in Nigeria,” he remarked. “If properly developed, this sector has the capacity to create over four million jobs annually, as stated by the World Bank.”
The governor also highlighted Ogun State’s significant contributions to the entertainment sector, noting that a majority of Yoruba-language films featured on Africa Magic are produced in the state.
However, he expressed concerns over the underinvestment in the sector, which has hindered its ability to realize its full economic potential.
Abiodun also raised alarm about the increasing involvement of young people in crimes such as cyber fraud and ritual killings, particularly among those aged 17 to 22.
“This trend is alarming. Instead of seeing our youths thrive in creative and innovative fields, we are faced with a ticking time bomb. Urgent action is needed to address this issue,” he warned.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through strategic investments in technology and skills development. He announced plans to train 2,360 Ogun State youths in creative and technology industries to equip them for future opportunities.
“The solution lies in redirecting the energy of our young people toward productive ventures. This conference is designed to inspire the next generation by showcasing success stories in the creative industry,” he added.
Abiodun urged stakeholders to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for innovation, stressing the potential of the creative and technology sectors to drive economic transformation.
