The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lens for Good, a storytelling and mentorship initiative, to empower Nigerian creatives across the country. The agreement, signed in Abuja, is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the creative economy and promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.

Speaking at the event, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa said the collaboration reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which highlights youth empowerment, job creation and economic diversification through the creative sector. She explained that the partnership will provide young creatives with practical skills, mentorship opportunities and access to global networks that can transform their talents into sustainable careers.

Building a Sustainable Creative Ecosystem

The new partnership will focus on digital storytelling, filmmaking, photography and creative entrepreneurship. According to the ministry, the initiative will roll out in stages across all six geopolitical zones, beginning with Imo State, where pilot workshops will start before the end of the year.

Minister Musawa noted that this project will not only create jobs but also help “reshape how Nigeria tells its stories to the world.” She emphasized the importance of cultural representation and local content creation as tools for soft power and national identity.

Through Lens for Good, participating creatives will have access to mentorship programmes, digital production tools and storytelling workshops designed to enhance both technical and business skills. The programme aims to help young Nigerians turn their creative passions into viable, exportable ventures.

Industry stakeholders have praised the agreement, calling it a positive step toward formalising Nigeria’s creative economy. Many believe that government-backed collaborations like this will create structure, investment confidence and new international opportunities for local artists, filmmakers and digital storytellers.

As Nigeria continues to position its creative industry as a key driver of growth, this partnership between the Culture Ministry and Lens for Good represents a major step in empowering Nigerian creatives and showcasing their talent on a global stage.