Lagos, Nigeria, June 30, 2026.

On June 25, 2026, ‘BellaNaija Next Gen Creator House’ launched as a high-energy, digital-first, experiential workshop in partnership with Google Gemini. The event took place in Lagos, Nigeria, and equipped young creators with practical skills, mentorship, and technology knowledge for the digital economy.

The event brought together some of Nigeria’s most promising creators between the ages of 18 and 25. Additionally, industry leaders and technology experts created a hub for learning, collaboration, innovation, and meaningful networking opportunities.

From panel sessions to presentations and practical Google Gemini workshops, participants learned directly from industry experts. Speakers included Toke Makinwa, Tosin Ajibade, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Korty O, Abisola Alawode, Uzoamaka Power, and Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade.

During the fireside chat, Toke Makinwa encouraged creators to remain hungry for success while confidently following unconventional dreams. Meanwhile, Enioluwa advised creators to treat content creation as serious work instead of simply considering it a hobby.”You should provide structure around what you do, have your work hours, and team if you can afford it. Above all, create,” Enioluwa said.

Korty shared the secret behind her successful interviews with aspiring creators. “Be interested in your guests, be curious about them and their journeys. That is the only way you can have great conversations with them.

“Abisola Alawode reminded participants that creators can still thrive without becoming entrepreneurs immediately. Furthermore, she encouraged them to maximize available opportunities while building sustainable creative careers. As digital platforms become increasingly algorithm-driven, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade encouraged creators to study their analytics regularly. Consequently, they can make informed decisions that strengthen audience engagement and long-term growth.

Uzoamaka Power encouraged creators to remain authentic instead of merely copying popular trends across social media. Similarly, Tosin Ajibade advised participants to embrace trends while continuously evolving their creative identities.

Beyond the panel sessions, attendees participated in hands-on workshops, creator challenges, and interactive discussions throughout the immersive experience. Participants also gained practical knowledge in storytelling, personal branding, audience growth, responsible artificial intelligence, and modern content creation.

The Google Gemini practical session showed participants how to create music, generate designs, develop effective prompts, and explore creative possibilities. Moreover, the session highlighted artificial intelligence as a practical tool supporting everyday creative work.

As BellaNaija celebrated its twentieth anniversary, Head of Editorial and Innovation, Oluwadunsin Sanya, reflected on two decades of storytelling and impact. She encouraged creators to reject sensationalism while embracing responsible storytelling for future generations.”The stories you tell today are the stories we’ll become tomorrow,” she said.

As the creator economy continues reshaping careers, ‘BellaNaija Next Gen Creator House’ provides young creators with valuable resources, mentorship, and practical opportunities. As a result, the initiative continues bridging the gap between talent and opportunity across Africa.

Reflecting on the initiative, BellaNaija’s Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy, Mary Edoro, explained the vision behind the programme. She also serves as Programme Director of the Next Gen Creator House. She described the initiative as BellaNaija’s response to an important question raised throughout its twentieth anniversary celebration.

“What does it mean to genuinely invest in the next generation, not just talk about them?””This wasn’t just a conference about young creators. It is a space we have intentionally built for them, with the tools, mentorship, and access to actually build something real for Africa’s future,” she added.

About BellaNaija

BellaNaija is one of Africa’s leading digital media platforms dedicated to amplifying Africa and its people through impactful storytelling. Through news, entertainment, lifestyle, culture, and social campaigns, ‘BellaNaija Next Gen Creator House’ reflects the company’s commitment to informing, inspiring, and connecting millions worldwide.