Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged continued government support for the creative industry through skills development, expanded training opportunities and infrastructure provision.
Hamzat made the pledge on Tuesday at the commissioning and grand opening of Euphoria360 Hub, a film and media facility established by Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo in Oregun, Lagos. The facility is designed to provide production, post-production, distribution and training services for filmmakers and other creatives.
The deputy governor said Lagos was committed to developing a sustainable pipeline of skilled creative professionals capable of competing and earning in the global market.
He noted that while the state had no shortage of creative talent, appropriate structures and opportunities were needed to harness its potential.
“ The state is already investing in creative infrastructure, which includes the development of theatres in Ikorodu, Badagry, among other divisions.
“Besides, the government is exploring further opportunities to expand training in areas such as filmmaking, acting, photography and other creative disciplines, as well as training up to one million Lagosians across various fields,” he said.
Hamzat said the government’s focus should extend beyond training young people to building a sustainable pipeline of globally competitive talent and connecting skills development directly to employment opportunities.
He added that the objective was to create an enabling environment where creative professionals could showcase Nigerian culture to the world while earning commensurate economic value from their work.
Citing the growing international influence of Nigerian films and storytelling, Hamzat said the country’s productions had become an important means of projecting Nigeria’s identity and culture across Africa and beyond.
“I want to challenge you, our elders and stakeholders in the creative industry, to identify the major barriers limiting growth and work with the government to develop practical solutions, particularly in areas such as intellectual property, contracts and skills development,” he said.
Hamzat congratulated Adebayo, the Chief Executive Officer of Euphoria360, describing the hub as an important contribution to Lagos’ creative ecosystem.
Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, described Nigeria’s entertainment industry as a powerful force that had enhanced the country’s visibility and global influence.
Dare said government needed to support and strengthen the sector, noting its economic potential and capacity to create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
Earlier, Adebayo said the vision behind Euphoria360 Hub was to establish a one-stop facility where producers, filmmakers, creators, film enthusiasts and event planners could access quality facilities and professional services needed to bring their projects to life.
He said the hub was designed to bring key production and creative services under one roof, making it a destination for creativity, collaboration and professional excellence.
The facility includes spaces for film and television production, photography, music production, podcasting, editing, post-production, events and training. It also houses the Euphoria360 Film Academy, which is expected to provide training, workshops, masterclasses and other development opportunities for emerging creative professionals.
Euphoria360 Media, founded by Adebayo, has been associated with major productions including King of Thieves, Jagun Jagun and Seven Doors. The new hub had also been used as a filming location for Davido’s “B4 B4” music video featuring Mayorkun and FOLA before its official commissioning.
