The Federal Government of Nigeria has committed to establishing innovation hubs to empower young creators and reposition the creative sector as a key driver of national development. This pledge came during the Genius Creators Summit 2025 in Abuja, where officials outlined plans for funding, capacity building, and policy support. The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
At the Genius Creators Summit 2025 in Abuja, organized by Nate Genius Media Ltd, Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, reaffirmed the government's dedication to transforming Nigeria's creative industry. Represented by Special Adviser to the President on Partnership and Innovation, Imran Duba, Musawa stated that the administration views the sector as a vital pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. She emphasized providing an enabling environment for creative entrepreneurs, attracting private investment, and showcasing Nigerian talent globally.
The summit gathered creators, innovators, policymakers, and investors to discuss sustainable growth in Africa's creative landscape. Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted policies promoting innovation, inclusivity, and visibility in the digital economy.
A key announcement came from Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, who detailed plans for innovation hubs across Nigeria. These hubs will offer young creators access to technology, mentorship, and production tools to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
Media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo unveiled the $500,000 Fourth Mainland Creator Fund, targeting emerging African filmmakers, writers, podcasters, and digital storytellers with original, impactful projects. The fund provides capital, mentorship, and guidance to scale platforms and build enterprises.
Summit convener and CEO of Nate Genius Media Ltd, Nathaniel Ogwuche, praised the event's discussions on innovation, collaboration, and AI. 'The turnout, the depth of discussions, and the diversity of perspectives were incredible. It showed that Africa’s creative ecosystem is ready to embrace innovation, collaboration, and AI as tools for transformation,' he said. Ogwuche called for more training and infrastructure: 'Beyond policy, we must invest in structures that enable young people to express their creativity in any space they find themselves. That’s how we build a sustainable creative economy.'