Follow Us on Google
By Chukwuma Umeorah
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with United Nations agencies, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA and UN Women, has concluded a two-week training programme in Lagos, equipping 30 young Nigerians with skills in digital content creation and filmmaking.
According to the organisers, the programme, aimed at fostering employability, entrepreneurship and social impact, targeted individuals aged 18 to 24. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), reflecting the UN’s commitment to empowering youth for a sustainable future.
During the certificate presentation ceremony held in Lagos, ILO country director, Vanessa Phala, described the programme as a platform for cultivating creative leadership among youths.
Represented by Dr. Runo Onosode, technical expert at the ILO, Phala said: “The experience has not just been about mastering technical skills but also about opening doors to the digital future — a world where opportunities are limitless for those who can innovate, create and share impactful stories.”
Phala encouraged the graduates to use their skills for societal transformation in the areas of leadership, business development and employability to make economic impact. “You have been equipped to be changemakers — individuals who use the power of storytelling to drive awareness, promote public health, and inspire positive change in your communities. Let this be the foundation for your future endeavours, whether in the digital economy, creative arts or as advocates for a better world,” she added.
The training also incorporated health advocacy as organizers urged beneficiaries to leverage their platforms for societal awareness.
Other News
Dr. Victoria Isirmen, HIV specialist at UNICEF, emphasized, “We need more contents that raise the bar regarding health and general well-being for both individuals and society.”
She highlighted the rigorous selection process for the programme, noting.
“We selected just 30 participants out of about 500 entries. We have invested significantly in them, and, based on the marketers’ feedback, the dividends of this initiative will be realized within a short period.”
Dr. Isirmen also sought government support to sustain the growth of the participants. “We want to convert all this into positive dividends for themselves, the environment, and the country. They are going to be great influencers. We will keep tracking them to ensure they are on the right path and advocate for government initiatives they can leverage to give back and evolve further,” she stated.
Veteran Nigerian actor Keppy Ekpenyong, who attended the event, underscored the importance of initiatives like this, particularly given Africa’s youthful population. “Africa has the youngest population in the world, with over 70 percent being under 30, which means there are people born with a lot of anticipation and hope,” he said.
Ekpenyong highlighted the creative industry’s growing impact in Nigeria, noting its role in reducing unemployment and societal ills.
“The industry employs the largest number of youths presently, taking many people off the streets and reducing societal excesses like bribery and prostitution,” he explained.
