Abuja, Nigeria. Renowned visual design strategist and storyteller Tolu Israel has urged Nigerian youths to capitalise on the vast opportunities within the creative sector, unlocking their potential and fostering self-reliance.
Speaking at the exhibition “An Evening of Words, Style and Vision”, Israel emphasised that Nigeria’s creative economy—spanning fashion, film, music, and visual arts—is a goldmine capable of transforming lives and revitalising the nation’s fortunes on Friday in Abuja.
The event, curated by Israel, featured a photo exhibition, a fashion runway of Na’ava Queendom, and a presentation of the book, “Simplicity: The Genius of Less.”
According to Israel, Nigeria’s creative sector is a goldmine that has robust opportunities that can provide jobs for its teeming youth and turn around the economic fortune of the nation.
He suggested that, rather than seeking greener pastures abroad due to the “Japa Syndrome”, youths should explore opportunities in the creative sector, which encompasses film, music, fashion, visual arts, and other industries.
Israel stated that while the government is expected to foster an environment conducive to creativity, passionate and talented youths should take the initiative to develop themselves and seek appropriate mentorship, rather than relying on the government.
“There are vast opportunities in the creative space that our youths can explore and become self-empowered, and also create jobs.
“They should also seek mentorship and be willing to learn instead of waiting for the government to provide the so-called enabling environment.
“It’s not the government alone that built the developed countries, but there is a system in place where governments have to play their parts and the citizens play theirs,” he said.
He said, “The Evening of Words, Style and Vision was an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect and chart a common front towards harnessing what the creative sector has to offer.”
According to him, the creative masterpiece “Simplicity: The Genius of Less” is about defining clear goals with a focus on what really matters at the time.
“The evening brings together different worlds that share the same heartbeat, the power of creativity.
“If life feels overwhelmed by expectations and distractions, this book provides a blueprint for clarity, a reminder that ‘less’ is not emptiness, but rather the space where meaning dwells,” he said.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders praised the initiative, highlighting the need for platforms to showcase the ingenuity of Nigerian youth.
Pieter Leenknegt, Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, stated that Nigeria’s vast creative industries need to be explored for the nation’s economic benefits.
He therefore pledged his country’s willingness to collaborate in areas of common interest to strengthen ties with Nigeria.