In a bold move that reflects Nigeria’s increasing recognition of creative entrepreneurship, Train Network—a leading creative advocacy group—has unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at reigniting and re-educating Nigerian youth. Designed to bridge the gap between innate creativity and industry-standard proficiency, this program delivers hands-on training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support tailored to the evolving landscape of the creative economy.
At a time when youth unemployment remains a pressing issue and the population of young Nigerians steadily grows, Train Network’s initiative is poised to become a catalyst for change. By providing structured guidance across fashion, film, music, photography, graphic design, and content creation, the movement seeks to transform raw talent into viable, globally competitive careers.
Table of Contents
The Visionary Behind the Movement
Chairman and creative strategist Samuel Adeyanju—fondly known as “Train”—championed the program’s launch with palpable passion:
“We have a vibrant population that is not on the right path. There are many opportunities ranging from fashion and film to music, photography, graphic design, and content creation that we can train them in. If we begin with 50 now, I’m sure by subsequent editions, we would have reached 500 and more.”
Adeyanju’s message hits a chord: Nigeria’s youthful energy, when properly harnessed, can drive innovation across multiple sectors. His leadership reflects a belief that talent must be nurtured with intention, rather than left to chance.
Merging Mentorship With Market Readiness
At the heart of the program is a carefully structured curriculum built around three pillars: practical skills, industry mentorship, and entrepreneurial development. Each participant is immersed in:
- Hands-on Masterclasses — Led by top creative professionals who bring real-world experience.
- Panel Discussions & Roundtables — Offering valuable exposure to the diverse elements of creative careers.
- Networking Forums — Designed to foster peer collaboration and open doors to future opportunities.
The inaugural event features an impressive line-up of industry leaders, including Mark Odiete, Ozichukwu Ezeonye, Feyi Fakolode, Victor Adeyanju, and Wemimo Bolu-Opaniran. Whether imparting insights on brand-building, creative direction, or monetising visual media, these experts offer strategic wisdom that goes far beyond basic instruction.
Fashion’s Flagbearer Speaks Out
Victor Adeyanju, co-founder of a celebrated fashion brand, emphasised the program’s bigger purpose:
“We’re not just offering training, we’re re-educating minds to think professionally, strategically, and creatively.”
His statement underscores a common need in Nigeria’s creative sectors—residents often lack not only skill but structured coaching and access to platforms that translate passion into professional opportunity.
From Concept to Creation: The Program Experience
The inaugural cohort, limited to 50 talented participants, is underway in Lagos, includes:
- Expert-led masterclasses exploring practical techniques, industry trends, and marketing strategies.
- Energetic Panel Engagements where aspirants can query seasoned professionals on challenges ranging from brand identity to legal protections for creative works.
- Launchpad Workshops offer guidance on budgeting, intellectual property management, and route-to-market planning.
- Peer Networking packed with industry insiders, investors, and creative stakeholders, key to establishing future collaborations.
Every session goes beyond imparting knowledge; they’re designed to embed mindset, competitiveness, and a professional work ethic.
Strategic Upscaling for Long-Term Impact
Adopting a phased rollout approach, Train Network plans to expand the initiative across Nigeria’s major cities, with regional hubs slated in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Calabar. The goal? To catalyse an organic movement through a critical mass of young creatives. If the first batch of 50 sparks enough local momentum, subsequent rounds targeting 500 or more participants could rapidly amplify impact.
With an eye on regional growth, the scaling plan extends beyond national borders, paving the way for Train Network to operate across Africa, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and nurturing a continental creative network.
Placing Nigeria at the Creative Vanguard
With the global creative economy estimated to hit US$2.25 trillion by 2025, Nigeria has already begun asserting itself as Africa’s entertainment powerhouse. Nollywood, Afrobeats, and local fashion lines are just the tip of a growing iceberg. Still, the challenge remains: how do we ensure more young people move from passion to profession?
Even as government agencies like the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Ministry of Youth & Sports legislate and deliver vocational and digital skills training, the creative sector continues to require specialised, industry-aligned curriculum and industry-led support—exactly what Train Network is delivering.
Aligning With National Youth Policy
Train Network’s initiative aligns with broader national strategies aimed at youth empowerment:
- Nigeria’s National Youth Policy (2019–2023) emphasises lifelong learning, ICT fluency, and diversified employment paths.
- ITF-led vocational training efforts aim to formalise artisan and talent development across sectors.
- Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI) provides access to low-cost funding for content entrepreneurs.
The program beautifully intersects these priorities—positioning participants for uplift through training, mentorship, and future financial backing.
Why This Initiative Is Transformative
1. Closing the Skills Gap
Many aspiring creatives lack access to structured learning. Informal, self-taught methods are valuable but often inconsistent. Programs produced by Train Network fill this void by fostering reliable creative professionalism.
2. Rethinking Mindsets
Youth frequently adopt passion with no professional grounding. By introducing business-focused thinking—on strategy, planning, and branding—this initiative reshapes career mindsets.
3. Unlocking Economic Potential
The creative economy is booming. Lasting employment and skill enhancement in this sector can reduce youth unemployment while propelling economic growth.
4. Promoting Inclusivity
With plans to reach across multiple regions and eventually to other African countries, the program ensures geographical and demographic diversity—bolstering inclusivity in access to opportunity.
Measuring Success and Future Milestones
Train Network has laid out clear success indicators, including:
- Short-Term Objectives: Completion of masterclasses, panel interactions, and business problem-solving sessions.
- Medium-Term Metrics: Participant portfolios, client acquisition, and engagement in freelance/entrepreneurial work.
- Long-Term Aspirations: Accredited certifications, partnerships with educational bodies, and the expansion of the program in more cities.
In time, the organisation expects to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth & Sports, ITF, and other government stakeholders to link graduates with formal certification, access to grants, and business incubation support.
A Cure for Unemployment Through Creativity
Nigeria’s labour market faces significant challenges, with youth unemployment hovering between 25–30%. Achieving sustainable economic expansion depends on unlocking new avenues for employment. The creative sector, when supported with targeted training and infrastructure, can serve as a crucial economic engine. In alignment with goals—like reaching 95% digital literacy by 2030—programs like these can shape a generation equipped for both creative and digital success.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Extensions
Train Network’s ambition stretches beyond its initial impact. Future plans include:
- Dedicated Regional Hubs in states like Rivers, Oyo, and Kaduna, offering localised training and mentorship.
- Digital Training Platforms to democratize access across remote areas.
- Creative Festivals—showcasing emerging talent and attracting investment from international creative markets.
- Certification and Accreditation—partnering with educational institutions to boost credibility and recognition.
- Mentorship Network Expansion—matching graduates with prominent creative leaders and brands.
A Call to Stakeholders
The success of this initiative depends on synergy among:
- Government Agencies, offering policy backing and certification;
- Private Sector Investors, providing funding and incubation;
- Educational Institutions, embedding creative modules into formal education;
- Creative Professionals, contributing their expertise;
- Civil Society, ensuring equity in access.
Each stakeholder’s role will help shape a creative ecosystem that’s vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive.
Conclusion
Train Network’s initiative marks a turning point for Nigerian youth. In combining visionary leadership, expert training, and real-world mentorship, the program offers more than skills—it offers a pathway to redefine livelihoods and reshape Nigeria’s creative identity. As the first cohort steps forward, it symbolises the potential of craft, culture, and creativity to transform lives and nations.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
