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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Good News

Uncredited Africa Partners with Lagos State to Train Screenwriters

From ThisDay · (4d ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Uncredited Africa has partnered with the Lagos State Government to offer a free, eight-week screenwriting program for young Nigerians.
  • The initiative aims to equip writers aged 18-35 with skills to create market-ready screenplays and connect them with industry producers.
  • Lagos State officials highlighted the program's potential to foster job creation and empower youth through storytelling, with former participants already achieving recognition.

Lagos State is demonstrating its commitment to nurturing its burgeoning creative industry through a strategic partnership with Uncredited Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering emerging screenwriters. This collaboration, supported by key government ministries, underscores Lagos's ambition to build a robust and sustainable creative economy by investing in its youth.

Uncredited Africa is not just about teaching people how to write scripts, itโ€™s about building sustainable careers. This partnership with Lagos State is a major step in creating an ecosystem where talented writers are not only trained but also connected to real opportunities to earn, grow, and thrive within the industry.

โ€” Mr. Lani AisidaFounder of Uncredited Africa, explaining the program's focus on career sustainability and industry connections.

The initiative offers a free, intensive eight-week program designed to transform raw talent into polished, market-ready screenplays. Crucially, it goes beyond mere training by providing participants with direct access to established producers through pitch sessions. This integrated approach, as highlighted by Lani Aisida, Founder of Uncredited Africa, focuses on building sustainable careers, not just teaching scriptwriting skills. The goal is to create an ecosystem where writers can earn, grow, and thrive.

This partnership reflects our continued commitment to engaging young people in meaningful and productive ventures. Storytelling is a powerful civic tool, and through initiatives like Uncredited Africa, we are not only amplifying voices but also fostering a generation that can shape narratives, influence culture, and contribute to society in impactful ways.

โ€” Engr. Sholabomi ShasorePermanent Secretary, emphasizing the social and civic impact of empowering young storytellers.

Officials from the Lagos State Government have emphasized the dual social and economic benefits of this partnership. Permanent Secretary Engr. Sholabomi Shasore pointed to the importance of engaging young people in productive ventures, viewing storytelling as a powerful civic tool that can shape narratives and influence culture. Mrs. Ololade Aina of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment further stressed the economic potential, framing the initiative as an investment in job creation and a structured pathway from raw talent to employable skills.

The creative industry holds immense potential for job creation and economic growth in Lagos State. By supporting Uncredited Africa, we are investing in a structured pathway that transforms raw talent into employable skills and viable careers.

โ€” Mrs. Ololade AinaMinistry of Wealth Creation and Employment, highlighting the economic benefits and job creation potential of the initiative.

The program's success is already evident, with former student Abimbola Akin achieving AMVCA nominations. This tangible outcome serves as a powerful testament to the initiative's effectiveness and its ability to launch careers. For Lagos, this partnership represents a forward-thinking strategy to harness the creative energy of its youth, positioning the state as a hub for storytelling talent and contributing to both cultural enrichment and economic growth.

The training was a big blessing that kick-started my entire career. To think Iโ€™m an AMVCA-nominated screenwriter today because of a class that was free? It changed everything for me.

โ€” Abimbola AkinA former student and AMVCA-nominated screenwriter, sharing the transformative impact of the program on her career.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.