By Rita Okoye

Gidi Creative Centre (GCC), a capacity development programme funded by Lagos State Government, has unveiled leading creative industry leaders and eggheads as facilitators.

They include award-winning filmmaker Biodun Stephen, celebrity producer, Tee-Y Mix and experiential marketing guru, Kolawole Fashola among many others.

Targeted to reach a minimum of 200 youths drawn from across the state, the facilitators will cover 10 skill areas such as filmmaking, creative writing, animation 101, audio engineering, and music production.

Others include graphics design, multimedia-design, film and screen production design, project management for creative professionals, fashion design, and media studies.

With strategic support from the University of Lagos and Henley Business School, the 11-week training module will run simultaneously across multiple centers in Lagos, including Ogidi Studios, the University of Lagos, Dayton Lakes, Lekki among others.

Speaking on what to expect, Kolawole Fashola, Head, Business Affairs and Operations at The Temple Company who will be teaching Project Management underscored the importance of capacity development as a catalyst for creative sector growth.

He said, “I am honoured to be counted worthy to help upskill our next generation of creative leaders. Beyond skill-building; this initiative is about igniting passion and fostering innovation among our youth.

Together, we will explore the dynamic intersections of creativity and technology, helping young talents realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to our vibrant creative sector.

A specialist in executing intricate projects, the students will benefit from Fashola’s proficiency in strategic planning and execution, deal origination and negotiation, business management, and development. He combines his adept knowledge with practical experience driving third-party projects such as the Global Citizen Festival (Lagos), Airtel Network’s CSR flagship, Airtel Touching Lives (Season 7) as well as Marvel Studios’ Black Panther – Wakanda Forever sound production and US Consulate partnerships, both at Ogidi Studios, among others.

Also speaking, Tee-Y Mix, audio engineering and music production facilitator, disclosed, “My goal is to empower our youth with the knowledge and tools they need to express their unique voices and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of music production. Together, we will cultivate an environment of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that our future artists and producers are equipped to shine on any stage.”

The veteran producer who has worked with the likes of Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage and Naeto C will impact the students with his robust experience in music production, sound designing, music arrangement, and audio engineering. Similarly, Biodun Stephen, who is facilitating filmmaking, has distinguished herself as a multiple award-winning producer, director, casting director, actress, presenter, model and blogger.

Other facilitators in the 11-week program include Adebayo Owosina (Beyond Graphics), Judith Audu (filmmaking), Omoh Talabi (Project Management), Daniel Emeka (Graphic Design), Cynthia Okafor (Project Management), Xavier Ighorodje (creative Writing), Derin Fabikun (Fashion Design), Zainab Ayobami Oyewo (Digital Media), Ice Nweke (Production Design) and many others.