Corps members serving in the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture are set to benefit from specialised creative industry training at the renowned EbonyLife Academy, as part of the State Government’s efforts to empower youths and boost the creative economy.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during a meeting with corps members of the Ministry and its agencies; the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LASCAC) and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) on Tuesday.
Benson-Awoyinka explained that the training will cover photography, cinematography, scriptwriting, and music production. She noted that corps members will be divided into three batches for rotational postings and formal training at the academy, allowing them to choose fields aligned with their career aspirations.
“Over 15,000 individuals have already been trained free of charge in various aspects of the creative industry through partnerships between the Lagos State Government and private sector trainers, including the EbonyLife Academy,” she said. “This is a golden opportunity for corps members to gain industry-relevant skills that will shape their future.”
The Commissioner also encouraged corps members to serve as brand ambassadors for the Ministry by sharing the State Government’s youth-focused initiatives with their peers. She urged them to actively participate in the Ministry’s programmes and events, describing the service year as a platform for personal and professional growth.
Highlighting the Ministry’s upcoming activities, Benson-Awoyinka mentioned engagements tied to the movie industry and preparations for the international E-1 Boat Racing event scheduled for October.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye advised the corps members to embrace discipline and make the most of networking opportunities during their service year.
Sharing her experience, Miss Sule Peculiar Oboghena, a corps member with LASCAC, said working with the Council’s troupe had broadened her skills as a theatre graduate. “My service year here has taken me out of my comfort zone and given me valuable hands-on experience,” she said.
While other Corpers spoke on their various experiences in the tourism potentials available in Lagos State, which many people have not explored, emphasising the cultural diversity and inclusiveness of Lagos.