AI, Branding, Cinematography and Content Creation Take Centre Stage as Governor Announces New Innovation Hub_
The second edition of the Kwara Kre8 Creative Workshop, Kwara Kre8 2.0, positions Nigeria’s creative industry as a major engine for economic growth, innovation, and youth empowerment.
Held on Tuesday at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, GRA, Ilorin, the workshop runs under the theme, “Empowering 2,000 Creatives for Economic Prosperity.”
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Debisi Onifoto convenes the program in partnership with the Kwara State Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
Two keynote sessions anchor the workshop’s learning agenda.
Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, opens with “The Creative Economy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).” He tells participants to see AI as a productivity tool, not a threat. He urges creatives to adopt AI for scripting, editing, design, and audience growth to compete globally.
Ayo Adeagbo, Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture and Creative Economy, delivers the second keynote. He restates the Federal Government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s creative ecosystem. He says the administration is creating structures and opportunities for creatives to contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
Convener Debisi Onifoto says the creative sector is no longer a side hustle. He notes that Nigeria’s creative industry contributes about 3.5% to national GDP, with an estimated annual value of over $4 billion.
According to him, the sector has created thousands of jobs, boosted entrepreneurship, attracted investment, and turned young talents into sustainable businesses through digital technology and innovation.
“Kwara Kre8 is designed to nurture talent, foster collaboration, and equip creatives with the skills and resources they need to succeed in a fast-evolving economy,” Onifoto says.
He thanks the Kwara State Government for backing the initiative since the inaugural edition in 2025. He also commends the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy under Hon. Hannatu Musawa, and the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bola Olukoju, for expanding opportunities for creatives.
Kwara Kre8 2.0 links training to tangible support.
Onifoto recalls that the maiden edition empowered teenage creative Niniola with an iPhone, laptop, and camera. For this edition, outstanding participants will also receive professional creative equipment to boost productivity and scale their work.
He charges creatives to embrace innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. “The future of Nigeria’s economy will depend significantly on how well we grow our creative sector,” he adds.
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, attends the event and commends the organizer for promoting innovation and youth empowerment.
The governor reaffirms his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive. He announces plans to establish another Innovation Hub in the state to deepen Kwara’s innovation and creative ecosystem.
The workshop focuses on four high-demand areas: innovation, content creation, cinematography, and branding. With 2,000 creatives targeted, the Ilorin Innovation Hub will provide post-workshop access to facilities, mentorship, and industry networks.
By aligning federal policy, state infrastructure, and private expertise, Kwara Kre8 2.0 sets Kwara on track to become a credible hub for Nigeria’s digital and creative economy.
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