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UK, Nigeria Partner to Boost Creative Economy

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British Council

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have forged new pathways aimed at tapping into the growing global creative economy.

The UK, through the British Council, will help Nigeria build stronger systems, infrastructure and professional capability to unlock opportunities in the sector.

The collaboration will support the development of creative systems and partnerships by focusing on artistic collaboration, creative infrastructure, institutional capacity, skills development and exchange.

This is an offshoot of the two-day state visit to the UK by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday and Thursday. The President returned to Nigeria on Friday.

The deal with the UK concerning the creative industry aims to deliver practical, long-term value through stronger partnerships and technical cooperation.

The sector is recognised as a key engine for job creation and foreign exchange earnings, with explicit targets to increase the value of creative industries and strengthen infrastructure, digital integration, and international market access.

In the UK, the creative industries are recognised as one of the country’s highest-growth sectors, supported through government funding, investment incentives, and industrial strategy to boost innovation, skills development, export growth, and international partnerships.

Already, the Nigerian government has articulated a comprehensive vision to grow its creative economy through initiatives such as the Nigeria Destination 2030 creative economy framework, skills development priorities, strategic policy reforms, and fostering public–private partnerships aimed at scaling creative business outputs and increasing global competitiveness.

Through one of the partnerships between both nations, the UK/Nigeria Bilateral Season, there would be a focus on strengthening creative systems and production infrastructure, including the adoption of emerging technology; supporting skills development and leadership across arts, culture and education sectors; improving access to UK and international markets through structured mobility pathways and industry engagement, and enabling UK and Nigerian creative institutions to form lasting partnerships that continue beyond the Season.

Activities will take place across both countries in 2028, following two years of partner engagement involving visiting delegations and programme incubation, unlocking resources in both countries to catalyse greater cultural collaboration.

The other arm of the collaboration is the launch of the British Council SCALE UK-NG Creatives Entrepreneurs Award Programme (2027/28)

The British Council and the Department for Business and Trade will partner on the new SCALE (Supporting Creative Acceleration, Leadership & Exports) Programme.

SCALE will enhance international connections and export readiness, supporting both the Nigerian and UK creative economy growth and trade.

The Award and associated fast-track training programme will draw on a decade of learning gained from the delivery of the British Council Young Creative Entrepreneurs Programme and from DBT’s sector expertise and network of investors.

“Culture has an amazing power to bring people together. When we work together, we open our eyes to new creative possibilities and build opportunities to grow our creative sectors.

“With the UK being home to the largest Nigerian diaspora in Europe, we’re perfectly placed to make the most of these opportunities.

“So many of our brightest stars have shared heritage across Nigeria and Britain, and I look forward to these cultural bonds only growing stronger through the joint Season of Culture in 2028, the UK’s Arts Minister, Ian Murray, said.

Also commenting, the Country Director for British Council Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said, “The UK/ NG Season will involve a range of innovative initiatives to be designed by diverse UK and Nigeria creative organisations, with activity taking place in both countries.

“SCALE is a transformative initiative that aims to empower the next generation of Nigerian creatives.

“By fostering innovation and providing vital resources, we are not only investing in individual talents but also strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the UK and Nigeria.”

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AMVCA Young Filmmakers Day: Where African Talent Meets Opportunity

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AMVCA Young Filmmakers Day

As African storytelling continues to reach new audiences around the world, a new generation of filmmakers is stepping up with bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and stories that feel anything but ordinary. Helping to drive this momentum is the MultiChoice Talent Factory, which is setting the stage for Young Filmmakers Day ahead of its Awards Night on May 6.

This special gathering is more than a pre-awards celebration. It serves as a bridge connecting aspiring filmmakers with the industry experts who are actively shaping Africa’s creative economy. The focus is clear: create a space where talent meets opportunity, and where ideas are not only shared but refined into careers.

A Space for Audacious Storytelling

With the theme “Audacious Storytelling & Attracting The Right Opportunities,” the event is positioned as a call to action for young creatives across the continent. It reflects a growing shift in African storytelling, one that encourages risk-taking, originality, and authenticity.

From script development to production insights, participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, gaining practical guidance on how to navigate an increasingly competitive film landscape. The conversations are expected to move beyond inspiration into how stories are shaped, funded, and positioned for both local and global audiences.

Building the Next Generation of African Filmmakers

What makes Young Filmmakers Day significant is its intentional focus on access. For many emerging creatives, breaking into the film industry is not just about talent; it is about connection. This initiative seeks to close that gap by placing young storytellers in the same room as decision-makers, mentors, and established creators.

Backed by Canal+ through its investment in creative development across Africa, the program reinforces a long-term vision: to strengthen the continent’s storytelling pipeline and ensure African narratives continue to evolve on global platforms.

How to Participate

Aspiring filmmakers interested in attending are encouraged to register by sending an email to [email protected]. Slots are limited to reinforce the exclusivity and value of direct engagement with industry leaders.

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Reality TV as a Reflection of Everyday Human Behaviour

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Reality TV

Most people don’t take reality TV seriously, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. From the outside, it looks like nothing more than fights, chaos, and unnecessary drama. For many, it’s just noise and entertainment with zero substance and absolutely no lessons to take away.

But that’s only if you’re watching on the surface.

Beyond the arguments and plot twists, reality TV is really just human behaviour on display, raw, unfiltered, and often under pressure. And when you pay closer attention, real lessons are hiding in plain sight. Not just about other people, but about yourself too, your reactions, your boundaries, your patience, and your emotional triggers.

Here are a few life lessons reality TV quietly teaches:

  1. Tolerance Isn’t Just a Buzzword

Reality shows throw together people from different backgrounds, personalities, and belief systems. Naturally, clashes happen. But it also highlights something important: not everyone will think, act, or respond like you, and that’s okay. Learning to coexist without constant conflict is a real-life skill a lot of people are still figuring out.

  1.  Patience Will Save You From Unnecessary Chaos

Some of the biggest blow-ups on reality TV happen because someone reacts too quickly, no pause, no reflection, just emotion. Watching it unfold makes one thing clear: a little patience can prevent a lot of regret. Sometimes, not responding immediately is the smarter move.

  1.  Self-Awareness Is Everything

It’s easy to judge contestants when you’re watching from your couch. “Why would they say that?” “Why are they acting like this?” But if you’re honest, you start to see bits of yourself, too. The impulsiveness, the defensiveness, the need to be understood. Reality TV can be an unexpected mirror if you let it.

  1. Not Everyone Is Your Friend (And That’s Okay)

Alliances form quickly on reality TV, but they break just as fast. Some people are with you for convenience, not loyalty. It sounds harsh, but it’s real. Not every connection in your life is meant to be deep or long-term. Learning to accept that and not take it personally is a quiet form of growth.

  1.  Confidence Can Take You Further Than Perfection

You’ll often see contestants who aren’t the most skilled still go far simply because they believe in themselves. Meanwhile, more “qualified” people doubt themselves into silence or hesitation. Reality TV constantly shows that confidence opens doors. You don’t have to be perfect to stand out; you just have to show up as you belong.

  1.  The Way You Handle Pressure Defines You

Anyone can seem composed when things are going well. The real test is pressure, deadlines, competition, conflict, and uncertainty. Reality TV compresses all of that into intense moments, and you see clearly who crumbles, who adapts, and who thrives. It’s a reminder that growth often happens in uncomfortable situations, not easy ones.

At the end of the day, reality TV isn’t really about the drama; it’s about people being placed in situations that strip away filters and force real reactions. And once you see it that way, it becomes less about entertainment and more about observation.

So, even if it doesn’t look like it at first glance, shows like The Real Housewives of Lagos, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Love & Hip Hop, and other lifestyle reality series often watched on platforms like GOtv aren’t just about the chaos on screen. They quietly reflect everyday human behaviour and sometimes even offer a bit of self-reflection in the process.

To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

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Nollywood Star Lateef Adedimeji Announces Birth of Triplet Boys

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lateef adedimeji and adebimpe oyebade

By Dipo Olowookere

Popular Nigerian actor, Lateef Adedimeji, has announced the birth of three boys by his actress wife, Adebimpe Oyebade, also known as MoBimpe.

In a video shared on social media on Friday, the Airtel Nigeria ambassador said his wife had given birth to the triplets before now but had kept the news close to his chest.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent.

“I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life.

“God gave me more than I prayed for: a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own.

My world. My responsibility. My legacy. Alhamdulilah,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, this morning.

At a colourful wedding on December 18, 2021, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Lateef married his wife, with fans expecting them to announce this news.

 

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