By Douglas Princemola
The Imo State Government, in partnership with Lens for Good, has empowered over 3,000 young people from across the state through a three-day creative skills workshop, tagged “Youth Impact 2025.” The programme, held from October 23 to 25, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Owerri, aimed to equip youths with practical digital skills in photography, videography, cinematography, and content creation.
The initiative brought together participants from all 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State. It provided hands-on training, mentorship, and team projects, designed to help young people explore opportunities in Nigeria’s expanding creative industry.
The programme was led by Mr Nosa Asemota, Special Assistant to the President on Visual Communications and CEO of Lens for Good, in collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt. Mr Asemota explained that the workshop sought to develop both technical skills and creativity, enabling youths to tell authentic stories that can inspire change in their communities.
A highlight of the workshop was a motivational address by actor and filmmaker Mike Afolarin, who shared his personal journey of challenges and success in the creative industry. He encouraged participants to stay consistent, innovative, and committed to excellence.
The workshop also featured a panel discussion titled “Storytelling for Impact,” which included Nosa Asemota, Bolanle Olukanni, Jara George, Ayo Adeagbo, and Mike Afolarin. Panelists discussed how creativity can shape positive narratives and impact society, inspiring youths to use their skills for meaningful change.
Outstanding participants were rewarded with creative equipment and cash prizes. Winners in photography, videography, and content creation shared a total of nine million naira, while Stephen Uhanaja, the top performer in photography, received a brand-new Canon mirrorless camera.
The Imo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, praised the programme as a reflection of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to youth development and innovation. He encouraged beneficiaries to apply their new skills productively and assured them that the ministry would continue to provide similar opportunities.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr Ayo Adeagbo, Special Adviser to the President on Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, affirmed the Federal Government’s support for the creative sector. He noted that initiatives like Lens for Good would expand to other states under the Renewed Hope administration.
Participants, including Imo State University Student Union Government President Comrade Ijezie Brendan Daberechukwu and female beneficiary Ijeoma Ann Osondu, expressed gratitude and urged the government to sustain such empowerment programmes.
The workshop concluded with a clear message: storytelling, creativity, and digital skills are powerful tools for societal transformation. Participants were encouraged to “use the lens for good” and create a positive impact in their communities.
