UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) has emphasised the necessity of cultural entrepreneurship education for young Africans, aiming to spur economic growth and enrich the cultural industry.
Professor Peter Okebukola, the Director of the institute and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), highlighted this imperative during a workshop organised for young entrepreneurs at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking on the theme, “Entrepreneurship Education on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Goods for Young Creative Artists,” Okebukola outlined the workshop’s objective to equip young creative artists with entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to enhance their creative output through digital platforms.
Emphasising the importance of nurturing these entrepreneurial talents, Okebukola underscored that fostering such skills could lead to the emergence of cultural ambassadors capable of continuously creating and promoting cultural assets, both locally and globally.
He stressed the significance of bringing together young Africans to explore diverse cultural expressions and raise awareness about their value at local, national, and international levels.
“This training equips artists with the entrepreneurial skills needed to effectively promote their creative works through the digital realm. It creates a cadre of cultural ambassadors who will not only produce cultural assets but also promote them, both locally and globally, using the digital platform,” remarked Okebukola.
