Alaghodaro 2021: Edo to explore opportunities in creative industry with new Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub

The Edo State Government has said the newly constructed Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub will reposition the state as a leading source of skilled talent in the creative industry and provide infrastructure to attract major projects and investment into the state.

The Managing Director, Edo State Skills Development Agency (Edojobs), Ukinebo Dare, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the opening of the creative hub, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 13, 2021, will ensure that the state is able to tap into the several opportunities that abound in the sector.

The creative hub, named after music maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo, will be commissioned, along with an art exhibition on November 13, between 4 and 6 pm, as part of activities to mark this year’s Alaghodaro.

The Alaghodaro Summit, in its fifth edition, takes place between November 12 and 14, 2021, with the theme, “Edo of Our Dreams: Building a Sustainable Future.”

According to Dare, “Edo Creative Hub, which is being run by Edo State Skills Development Agency, is an initiative of His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, with a mandate for Eco-system development and job creation in the creative sector in Edo State.

“We are striving to make Edo State a leading source of skilled talent in the Creative industry as well as provide infrastructure to attract major projects and investment into the state.”

She noted, “As you are aware, the creative industry is the next significant player in the Nigerian economy and a huge contributor to the Nation’s GDP after Oil and Agriculture. Additionally, Edo State has a comparative advantage in Nigeria with regards to possessing a concentration of creative talent.

“The Edo State Skills Development Agency has recorded major strides in this direction and with the opening of the State Governments’ Creative Hub, the Edo State Government seeks to re-introduce the state as a prized destination for arts, culture and all sectors within the creative economy.”

The Managing Director further stated, “We are excited to invite you to the official opening of the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State.

“The event will hold on the 13th of November, 2021 as follows: Creative Hub Commissioning and Art Exhibition: 4 pm – 6 pm; Edo Youth M.E.G.A concert: 6 pm.

“Upon the opening of the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, it will serve as a Centre for the following: Multipurpose Art Theatre; Live Concerts; Film Screening Events; Upskilling local talent and workforce and Talent management and Job Placement, among others.”

1. “Furthermore, the Edo Youth Mega Concert (#EYMC), which will be a scripted musical and theatrical concert that showcases indigenous singers from the state and other acts, such as Teni, Arya Star, Johnny Drille and Waje, who have been adjudged some of the biggest artistes in Africa, with hits like “Hustle, Dangote, Wait for me and OminiKnowest” will take the audience on an electrifying ride of their hit songs live on stage,” she added.