Employers, industry leaders shared insights to unlock career pathways in creative sector

…As Jobberman fair connects youths to emerging opportunities

Nigeria’s creative industry is fast becoming a sector that contributes to the growth of the economy, as young creatives now leverage new trends to create employment opportunities.

To strengthen this new move, Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, through the Lagos career fair, provided a platform where aspiring creatives, employers, industry leaders, and government representatives gave insights with a focus on unlocking career pathways in Nigeria’s burgeoning creative sector.

The programme with the theme ‘Innovation and Creativity: Catalysts for Opportunities’ featured masterclasses, panel discussions, fireside chats, on-the-spot interviews, and networking opportunities designed to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in the creative economy. The day-long fair proved to be more than just a networking event; it was a launchpad for young creatives to transform their passions into sustainable careers.

Speaking at the event, Olamide Adeyeye, country head of Programmes at Jobberman Nigeria, said the career fair is not just another event, but a movement that celebrates the ingenuity, resilience, and boundless potential of young Nigerians driving the creative heartbeat of our nation.

He said the goal of Jobberman is to connect talent to opportunity and to transform potential into prosperity.

Adeyeye said that Nigeria’s creative economy is already a $4.7 billion sector and growing rapidly, yet many young creatives still face barriers to entry.

“This fair was designed to change that by providing access to jobs, mentorship, capital, and the skills needed to thrive in the creative industries,” he added.

Chude Jideonwo, host of WithChude and Founder of Joy Inc., in his keynote address, spoke passionately about innovation and creativity as catalysts for opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving economy.

Jideonwo’s address set the tone for a day filled with practical insights and inspirational storytelling from industry leaders who have successfully navigated the creative landscape.

“Overtaking is now allowed” is one statement the media personality echoed repeatedly. The entirety of his heartfelt speech portended the idea and encouraged the audience to be authentic, take on their dreams head-on on and build relationships.

Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, said that giving the youths a platform to compete on a global scale is essential, adding that the only way to achieve that is by involving the government.

Ogunlende said Lagos State is committed to creating an enabling environment where young creatives can not only survive but thrive and compete globally.

On his part, Babajide Anjorin, Head of Marketing at Jobberman Nigeria, lauded participants, partners, and employers for making the event a success.

He reiterated that the Lagos Career Fair is not just an event, but a movement committed to connecting Nigeria’s youth with meaningful opportunities in the creative economy.

A major highlight of the event was when a National Youth Service Corps member, Valentine Okoh, landed a job on the spot with one of the employers despite not having planned to be at the event. “I can’t believe this is happening. I didn’t even plan to be here. We were mobilised to come here from my CDS. I decided to just talk to some employers, and one of them started asking more questions. Just like that, I got a job in Operations.” He noted delightfully.

Another was when six finalists from the ‘Pitch Yourself in 30 Seconds’ online contest got a shot at being interviewed by a wide range of HR personnel and employers, with the opportunity to get hired on the spot. The contest, which had generated significant buzz in the lead-up to the fair, showcased young Nigerians’ ability to articulate their value propositions concisely and compellingly. One of the finalists, Ndu Onyinyechi Grace, particularly caught the attention of a top employer at the fair and was able to secure a placement

With practical workshops, meaningful connections with employers, and insights from industry leaders, participants left the fair equipped with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate Nigeria’s dynamic creative economy and compete on a global scale.