BellaNaija, in partnership with Google Gemini, hosted the Next Gen Creator House on June 25, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria, a full-day immersive workshop designed to equip young Nigerian creators aged 18 to 25 with essential skills in content creation, storytelling, personal branding, and audience growth. The event brought together promising creators, industry leaders, and technology experts, serving as a hub for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Industry Experts Share Insights
Participants learned directly from notable figures including media personality Toke Makinwa, content creators Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Korty O, Tosin Ajibade, and others. During a fireside chat, Toke Makinwa encouraged creators to pursue their unique paths and dreams, regardless of how unconventional they may seem. Enioluwa emphasized treating creation as serious work, advising, "You should provide structure around what you do, have your work hours, and team if you can afford it. Above all, create."
Korty shared her approach to conducting brilliant interviews, stating, "Be interested in your guests, be curious about them and their journeys – that is the only way you can have great conversations with them." For those unable to become entrepreneurs, Abisola Alawode suggested they could still be creators within their organizations, aligned with company policies and visions.
Navigating the Algorithm-Driven World
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, West Africa Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Google, advised creators to regularly check their analytics to guide their content creation. Uzoamaka Power encouraged authenticity over trend imitation, while Tosin Ajibade offered a practical tip: "Follow the trend but evolve while at it."
Hands-On AI Training
The workshop included hands-on sessions where participants used Google Gemini to make music, create designs, write effective prompts, and explore responsible use of emerging technologies. These practical exercises aimed to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in the evolving creator economy.
Celebrating 20 Years of BellaNaija
As BellaNaija marks its 20th anniversary, Head of Editorial and Innovation Oluwadunsin Sanya reflected on two decades of positive storytelling and innovation, urging creators to avoid sensationalism. "The stories you tell today are the stories we’ll become tomorrow," she said.
Mary Edoro, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy, and Programme Director of the Next Gen Creator House, explained the initiative's vision: "Next Gen Creator House is BellaNaija's answer to a question we've been asking ourselves throughout our 20th anniversary year: what does it mean to genuinely invest in the next generation, not just talk about them? This wasn't just a conference about young creators. It is a space we have intentionally built for them, with the tools, mentorship, and access to actually build something real for Africa’s future."
About the Organizers
BellaNaija is a leading African digital media platform dedicated to amplifying the best of Africa through storytelling, covering news, entertainment, lifestyle, culture, and social campaigns. The event underscores BellaNaija's commitment to empowering the next generation of creators with the resources and guidance needed to unlock their full potential.
