On 25 June 2026, BellaNaija launched the Next Gen Creator House, a full-day immersive workshop for young creators aged 18 to 25, in partnership with Google Gemini. Held in Lagos, Nigeria, the event brought together promising talents, industry leaders, and technology experts for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Next Gen Creator House: A Hub for Young Creators
The workshop featured panel sessions, presentations, and interactive sessions using Google Gemini. Creators learned directly from experts including Toke Makinwa, Tosin Ajibade, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Korty O, Abisola Alawode, Uzoamaka Power, and Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade. Topics ranged from content creation and personal branding to the responsible use of AI.
Insights from Industry Leaders
During a fireside chat, Toke Makinwa encouraged creators to be hungry for success and follow their paths, regardless of unconventionality. Enioluwa Adeoluwa advised treating creation like work: “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 secret for brilliant interviews: “Be interested in your guests, be curious about them and their journeys – that is the only way you can have great conversations with them.”
Abisola Alawode noted that young creators who cannot afford to be entrepreneurs can still create within their organizations, respecting company policies. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade urged creators to constantly check their analytics to guide their work. Uzoamaka Power encouraged authenticity over imitating trends, while Tosin Ajibade advised: “Follow the trend but evolve while at it.”
Hands-On Workshops and Google Gemini Integration
Beyond panel sessions, participants engaged in hands-on workshops, creator challenges, and interactive discussions. They gained practical knowledge in content creation, storytelling, personal branding, audience growth, and emerging technologies like AI. A practical Google Gemini session taught participants how to make music, create designs, write effective prompts, and more.
BellaNaija's 20-Year Legacy and Future Vision
As BellaNaija marks its 20th anniversary, Head of Editorial and Innovation Oluwadunsin Sanya encouraged creators to avoid sensationalism: “The stories you tell today are the stories we’ll become tomorrow.” Mary Edoro, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy, explained that the Next Gen Creator House is BellaNaija's answer to investing genuinely in the next generation: “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.”
Through this initiative, BellaNaija aims to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in the creator economy, providing young creators with resources and guidance to unlock their full potential.
