Edo State Government partners with the German Film Academy to enhance creative skills, empower youth, and grow Edo’s creative industry
Edo State Government has partnered with the German Film Academy to boost youth innovation, empower local filmmakers, and drive sustainable growth in the State’s creative industry.
During a meeting with representatives of the German Film Academy at Government House in Benin City, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator in the Office of the First Lady, expressed excitement about the partnership, describing it as a bold step toward unlocking Edo’s creative potential.
Anani stated that the Edo State Government remains open to investments that promote creativity and youth development, noting that the creative sector is still largely untapped but filled with opportunities.
She said, “Edo State is open to investment of all kinds. The creative industry, in particular, remains largely untapped, presenting a significant opportunity for growth and development.
We are grateful for your partnership and invite more collaborations that will enrich our creative ecosystem.”
She added that the return of Benin artefacts has reignited the pride of the Edo people in their cultural heritage, further strengthening their connection to art and creativity.
“We are proud of our rich cultural history and grateful to the German Government for their role in returning our artefacts. Our people are intelligent, hardworking, and ready to collaborate. The creative sector is a key growth area, and we are thrilled about this film project,” she emphasised.
Also speaking, Ambassador Solomon Okosun, Edo State Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy, revealed that local filmmakers in Benin are already receiving advanced training from the German Film Academy using cutting-edge equipment.
He said, “We are collaborating with the Creative Hub, and six students from the German Film Academy are here for a workshop. In return, they are training twelve of our young filmmakers to prepare them for global opportunities.”
He explained that the workshop will expose participants to global standards through practical training, with sessions held in Benin and Lagos, culminating in a film showcase at the Nollywood Film Festival. The top two filmmakers will receive further training in Germany.
From the German side, Abel Alechenu, Project Manager of the Nollywood Workshop 2025 at the Filmakademie Ludwigsburg, confirmed that the collaboration is part of a three-year partnership initiated in 2023.
He said the project seeks to deepen cultural exchange and expand the creative capacity of Edo’s film industry.
This powerful alliance underscores Edo State’s commitment to nurturing creativity, empowering its youth, and positioning itself as a rising hub for innovation and culture in Africa.
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