Stakeholders from Nigeria’s culture, creative, and early childhood development sectors came together at Ogidi Studios, Lagos, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, for the unveiling of a coalition aimed at linking entertainment with national human capital development.
The event, themed “When Entertainment Meets Early Childhood,” marked the inauguration of the Creative Industries for Early Childhood Development Coalition, hosted by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation in collaboration with the World Bank and Ogidi Studios. Policymakers, entertainers, filmmakers, and child advocates gathered to explore how culturally grounded content can shape early learning and reinforce family values.
Participants emphasised that strengthening early childhood development could play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s future human capital and economic growth.
Delivering the welcome address, CBAAC’s Director-General, Aisha Augie, urged creatives to intentionally prioritise children as a key audience.
“Our ancestors never separated art from life, or culture from child-rearing. The first classroom was never a building; it was a mother’s lap, a father’s drum, a grandmother’s folktale. The brain that will one day design empires or lead nations is wired between conception and age five.”
Augie described ages zero to five as the most critical phase of human capital formation, stressing that culture remains “the most powerful instrument for social change.”
Keynote speaker and actress, Fadakemi Olumide, reflected on Africa’s traditional child-rearing systems, urging creatives to preserve indigenous values while integrating digital tools into early learning.
Notable guests at the event included Hilda Dokubo, Anto Lecky, Cobhams Asuquo, Munachi Abii, Biodun Stephen, and Charles Novia. Media personality Mimi Onalaja anchored the event.
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