BellaNaija, in partnership with Google Gemini, brought together a new generation of Nigerian creatives in Lagos for the Next Gen Creator House, a full day workshop designed to equip young content creators with the tools, insight and confidence needed to grow in today’s digital space.
Held on 25 June 2026, the immersive event welcomed creators between the ages of 18 and 25 for a packed day of learning, collaboration and hands on experience. The workshop blended mentorship sessions, creator challenges, panel conversations and live demonstrations to give participants practical guidance on storytelling, content creation, audience growth, personal branding and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The event also created a direct line between rising creators and some of the most recognised voices in Nigeria’s creative industry. Among those who shared their experience and insights were Toke Makinwa, Korty EO, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tosin Ajibade, Uzoamaka Power, Taiwo Kola Ogunlade and Abisola Alawode.
Throughout the day, the conversations centred not just on creativity, but on discipline, originality and long term growth. Toke Makinwa encouraged participants to stay ambitious and remain committed to their dreams, no matter how unconventional their path may seem. Enioluwa Adeoluwa challenged young creators to stop treating content creation like a side activity, urging them to approach it with the seriousness and structure of a full career.
According to him, creators should build systems around their work, set working hours and, where possible, create a team that can support their vision. Above all, he stressed the need to keep creating.
Korty EO spoke about what makes a great interview, saying genuine curiosity is at the heart of meaningful conversations. She encouraged creators to be deeply interested in the people they speak with and the journeys that shaped them. Tosin Ajibade, on her part, advised participants to pay attention to trends while still finding room to grow and evolve within them.
Taiwo Kola Ogunlade urged creators to pay close attention to analytics and use data to guide their decisions in an online space increasingly shaped by algorithms. Uzoamaka Power also made a strong case for authenticity, reminding participants that originality remains one of the most valuable assets any creator can have.
For those building within organisations rather than as independent creators, Abisola Alawode offered a different perspective. She noted that creativity is not limited to entrepreneurship, adding that creators can still build meaningful work from within existing institutions while aligning with the values, policies and vision of the organisations they belong to.
The event also carried added significance for BellaNaija as the media platform marks its 20th anniversary. Reflecting on that milestone, Head of Editorial and Innovation, Oluwadunsin Sanya, spoke about the importance of positive storytelling and the responsibility that comes with shaping narratives in a fast moving media culture.
She urged young creators to resist the temptation of sensationalism and remain mindful of the impact of the stories they choose to tell.
“The stories you tell today are the stories we’ll become tomorrow,” she said.
