By Eric Elezuo

The establishment of a content creation studio received a big boost as the Osun State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Conference winds to a close.

The event, which held between January 28 and 30 was hosted by the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and Multilateral Relations, Mr. Bankole Omishore, and drew various stakeholders in the good governance and growth of the state project.

While addressing participants at the opening ceremony, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, urged everyone to be committed to nurturing creative sector to boost the economy.

“Today, we are here to reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the creative economy and its vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This initiative reflects our vision of an Osun State where culture meets innovation, tradition meets progress, and creativity becomes the engine of sustainable development.

“To the creators, thinkers, and visionaries in this room today,  you are the torchbearers of this future. The stories you tell, the art you create, and the solutions you design will not only transform Osun but also inspire the world.

“Let us seize this moment to work together, foster collaboration, and build a thriving creative ecosystem that drives sustainable development and prosperity for all,” the governor said.

On the final day fiesta, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, which was tagged, Osun SDG Creative Conference, the event reached a crescendo, and culminated in a dynamic and immersive tour, offering participants a firsthand experience of Osun State’s rich cultural heritage, sustainable craftsmanship, and thriving creative economy. The tour highlighted the intersection of tradition and innovation in promoting sustainability and community empowerment.

The statement noted that participants commenced their journey at Afin-Ilu Palace, where they explored the history and significance of the royal drummer in Yoruba culture. This visit provided deep insights into the role of music and oral traditions in preserving heritage and strengthening community identity.

The next stop was the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, where attendees learned about the intricate process of Adire (tie and dye) and Batik fabric making. This visit underscored the importance of sustainable local fashion in economic development. A special runway show was incorporated to celebrate Osun’s finest textile designs, further promoting indigenous craftsmanship and creative enterprise.

At the Scrap Art Museum of Dotun Popoola, participants witnessed the transformation of waste materials into stunning artworks. This experience reinforced the value of recycling and upcycling in fostering a circular economy, demonstrating how discarded materials can be repurposed into valuable and profitable creations.

The tour effectively brought to life the conference’s key themes of sustainability, innovation, and economic empowerment. By engaging with real-world applications of sustainable development, participants gained a deeper appreciation of the potential for local industries to drive positive change.

In a significant boost to Osun State’s creative economy, and also one of the highest point of the 3-day event, the Executive chairman, Smart City, Sir Demola Aladekomo, announced a generous donation of ₦25 million towards the establishment of a Content Creation Studio. The studio, set to be located in the SDG Skills Acquisition Centre in Dagbolu, will serve as a hub for emerging and professional digital creators, providing state-of-the-art facilities to enhance content production and digital storytelling in Osun State.

Earlier, FewChore Finance Company Limited, a leading CBN-licensed financial institution, has announced a groundbreaking ₦500 million pledge to support creative entrepreneurs in Osun State under the Osun SDG Creatives initiative. The announcement was made on the first day of the maiden edition of the Osun SDGs Creative Conference, which hosted over 500 participants in-person and attracted twice that number virtually.

Commendation for Makers of Jumbo Food

The organizers of the Osun SDG Conference expressed deep appreciation to the makers of Jumbo Food, who ensured that 500 participants were well-fed throughout the three-day event. Their contribution played a vital role in fostering an environment of engagement and collaboration, further enhancing the success of the conference.

The Osun SDG Conference has successfully underscored the state’s commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and cultural preservation. With initiatives like the Content Creation Studio, Osun continues to position itself as a hub for creative excellence and economic empowerment.

The 2025 Osun Creative Conference, which was powered by USAID to empower digital creators and creative enterprises, was a celebration of innovation, sustainability and cultural heritage.