Celebrity
Musawa Backs Creative Corner Initiative, Rolls Out TVET Boost for Young Creatives
Cyril Ogar
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has lauded the organizers of the Creative Corner Summit 2026 for creating a platform that nurtures talent, promotes innovation, and empowers young entrepreneurs across Nigeria’s creative sector.
Speaking at the Creative Corner 2.0 Summit held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, the Minister described the initiative as a vital vehicle for talent development, networking, mentorship, and enterprise growth within the nation’s burgeoning creative industry.
Musawa commended the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for youth-focused initiatives. She also praised the summit’s convener, Judith Okechukwu, describing her as a shining example of what young Nigerian women can achieve through determination and innovation.
According to the Minister, Creative Corner has evolved into a strategic platform that provides creatives with access to mentorship, capacity building, market opportunities, and incubation support needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy, Musawa emphasized its growing role in driving economic diversification, job creation, and national development.
“The creative economy is not just about entertainment; it is about transforming talent and potential into value, jobs, and wealth for Nigerians,” she said.
As part of efforts to deepen the impact of the sector, Musawa announced the expansion of the Ministry’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
She explained that the initiative would introduce industry-relevant training designed to equip young creatives with practical skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital and global marketplace.
The Minister noted that the goal is to empower creators not only to seek employment but to become employers and innovators capable of generating sustainable economic opportunities.
She also encouraged creatives from across the country to take advantage of the Ministry’s interventions in training, financing, partnerships, and international market access.Earlier in her remarks, Okechukwu explained that Creative Corner was established to spotlight talented but often overlooked creatives and provide them with the tools needed to succeed.
According to her, the platform was created in response to the real needs of creators, including guidance, visibility, opportunities, and a supportive community.
“Creative Corner was designed as a space where talent is recognized, opportunities are real, and young people are encouraged to start, stand, and grow,” she said.
She urged aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives not to underestimate the power of their ideas, noting that transformative movements often begin with a single vision.
“Every big movement starts with one small idea. The dream keeping you up tonight could be the platform that changes lives tomorrow,” Okechukwu added.
The summit attracted a diverse gathering of stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, acclaimed Nollywood actor and humanitarian Williams Uchemba, emerging creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders committed to advancing Nigeria’s creative economy.
Celebrity
Mariaa Voice expands gospel music mission with ‘Akoko Mi’ and four-volume CCC Hymns series
Maria Abimbola Iyaomolere, popularly known as Mariaa Voice, is expanding the scope of her gospel music ministry with a growing body of work that combines original inspirational music with a deliberate effort to preserve and promote the rich hymn tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).
Following the release of her inspirational single, “Akoko Mi (My Season),” Mariaa Voice has continued to build on a musical journey that increasingly reflects both her artistic identity and her desire to use music as a vehicle for faith, learning and spiritual upliftment.
“Akoko Mi,” which translates to “My Season,” carries a message of hope, patience and divine timing. Re…
[9:59 am, 31/08/2026] Wikipedia Guy: Mariaa Voice expands gospel music mission with ‘Akoko Mi’ and four-volume CCC Hymns series
Maria Abimbola Iyaomolere, popularly known as Mariaa Voice, is expanding the scope of her gospel music ministry with a growing body of work that combines original inspirational music with a deliberate effort to preserve and promote the rich hymn tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).
Following the release of her inspirational single, “Akoko Mi (My Season),” Mariaa Voice has continued to build on a musical journey that increasingly reflects both her artistic identity and her desire to use music as a vehicle for faith, learning and spiritual upliftment.
“Akoko Mi,” which translates to “My Season,” carries a message of hope, patience and divine timing. Released in 2026, the song presents a declaration that seasons change, doors open and transformation comes at the appointed time. Its accompanying visual further reinforces the message of trusting the process and remaining hopeful for what lies ahead.
For Mariaa Voice, however, the song represents only one part of a broader musical assignment.
A particularly significant aspect of her recent work has been the CCC Hymns project, which has now grown to four volumes. The project brings together hymns from the Celestial Church of Christ, with Mariaa Voice intentionally selecting many songs that are not among the more commonly known hymns regularly heard in church settings.
According to the gospel minister, some of the selections also draw from newer hymns contained in the CCC New Revised Standard version, allowing the project to introduce listeners to a wider range of the church’s musical heritage.
“So far I have done CCC HYMNS VOL 1, 2, 3 & 4,” she said, explaining the motivation behind the project.
“The majority of the hymns in each album are not the common ones, some are new hymns included in the CCC New Revised Standard version.”
For Mariaa Voice, the project goes beyond recording and releasing music. It is also an effort to help people discover and learn hymns that they may otherwise have little opportunity to encounter.
“The main reason behind it is not just to showcase the beautiful and spirit-filled hymns God has given the church, but it’s also an avenue for people to actually learn to sing these hymns,” she explained.
That approach has given the project a distinctive place within her growing catalogue. Rather than concentrating solely on contemporary gospel sounds, Mariaa Voice is using her vocal ability and recording experience to bring renewed attention to a repertoire rooted in the worship tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ.
Her official catalogue now features four volumes of the CCC Hymns project alongside original songs including “IRE,” “ORI MI,” “Sin Oluwa,” “Se’yanú” and “Oti Funmilayo.”
The development represents a natural progression for an artiste whose musical journey began in the church.
As previously documented, Mariaa Voice’s early exposure to music came through the church choir, including her time with the “Little Angels” choir, before her talent was recognised and she was encouraged to pursue music professionally.
Over the years, that foundation has developed into a career spanning gospel music, songwriting, recording, performance and voice-over artistry. Her repertoire has also demonstrated a willingness to explore different contemporary gospel influences while maintaining a strong emphasis on positive and uplifting messages.
With “Akoko Mi,” that message remains central.
The song is built around the reassurance that delay does not mean denial and that every individual has a season ordained for them.
“Akoko Mi (My Season) is not just a song, it’s a declaration,” Mariaa Voice said.
“A reminder that no matter how long it takes, your time will come. Transformation will happen. Doors will open. Grace will speak. Nothing can stop what God has already ordained for you.”
That message has become particularly consistent with the direction of her recent work, music that does not merely entertain but seeks to encourage listeners, strengthen their faith and point them towards hope.
While the CCC Hymns series looks back to a rich worship tradition and helps bring lesser-known hymns to a wider audience, “Akoko Mi” looks forward, offering a contemporary expression of faith and expectation.
Together, the two strands of her recent work reveal an artiste increasingly defining her ministry around both preservation and inspiration, preserving hymns that deserve to be heard while creating new music that speaks to the experiences and expectations of today’s listeners.
With four CCC Hymns volumes now completed and “Akoko Mi” adding another chapter to her catalogue, Mariaa Voice continues to carve out a distinctive space for herself as a gospel minister committed to using her voice not only to perform, but also to teach, inspire and preserve a musical heritage for the next generation.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
