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By: Manoah kikekon
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| Mobolaji Ogunlende and D'Banj |
Lagos, Nigeria – The Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, Mobolaji Ogunlende, graced the unveiling ceremony of MTN Best of the Streets 2025 on Thursday, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment in the creative sector.
The event, themed “Creative Economy: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly,” marked the 5th edition of the talent discovery initiative, powered by C.R.E.A.M (Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Arts & Music)—a groundbreaking platform spearheaded by Nigerian music icon D’Banj.
In his address, Hon. Ogunlende emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in nurturing young talents. He noted that the presence of top industry stakeholders, including P-Priime, Dandizzy, and DJ Xpat, demonstrated a shared vision for transforming Lagos into a hub for creative excellence.
"No man is an island. Collaborations like this help us build momentum towards bigger platforms and greater impact," Ogunlende stated. "As a government, we remain intentional about inclusivity—ensuring no youth is left behind as we create life-changing opportunities."
The commissioner was accompanied by DJ Xpat, fresh from wrapping up the third edition of his Xpatainment Streets Got Talent series. Ogunlende highlighted the state’s hands-on approach, ensuring active government participation in initiatives that unearth and elevate grassroots talent.
With Lagos being Nigeria’s entertainment capital, initiatives like MTN Best of the Streets provide a crucial platform for undiscovered talents. The government’s involvement signals a strong policy direction—leveraging the creative economy to reduce unemployment and drive innovation.