Over 1,600 young Nigerians gathered in Oregun, Ikeja, for the Jobberman Lagos Career Fair 2025 with the theme Innovation and Creativity: Catalysts for Opportunities. The Creative Economy edition brought together aspiring creatives, employers, industry leaders and government representatives for a full day of learning, networking and career advancement. The fair featured masterclasses, panel discussions, fireside chats and on-the-spot interviews, all aimed at bridging the gap between talent and opportunity in Nigeria’s growing creative sector. Organised by Jobberman Nigeria in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the event served as a launchpad for young creatives seeking new career paths and practical guidance.
The fair highlighted the rapid growth and potential of Nigeria’s creative economy and gave participants a platform to explore new opportunities across different creative fields. In his opening remarks, Olamide Adeyeye, country head of programmes at Jobberman Nigeria, spoke on the transformational purpose of the fair. “Today, we gather not just for another event, but for a movement, one that celebrates the ingenuity, resilience and boundless potential of young Nigerians driving the creative heartbeat of our nation,” he said. “Our goal at Jobberman is simple but profound, to connect talent to opportunity, and to transform potential into prosperity. This fair stands as a testament to that mission,” he added.
Adeyeye noted that Nigeria’s creative economy is already a $4.7 billion sector but many young creatives still face barriers to entry. He said the fair was designed to address these challenges by providing access to jobs, mentorship, capital and the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
The keynote address was delivered by Chude Jideonwo, host of WithChude and Founder of Joy Inc., who spoke passionately about innovation and creativity as catalysts for opportunities. His message encouraged authenticity, boldness and relationship-building among young creatives. One statement he echoed repeatedly was “Overtaking is now allowed,” which set the tone for motivational stories and practical insights shared throughout the day.
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, delivered a goodwill message that emphasised the government’s support for young people. “Giving the youths that platform to be able to compete on a global scale is essential, and of course the only way to do it bigger and better is by involving the government, which is why I’m here as your commissioner for youths,” he stated. He added that the state recognised the importance of creating an enabling environment for young creatives. “When I was approached in my office about this initiative, I knew immediately that this was an opportunity we couldn’t miss. Lagos State is committed to creating an enabling environment where our young creatives can not only survive but thrive and compete globally,” he said.
A major panel session moderated by JayOnAir featured experts including Amanda Jaiyeola, Dr Bunmi Kole-Dawodu, Doyinsola Atanda-Obalakun, Ola Cardoso and Millie Slade. They discussed creativity and innovation as forces shaping new opportunities, shared personal experiences and offered guidance on navigating Nigeria’s evolving creative space.
One of the most notable moments at the fair was when a National Youth Service Corps member, Valentine Okoh, secured a job on the spot with one of the employers. “I can’t believe this is happening. I didn’t even plan to be here. We were mobilised to come here from my CDS. I decided to just talk to some employers and one of them started asking more questions. Just like that, I got a job in Operations,” he said.
Six finalists from the Pitch Yourself in 30 Seconds online contest were also interviewed by several HR professionals, giving them a chance to be hired immediately. One of the finalists, Ndu Onyinyechi Grace, secured a placement after impressing a top employer. She expressed her excitement, saying, “I still can’t believe this is real. When I entered that pitch contest, I did not think it would lead to this moment. Standing before those employers today, I gave it my all, and to walk away with a job offer feels like a dream come true. This is proof that opportunities like the Jobberman Career Fair can truly change lives. I’m grateful to Jobberman, the organisers, and my new employers for believing in my potential. This is just the beginning for me.”
Throughout the event, the keynote speaker and facilitators delivered messages that resonated with participants. Statements such as “You don’t have to quit your job but you have to quit playing small. Permit yourself to be presumptuous,” “Don’t network; it’s a scam. Build relationships,” and “Turn your frustration into a story. Turn it into content. The world will try to make you small. Don’t shrink, expand,” encouraged creativity, confidence and resilience.
The fair also included spotlight sessions where programme alumni and innovators shared their career journeys, including Grace Emelahor, an event compere and voiceover artist. A masterclass by Media Personality Tomike Adeoye focused on Monetising Your Voice, while other workshops covered visual storytelling, fashion, remote work, mentorship, ideation and finance for business growth.
Over 90 employers set up recruitment booths at the job fair zone, each hiring for at least two roles. The fair also provided tailored support for women, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities, reinforcing Jobberman’s commitment to inclusive opportunities.
In his closing remarks, Babajide Anjorin, Head of Marketing at Jobberman Nigeria, thanked partners and participants and stated that the fair represents an ongoing movement to connect young Nigerians with opportunities in the creative economy. As the event came to an end, the message remained clear that young Nigerians will shape the future of work in Africa through creativity, innovation and determination.
