Why I established Renewed Hope Creative & Innovative Hub – Aregbe

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, has unveiled the Renewed Hope Creative & Innovative Hub, describing it as a strategic platform designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, mentorship, entrepreneurial support and digital opportunities needed to succeed in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

Aregbe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the initiative was conceived to translate the ideals of youth empowerment into tangible opportunities, stressing that Nigeria’s greatest resource remains its youthful, creative and innovative population.

Speaking with journalists on the inspiration behind the project, Aregbe said the Hub was established to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by providing young people with the skills required to compete and excel in the 21st-century economy.

“There are defining moments in the life of every nation—moments when vision meets action, when hope becomes opportunity and when young people are equipped with the tools to unlock their full potential,” he said.

According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and complements the Lagos State Government’s youth development and economic empowerment programmes.

Aregbe commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for consistently creating opportunities that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive development among young people. He also praised Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for his commitment to good governance and youth advancement.

Announcing the readiness of the Hub, Aregbe said it would serve as a centre where talent is discovered, nurtured and transformed into sustainable economic value through structured training, mentorship and innovation.

“This Hub is built for the young and the ambitious—for dreamers, innovators and doers. Talent is abundant, but opportunities must be intentionally created. Our goal is to provide the platform that enables young people to turn their ideas into reality,” he said.

He explained that participants would receive training in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, creative enterprise and leadership development, while gaining access to experienced mentors, industry leaders, investors and policymakers.

According to him, the vision of the Hub goes beyond skills acquisition.

“We want to raise a generation of self-reliant young Nigerians who can build sustainable businesses, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of Lagos State and the nation.”

Aregbe said the initiative would focus on developing future-ready talents, supporting innovative startups, expanding employment opportunities and promoting collaboration across the creative, technology and business sectors.

He added that the Hub would also encourage leadership development, civic participation and networking among young professionals and APC members committed to national development.

Describing the project as a long-term investment in human capital, Aregbe said the Renewed Hope Creative & Innovative Hub is not merely a training centre but a platform for producing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and transformational leaders.

“This is more than a hub; it is a movement to inspire excellence, nurture innovation and build the leaders who will shape the future of Lagos and Nigeria. We are investing in people because they are the country’s greatest asset.”

He urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity offered by the initiative, assuring them that the Hub would provide the support, resources and environment needed for creativity, innovation and leadership to flourish.

“To every young person waiting for an opportunity, this is your moment. The Renewed Hope Creative & Innovative Hub is your platform to learn, grow, innovate and succeed. Together, we will build not only successful careers but also a stronger Lagos and a greater Nigeria.”