Headline
Terra Kulture And Mastercard Foundation Partner To Empower And Create Work Opportunities For 65,000 Young Creatives Across Nigeria
Terra Kulture, a leading educational and recreational organization, has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to train up to 65,000 creatives across Nigeria. The five-year training partnership program aims to equip young Nigerians with relevant skills across key sub-sectors in theatre and business. The initiative will form a significant part of the Terra Academy for The Arts (TAFTA) program.
The partnership will create an e-learning platform that will provide free education and access to employment opportunities to the most vulnerable youth, with a major focus on women between 16-35 years in Lagos, Ogun, and Kano States. The partnership will also provide participants with foundational training, support, internships, and employment and financial services linkages.
L-R: Program Lead, MSME Finance, Mastercard Foundation, Chioma Nwagboso; Country Head – Nigeria, Mastercard Foundation, Chidinma Lawanson; Founder, Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, Bolanle Austen-Peters; Program Lead, Agriculture, Mastercard Foundation; Lois Sankey and the General Manager, Terra Kulture, Joseph Umoibom during the signing of a 5-year training partnership program agreement between Terra Kulture and the Mastercard Foundation to equip 65,000 young people with relevant skills across key sub-sectors in theatre and business.
Speaking on the partnership, the Chief Executive Officer of Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen-Peters, stated that the intervention would positively impact Nigerian youth and culture, both now and in the nearest future.
She said, “Driving impact and creating massive visibility for the Nigerian culture and youth has always been at the core of our existence. We have leveraged our thorough understanding of arts, culture, and languages over the years to impact the next generation in the best way possible. We are extremely excited to partner with the Mastercard Foundation to further empower up to 65,000 Nigerian youth spread across the country.”
L-R: Program Lead, MSME Finance, Mastercard Foundation, Chioma Nwagboso; Country Head – Nigeria, Mastercard Foundation, Chidinma Lawanson; Founder, Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, Bolanle Austen-Peters and Program Lead, Agriculture, Mastercard Foundation; Lois Sankey during the signing of a 5-year training partnership program agreement between Terra Kulture and the Mastercard Foundation to equip 65,000 young people with relevant skills across key sub-sectors in theatre and business.
“The Academy will provide training on key technical production skills for theatre and the Creative industry. Each course will include an entrepreneurial module for students to learn about the industry’s business side. Some of the courses offered include Animation, Scriptwriting, Lighting Management, and Sound Management. We believe this will create employment opportunities for young creatives and make them self-reliant while facilitating national integration among students.”
The entry requirement for all students is a minimum of senior secondary school qualifications. All courses will include an introductory section, and as such, students do not need any prior knowledge to either register for the course or comprehend the course material.
L-R: Lead, Safeguarding, Mastercard Foundation, Oluranti Adetoye; Program Lead, MSME Finance, Mastercard Foundation, Chioma Nwagboso; Country Head – Nigeria, Mastercard Foundation, Chidinma Lawanson; Founder, Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, Bolanle Austen-Peters; Program Lead, Agriculture, Mastercard Foundation; Lois Sankey and the General Manager, Terra Kulture, Joseph Umoibom during the signing of a 5-year training partnership program agreement between Terra Kulture and the Mastercard Foundation to equip 65,000 young people with relegating skills across key sub-sectors in theatre and business.
The Mastercard Foundation’s Country Head for Nigeria, Chidinma Lawanson, commented, “This partnership will enable us to reach more young people, especially young women in the Creative sector. Together with our partner, we will provide access to training, skills, and mentorship platforms which will further create access to entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for young creatives in Nigeria.”
The partnership is aligned with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy in Nigeria, which seeks to enable 10 million young Nigerian women and men, to access dignified work and the right skills to contribute to Africa’s global competitiveness.
ABOUT TERRA KULTURE
Terra Kulture Arts and Studios Limited (formerly Terra Kulture Limited – The Nigerian Cultural Centre) is an educational and recreational organization set up in 2003 to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts and culture. Terra Kulture has organized over 200 art exhibitions, over 150 plays, 65 book readings and over 10,000 individual adopts and children, as well as school trips, have attended our language classes.
Its production arm, BAP Productions has produced award winning musicals and plays including Saro the Musical, Wakaa the Musical, Queen Moremi the Musical, The Oluronbi Musical, Man Enough, Fela and the Kalakuta Death and the King’s Horseman and Trials of bro Jero and also movies such as The Bling Lagosians, 93days, Man of God and soon to be released Collision Course.
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management. For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org.
About Young Africa Works
Young Africa Works is the Mastercard Foundation’s strategy to enable 30 million young people, particularly young women, across Africa to access dignified work. Africa will be home to the world’s largest workforce, with 375 million young people entering the job market by 2030. With the right skills, these young people will contribute to Africa’s global competitiveness and improve their lives and those of their communities.
Media Inquiries:
Terra Kulture Arts and Studios Limited
Joseph Umoibom
General Manager
[email protected]
Mastercard Foundation
Nonye Mpho Omotola
Country Lead, Program Communications, Nigeria
[email protected]
In a statement issued on Monday, the party announced that all its structures across the country would pause political engagements and refrain from public commentary starting Tuesday, July 15, as a mark of respect for the former leader.
According to the ADC, Buhari’s commitment to Nigeria—both as a military officer and a democratically elected president—was marked by discipline, integrity, and an unwavering sense of public duty.
The party acknowledged that, despite differing political views, the late president remained a symbol of hope for many, especially among the less privileged, who remained devoted to him throughout his political career.
The statement also took aim at the current administration and the ruling party, accusing them of attempting to benefit politically from Buhari’s death.
The ADC expressed disappointment that those who, in recent years, had sought to undermine the former president’s record were now seeking to lead national mourning.
Describing the move as insincere and politically motivated, the ADC advised Buhari’s family and supporters to be cautious of such acts.
The party called on Nigerians to honour Buhari by upholding the principles he represented at his best—honesty, simplicity, and a genuine commitment to national service.
..Sets Up Inter-Ministerial Committee For Buhari’s State Burial
…As Shettima Visits Buhari’s Family In London
The Presidency on Monday postponed a special Federal Executive Council session earlier slated for Tuesday in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari to a yet-to-be-disclosed date.
In a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it said the meeting “will no longer be held as announced earlier, given the state funeral in his hometown, Daura, on the same day.”
“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will announce a new date after the funeral proceedings,” it said.
The statement is titled ‘New Date For The Special Federal Executive Council Session In Honour Of President Muhammadu Buhari To Be Announced.’
The old date coincides with the Federal Government’s declaration of Tuesday, July 15, as a public holiday in honour of the departed Nigerian leader.
President Tinubu on Sunday called for the special FEC session to honour his predecessor for his invaluable contributions to our country.
Buhari’s remains will arrive from London at noon Tuesday, after which he will be committed to Mother Earth in his home town, in accordance with Islamic rites.
President Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to join the Buhari family in London to condole with the family and bring the former President’s remains back home.
Meanwhile, Tinubu has approved the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the planning and coordination of a state funeral for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The committee, to be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, is tasked with delivering a befitting burial ceremony for the former president, who passed away on Sunday.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the committee includes several key ministers and top security officials.
Among them are the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Information and National Orientation, Works, Interior, FCT, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Social Welfare (State), and Culture and Creative Economy.
“National Security Adviser, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination
“Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters; Inspector General of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services and Chief of Defence Staff, ” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in London.
The visit, carried out on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was disclosed in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Spokesman and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
Upon arrival in the United Kingdom on Monday, Shettima met with the bereaved family, Buhari’s wife, Mrs Aishat Buhari, and also visited the ex-president’s nephew, Mamman Daura, who is currently recuperating in a London hospital.
According to Nkwocha, the condolence visits were conducted while Vice President Shettima awaits the conclusion of documentation and formal procedures required for the repatriation of Buhari’s remains to Nigeria.
Shettima was accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Nigeria from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, passed away at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in London, aged 82, after a prolonged illness.
According to a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, the holiday is furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement said the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Tinubu.
The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.
He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
As earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.
The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Earlier on Monday, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, announced the burial arrangements for the from Nigerian President, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in London.
At a press briefing, the Katsina governor said following consultations with the late president’s family and close associates in London, it has been agreed that the remains of the former leader would arrive in Katsina on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by noon.
He disclosed that the burial would take place in Daura, the hometown of the late president, by 2pm on the same day.
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