Bezalel Design Academy has once again demonstrated its commitment to youth empowerment and creative transformation with the successful hosting of the second edition of its flagship campaign, Turning Addiction Into a Career (TAIAC 2.0).

The event, held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at RCCG Mega Grace, Ota, Ogun State, attracted over 100 participants, marking a significant milestone in the Academy’s mission to equip young people with relevant digital and creative skills for economic independence.

Building on the success of the maiden edition, TAIAC 2.0 was strategically designed to deepen participants’ understanding of graphic design while responding to the rapidly evolving demands of the creative industry. Attendees received hands-on training in the fundamentals of graphic design, elements and principles of design, smartphone-based design using Canva, personal identity development as creatives, and the business side of graphic design.

In an industry defined by constant innovation, Bezalel Design Academy reinforced its reputation for forward thinking by prioritising growth, relevance, and continuous learning. The decision to host a second edition of TAIAC reflected the Academy’s recognition of emerging design trends and its resolve to prepare youths not just for today’s creative market, but for the future.

Participants engaged in practical exercises including sketching sessions, quizzes, and confidence-building assessments, all aimed at testing comprehension while encouraging originality and self-expression. These activities provided a supportive environment for participants to explore ideas and communicate visually with confidence.

One of the event highlights was a session on social media marketing facilitated by Daniella Chinonye, who introduced participants to strategies for leveraging digital platforms to grow visibility, build brands, and attract clients as graphic designers. The session underscored the importance of combining creative skill with strategic marketing in today’s digital economy.

In line with its learner-centred approach, Bezalel Design Academy also provided each participant with a branded sketchpad, thoughtfully curated with affirmations for creatives. This gesture reinforced the Academy’s belief in identity, purpose, and the power of mindset as essential tools for creative success.

Beyond the event itself, the Academy ensured continuity through a structured follow-up plan, including a design challenge and practical guidance on converting newly acquired skills into sustainable income streams. This intentional approach reflects Bezalel Design Academy’s broader goal of fostering long-term impact rather than one-off training experiences.

The success of TAIAC 2.0 was made possible through the collective effort of the Bezalel Design Academy team, co-facilitators, partners and dedicated volunteers whose coordination and passion for leadership ensured a seamless experience for all participants.

As Nigeria continues to seek innovative solutions to youth unemployment and skill gaps, initiatives such as TAIAC 2.0 highlight the critical role of creative education in nation building. Through programmes like this, Bezalel Design Academy is actively shaping a future where young people are confident, skilled, and empowered to challenge limitations and redefine possibilities.

With TAIAC 2.0, the Academy has once again proven that when excellence meets intention, lives are transformed and new pathways to purpose and prosperity are created.