By ISAAC DANIEL
In a bid to empower Nigerian youth through creative expression, the Lagos State Ministries of Youth and Social Development, and Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the University of Lagos (Faculty of Arts), Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, and the African Creative Artist Network, have launched a new initiative titled “Lagos Street Photo Walk Nigeria.”
The programme, which debuted this week at the Faculty of Creative Arts Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, was unveiled during a press conference marking the World Photography Day celebration. It aims to equip young Nigerians with practical photography skills to foster self-reliance, creativity, and cultural appreciation.
Celebrated video producer and project coordinator, Segun Ajayi, described the initiative as “a visionary cultural movement focused on youth empowerment and visual storytelling.” According to him, the upcoming Lagos Street Photo Walk 2025, scheduled for August 19, will spotlight Lagos’ vibrant cultural and urban identity through the camera lenses of young photographers.
“This year’s event is not going to be like the usual,” Ajayi said. “It’s a movement. The walk will traverse iconic neighborhoods, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks around Akoka and Lagos, inviting participants to capture the soul, textures, and rhythms of the city.”
He added that the initiative would feature photo exhibitions, fashion photo shoots, music performances, spoken word, and street art, creating a multi-dimensional experience. Renowned cultural scholars from Nigeria and abroad are also expected to participate.
Ajayi emphasized the role of social media in reshaping the global narrative about Nigeria:
“Participants will be encouraged to tag their images with #WorldPhotographyDay and #LagosStreetPhotoWalk2025 as part of a global campaign to replace negative imagery of Nigeria with beautiful, inspiring visuals captured during the event.”
The Ministry of Youth and Social Development will lead the youth empowerment component of the project, offering support and resources to participating students and emerging photographers.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Idowu explained that the event theme, “An Entire Day,” reflects a full creative cycle of discovery, documentation, and expression. He noted:
“We are partnering with this initiative to provide a platform for young creatives—especially students—to express themselves, gain entrepreneurial skills, and contribute to economic development through photography.”
In his remarks, Prof. Mudashiru, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts at UNILAG and chairman of the event, urged photographers and creatives to use their art to reshape global perceptions of Nigeria.
“We must consciously send out the best images of Nigeria to the world—images that reflect our beauty, resilience, and diversity,” he said.
The Lagos Street Photo Walk promises to be an engaging platform for cultural promotion, youth empowerment, and global visibility—one frame at a time.
