The vibrant heart of Lagos's creative scene pulsed with energy as the Storytellers' Conference 2.0 successfully concluded, marking a pivotal moment for the future of African narratives. Convened by Lens for Good in partnership with the Office of Visual Communications to the President, the event transformed the iconic Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre) into a hub for dialogue, performance, and strategic planning on Thursday, January 9, 2026.
A Royal Call to Reclaim the Narrative
Centered on the powerful theme “Stories That Move Us,” the conference explored the intersection of creativity, cultural responsibility, ownership, and economic empowerment. The discourse challenged attendees to see storytelling as a catalyst for tangible national progress. The tone was set authoritatively by the keynote speaker, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri. In his address titled “Culture, Heritage and the Storyteller’s Responsibility,” the monarch delivered a stirring critique of historical misrepresentation.
He confronted the audience with a powerful assertion, stating that a damaging narrative has long been accepted: that Africans possess strength without thought and talent without structure. “He who controls the story controls history,” he declared, linking global perception directly to the stories Africans tell about themselves. This royal perspective seamlessly flowed into the Crea8torium Live Session, where panelists Salem King and Adaora Lumina, joined by the Olu of Warri, deepened the conversation on the creator's duty to heritage.
Lagos's Vision and the Business of Stories
The conference seamlessly bridged culture and governance. A major highlight was the Afropolitan Live Session featuring Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu speaking on “Storytelling for Nation Building.” The Governor outlined his ten-year vision for Lagos as Africa's most inclusive and functional city, emphasizing that storytelling activates community voices. He urged the young creatives present to leverage their platforms for societal good, noting that “The energy, creativity, and resilience of Lagos people define who we are.”
The practicalities of sustaining this creative mission were addressed in a focused panel on “The Business of African Stories.” This session featured crucial insights from the Director of Communications at Afreximbank on the economics of content ownership and distribution, highlighting the need for sustainable models for creators.
The Roadmap Forward and a Community's Pledge
Nosa Asemota, the founder of Lens for Good, captured the event's urgency, declaring that “the time is now” to be intentional about Nigerian storytelling. He positioned Lens for Good as the essential community to provide support, tools, and visibility for creators on their journeys. As the formal proceedings drew to a close, the organization presented its future roadmap and initiatives before transitioning into a celebratory Creator’s Entertainment and Rave, honoring the day's collective impact.
The event was punctuated by powerful artistic expressions, including a resonant performance by the Loud Urban Choir and captivating poetry by Alhani Islam. The Storytellers' Conference 2.0 ultimately served as a clarion call: for African creators to own their narratives, understand their power, and build the economic structures to ensure their stories move the continent forward.
