Mary Nnah
The Business of Photography Conference 2024 (BOP2024), a Conference designed to advocate the creative industry in Nigeria with a focus on the photography and videography industry and enhancing its recognition as a formidable business sector in Nigeria and Africa, concluded with resounding success recently in Lagos.
The conference, being the fifth edition, attracted industry leaders, policymakers, creatives, and aspiring photographers and videographers, showcased insightful discussions, thought-provoking panels, and networking opportunities, cementing its reputation as a premier event in the creative industry calendar.
Mr. Kola Oshalusi, the convener of the BOP Conference, set the tone with his opening remark, emphasising the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s cultural wealth for economic prosperity. He said: “The creative industry in Nigeria has the potential to employ everyone who doesn’t have a job if only it is explored and that is the basis of this conference.”
Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a diverse array of perspectives and expertise, beginning with Bola Yinka Obebe’s illuminating speech on Speak Ede, followed by Obi Asika’s, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, captivating Keynote Address on the transformative power of arts and culture. He said: “Photography is a critical part of communication and everything we do. If you check the growth of social media over the last decade,
you’ll see that platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been driven massively by photography and visual direction. In Nigeria, we’re working to see more platforms to provide better opportunities for Photographers”
The conference featured engaging panel sessions, each exploring crucial themes pertinent to the creative economy. The first session moderated by Yagazie Eguare featured industry stalwarts such as Tolagbe Martins, Mary Edoro, and Jokotade Shonowo, while topics ranged from exporting Brand Nigeria to empowering gender diversity and embracing cultural appreciation.
