10 Years of Vision and Innovation: Optimist Group Celebrates a Decade of Multimedia Excellence

What began ten years ago with just one projector and a bold dream has grown into one of southern Nigeria’s most respected multimedia companies. Optimist Group, headquartered in Benin City with a growing presence in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, marks its 10th anniversary this August — celebrating a decade of creative growth, youth empowerment, and boundary-pushing storytelling.

Founded in 2015 by Imagbenikaro Osarumwense, Optimist started as a small projector rental service for modest events. Over time, through grit, resilience, and a clear vision, it evolved into a thriving group of companies—comprising a NABTEB-accredited creative, technical, and vocational academy; an event experience, leasing, and mobility arm; and a vibrant media production unit serving clients across Nigeria and beyond.

“We started with just one projector,” Osarumwense recalls. “It began as a simple idea—to rent out projectors for events—and the belief that something remarkable could be built right here in Benin City. It’s been a journey driven by faith, hard work, and perseverance. Today, we’ve become a trusted name among corporate and religious clients, as well as some of the most influential circles in society.”

As Nigeria’s creative industry rapidly evolves, Optimist Group has positioned itself as a leading force in multimedia and event experiences. With a strong presence across southern Nigeria, the company offers a wide range of services including LED screen rentals for all event types, live broadcast and streaming, 360 video booth experiences, digital LED truck advertising, event photography and videography, audiovisual content production for all media platforms, and premium vehicle solutions for logistics and mobility. Guided by a clear strategic vision and foresight, Optimist continues to expand its influence across media, entertainment, and transport sectors.

In line with the group’s broader vision, Optimist Academy for Film & TVE was launched in August 2020. Since then, it has trained and graduated over 100 multimedia professionals. Officially accredited by NABTEB, the institution offers both paid and fully sponsored programs, aiming to make creative education accessible to young people from all walks of life.

In 2024, the academy hosted an international student exchange with the prestigious Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg in Germany. The collaboration brought Nigerian and German students together to co-produce a cross-cultural documentary, showcasing the academy’s growing international reach and commitment to global standards.

Optimist has also partnered with NGOs, brands, and development agencies to create impactful media projects across diverse sectors, from education and public health to gender advocacy and youth development. Its community-based initiatives—delivered in collaboration with the GraceKaro Humanitarian Initiative—have provided free training, mentorship, and storytelling tools to dozens of underserved young people.

“We believe creative education is a powerful tool for social change,” said Mrs. Osarumwense, Chief Education Officer at Optimist Academy. “It helps fight cultism, discourages youths from turning to fraud, and gives them real alternatives to succeed—especially those considering leaving the country. We want to train and retain home-grown creative talent.”

Internally, Optimist has built a work culture that values people as much as performance. Young talents are not treated as employees, but as collaborators. The organization encourages open expression, team spirit, and professional growth, creating an environment where ideas thrive and people evolve.

“Everyone here contributes to the story,” says Mr. Imagbenikaro. “We’ve built a space where you can grow, lead, and discover your voice.”

Looking ahead, the group plans to scale its training programs, expand its event production, leasing, and mobility services, and explore new creative partnerships across Nigeria and West Africa.

To mark this 10-year milestone, Optimist is rolling out a series of client appreciation promotions throughout August. “We’re only just getting started,” said Mr. Imagbenikaro. “The last 10 years were about proving what’s possible. The next 10 will be about going even further, expect better!”