Jemima Adelekan: Uncovering Nigeria’s Hidden Gems, One Region at a Time

Jemima Adelekan, a multifaceted talent who wears many hats – actor, lifestyle creator, entrepreneur, and media strategist. But before any of these titles defined her, Jemima was a storyteller at heart. With a passion for capturing the human experience and hidden gems of a place, Jemima has embarked on an exciting journey to travel across Nigeria, starting with the Western States. In this interview with MARY NNAH she shares her inspiration, creative process, and what drives her to tell authentic stories that showcase the beauty and complexity of each destination.

You’ve described yourself as an actor, lifestyle creator, entrepreneur, and media strategist. Which of these identities first defined you, and how have they influenced one another over the years?

Honestly, the identity that first defined me was the storyteller. Long before I had any formal title, I was someone who observed life, imagined possibilities, and expressed them whether through acting, writing, or even sketching ideas like an architect. Acting came naturally because it allowed me to embody different perspectives. Architecture trained my mind to see structure and detail. Writing gave me the power to document and share ideas. Entrepreneurship taught me how to bring those ideas to life in the real world. And media strategy became the bridge the way I connect my work to audiences in a meaningful way. Over the years, each role has influenced the others. My architectural thinking shapes my storytelling. My experience as a writer deepens my performances. My entrepreneurial mindset ensures my creative work has impact and sustainability. For me, these identities are not separate they are different lenses through which I see and shape the world.

What moment or experience first sparked your desire to see the world beyond its “postcards”?

I have always seen myself first as a storyteller whether through acting, writing, design, or strategy. Each path has sharpened the other over time. My desire to see the world began with reading books were my first windows, showing me places beyond the broadcasts and postcards, and i have been chasing those stories in real life ever since.

You talk about “human details” that make a place come alive—can you share a specific moment from your travels that perfectly captured that idea?

Yes , so when I travelled to Owo in ondo state , I realized it wasn’t just the grand history or the class or the landscape of the place that made it special. It was the people, their warmth, the way they told stories, their pride in where they come from. Those human details turned Owo from just a destination into a living, breathing memory for me.

How do you decide which stories to tell when you visit a new place?

For me, choosing which stories to tell starts even before I arrive. Once I know I’m visiting a new state, I put it out there , I let people from that place know I’m coming. They often share what I should see, the stories I should hear, the food I must try. By the time I get there, I already have a map made from the voices of the people themselves. Then I experience it for myself, weave in my own perspective and share the stories that feel alive . the ones that capture the true heartbeat of the place.

You’ve said Nigeria is full of hidden gems. Can you name one or two that have deeply moved you but are still unknown to many Nigerians?

Yes, there has. My visit to Oyo, specifically to Sogidi Lakes, completely shifted my perspective. It’s a mystical river where the fish no matter how long you boil them, will not cook. At first, I thought it was just a local myth or a playful exaggeration. But after hearing it from multiple elders in the community, and seeing the deep respect they have for that water, I realized it’s more than a quirky story, it’s a reminder that the world still holds mysteries we can’t fully explain. It changed the way I travel I stopped just looking for “pretty places and started seeking the soul of a place. the traditions, beliefs, and wonders that make it truly unforgettable.

What’s your process for capturing the “beauty, complexity, and truth” of a destination through your lens?

For me, it starts with slowing down. I don’t just arrive and start filming , I listen, observe, and let the place speak to me. I watch how people move, notice the colours, the light, the sounds. I talk to locals, hear their stories and then decide what angles and moments will carry that truth. My lens isn’t just for beauty, it’s to capture the complexity the layers of history, culture, and emotions so that when people watch, they feel like they’ve been there too.

In a digital world where so many destinations are “Instagram famous,” how do you keep your storytelling authentic?

I keep my storytelling authentic by going beyond the “Instagram spots. I’m not just chasing the prettiest angle, I’m chasing the heartbeat of the place. I focus on real interactions, local voices, and moments that aren’t staged. Even if a destination is already famous online, I try to show the parts you won’t see in a filtered photo the texture, the sounds, the human details that make it real.

Why did you choose to begin your journey with the Western States, and what has surprised you most during that exploration?

I started with the Western states because they’re close to home both in distance and in spirit. It felt like a familiar doorway into something bigger, a place where I could build a strong foundation and grow from there. I thought I knew these states well, but travelling through them has revealed quiet traditions, untold stories, and human moments that don’t make it into history books. It’s shown me that even in places we think we know, there’s still so much waiting to be discovered.

Can you share one stereotype about the Western States that your travels have challenged or disproved?

One stereotype I’ve heard about the Western states is that they’re so modernised that their traditions have faded. Travelling through them has completely challenged that Beneath the busy cities, the culture is still very much alive in the festivals, the crafts, the food, and the way people tell their stories. You just have to look beyond the surface to see it.

You’ve said this project is also for people who may never get to see the world themselves—how do you make your content resonate with them?

I always create with the mindset that some people watching may never get the chance to step into these places physically. So I try to bring the experience as close as possible to them. I don’t just show the big, postcard moments, I slow down for the small details that make a place real. the way the light dances on an old wall, the laughter of market women, the taste of a local dish I’m trying for the first time. I describe what I’m seeing, hearing, and feeling, so even without being there, they can close their eyes and imagine it. My goal is for them to feel like they’ve travelled with me, not just watched me travel.

Has there been a story or encounter that completely shifted your perspective about a place or its people?

Yes, there has. My visit to Oyo, specifically to Sugidi Lake, completely shifted my perspective. It’s a mystical river where the fish no matter how long you boil them, will not cook. At first, I thought it was just a local myth or a playful exaggeration. But after hearing it from multiple elders in the community, and seeing the deep respect they have for that water, I realized it’s more than a quirky story, it’s a reminder that the world still holds mysteries we can’t fully explain. It changed the way I travel I stopped just looking for “ pretty places and started seeking the soul of a place. the traditions, beliefs, and wonders that make it truly unforgettable.

What role do you believe travel plays in fostering empathy and connection between cultures?

I believe travel is one of the most powerful tools for fostering empathy and connection between cultures. When you step into another community, eat their food, listen to their stories, and walk their streets, you start to see life through their eyes. It stops being “their” culture and starts becoming a shared human experience. You realize that beyond the differences in language, dress, or traditions, we all want the same things which is love, safety, joy, and dignity. For me, travel breaks down stereotypes and replaces them with real human faces and emotions and that’s where true connection begins.

How do your skills as a media strategist shape the way you present your travel narratives?

My background as a media strategist means I don’t just travel , I think about how each story will live beyond that moment. I understand how to layer visuals, captions, and pacing so they work together to hold attention and leave an impression. I plan my shots with intention. wide frames to set the scene, close-ups to capture emotion, and transitions that guide the viewer through the journey. I also think about the audience how they’ll consume the content, the platforms they’ll see it on, and the emotional beats that will resonate with them. It’s not just documenting for me , it’s crafting an experience that is visually engaging, emotionally real, and strategically positioned to reach more people. That is the strategist in me always making sure my storytelling has both impact and reach.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in turning your travel passion into a sustainable brand?

One of my biggest challenges has been finding the balance between passion and sustainability. Traveling, creating content, and telling authentic stories require a lot of time, energy, and resources ..and in the beginning, it was purely driven by love for the journey but to turn that into a brand that can sustain itself, I had to face the reality that passion alone isn’t enough. The challenge has been learning how to monetize without losing authenticity finding ways to partner with brands, organizations, tourism boards, and local businesses that align with my values, so my audience can still trust my voice.

If you could inspire one mindset shift in your audience through your work, what would it be, and why?

If there is one mindset shift I hope to inspire? it’s this: you don’t have to travel across the world to experience wonders of the world there is beauty, history, and culture right where you are. I think many people see travel as something distant, expensive, or out of reach but through my work I want to show them that connection, curiosity, and discovery can happen in their own backyard! Even through the cook right in their kitchen.

Why? Because when you change the way people see their own environment, you also change how they value it and that builds pride, respect, and a deeper sense of belonging. If my storytelling can make someone fall in love with a place they once overlooked, then I know I’ve done my job.