Ilorin, Kwara State, March 5 and 6, 2026, Over 1,500 young creatives from across Kwara State gathered for the Lens4Good Creative Workshop, a two-day intensive training designed to equip emerging storytellers with practical skills in photography, filmmaking, and visual storytelling for social impact.
The workshop, organized by Lens4Good, an initiative founded by Nosa Asemota, Personal Photographer and Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Visual Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was held in collaboration with Kwara Creatives, a fast-growing creative community in the state committed to building opportunities for young storytellers.
The program brought together photographers, filmmakers, content creators and digital storytellers for hands-on learning, mentorship and industry conversations aimed at strengthening the creative ecosystem in Kwara State.
The event was hosted by media entrepreneur and creative strategist Deji Onadeko, while respected voices in Nigeria’s visual storytelling industry including Diji Aderogba, Taibat Ajiboye, Celina Kama, Amazing Klef, Felix Crown, Feranmi Abiola, Adanna Adaka, Abayomi Adebayo and Zitch led practical sessions and discussions on storytelling, ethics, creative entrepreneurship, and building sustainable careers in the creative industry.
Participants were exposed to professional creative tools and practical techniques in photography, videography and content creation, giving many their first opportunity to learn directly from experienced industry professionals.
As part of its commitment to empowering young creatives, Lens4Good also distributed creative equipment grants worth millions of naira to selected participants.
The equipment support included drones, Canon cameras, mobile phones, lighting equipment and content creation starter packs, ensuring that several creatives left the workshop not only with knowledge but also with tools to begin their storytelling journeys.
Delivering his remarks, Nosa Asemota explained that the initiative goes beyond technical training.
“The goal is not simply to teach people everything in a few days,” he said. “It is to empower storytellers and give them a glimpse of what is possible, a head start. From there, they can begin to document their communities, shape narratives, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s creative economy.”
Speaking on the significance of the program for the local creative ecosystem, Habeeb Shuaib Ishowo, founder and creative lead of Kwara Creatives, described the workshop as a defining moment for creatives in the state.
“What we witnessed shows clearly that the creative industry in Kwara State is alive. Over 1,500 creatives came together not just to attend a program but to learn, connect and position themselves for greater opportunities. Initiatives like this provide what creatives truly need, training, access and empowerment,” he said.
The organizers also expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government for creating an enabling environment for innovation and youth development. Special recognition was given to the Kwara State Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, as well as the Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Communications, for their continued commitment to supporting young talents and strengthening the state’s creative and technology ecosystem.
The success of the workshop also reflected the strength of the Kwara creative community, whose enthusiasm and participation contributed greatly to the impact of the event.
In her closing remarks, Julia Azubuike, Executive Director of Lens4Good, thanked the facilitators, partners, volunteers, and participants who made the workshop possible.
“This is the time for more organizations that believe in storytelling, culture and impact to invest in young creatives. When we empower storytellers, we empower communities,” she said.
Looking ahead, Lens4Good revealed that the initiative will continue beyond the workshop. Outstanding participants will be selected for advanced mentorship and training opportunities designed to further support their creative growth.
As part of the next phase, selected creatives will collaborate on a storytelling project that will document the people, culture and realities of their communities through powerful visual narratives.
The Lens4Good Creative Workshop in Kwara marks another important step toward strengthening Nigeria’s creative ecosystem by empowering the next generation of visual storytellers.
