Stakeholders have emphasised the necessity for Nigerians to harness cultural wealth for economic prosperity at the 2024 Business of Photography (BOP) Conference which was held recently in Lagos.
Against the backdrop of a thriving global digital photography market, projected to soar to $149.98 billion by 2026 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4 percent, the BOP Conference stands as a beacon of industry advancement. With smartphone penetration and a burgeoning interest in photography driving this growth, this conference has not only anticipated these trends but also paved the way for professionals to capitalise on this lucrative market.
Designed for advocating 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, the just concluded BOP conference which is the fifth edition attracted industry leaders, policymakers, creatives, and aspiring photographers and videographers who showcased insightful discussions, thought-provoking panels, and networking opportunities, cementing its reputation as a premier event in the creative industry calendar.
Speaking at the event, the convener of BOP Conference, Mr. Kola Oshalusi, who set the tone with his opening remark, said, “if properly harnessed and explored, the creative industry in Nigeria has the potential to employ everyone who doesn’t have a job which is the basis of the conference. The focus for BOP is to elevate photography into a formidable business sector in Nigeria and beyond.”
In his keynote address, the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika spoke on the transformative power of arts and culture. He said: “Photography is an absolute 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 that would provide better opportunities for Photographers in Nigeria.”
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.
Notable panelists including Dayo Adedayo, Yinka Obebe, Adeniyi Adebisi, Chris Ifeanyi Oputa, Tope Tedela, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Bukola Oloyede, Jokotade Shonowo, Stephen Tayo, Bayo Omoboriowo, and Chalya Shagaya shared invaluable insights and perspectives, sparking dynamic conversations and actionable solutions.
The conference also provided a platform for technological innovation, with a panel on smart technology moderated by Tobi Olanihun and featuring industry leaders such as Scott Eneje, Malik Afegbua, Oluseyi Magic, Ijeoma Amagwula, and Asabe Vincent-Okoro.
In addition to the enriching discussions, attendees had the opportunity to explore experiential spaces, including Slickcity’s VR display, Infinix gadgets showcase, and WOW Connect’s 360 photo booth, enhancing their understanding of the evolving landscape of visual storytelling.
The BOP Conference was in collaboration with Insigna Media, Sony, Teps, Infinix, Peter Bello Foundation, MoutonCadet, BellaNaija, YD Company, Sotectonic, Africa Soft Power, St. Remy, Aforevo, RedEdit Magazine, PulseNG, LASAA, Meristem, Ro-Marong, Shuttlers, WOW Connect, FashionEVO, and Fab’lstyle.
