A recent photography workshop in Lekki is drawing attention to the growing push for accessible creative education in Nigeria’s booming but unevenly developed creative economy.
Held on Saturday, July 26, the City Dreamers: Find Your Frame workshop was hosted by The Space Studio in collaboration with Ijeworks Media. The initiative brought together 20 aspiring photographers—most of them complete beginners—for an intensive four-hour session focused on foundational techniques, visual storytelling, and creative self-confidence.
“This was about more than just photography. There’s a gap between talent and opportunity,” said Ijeoma Amagwula, the workshop’s lead facilitator and founder of Ijeworks Media. “Workshops like this give people permission to start, and the tools to keep going.”
Organisers revealed that over 85 per cent of attendees had never taken a formal photography class before. The high interest in the event underscores the growing demand for beginner-friendly creative training amid limited access to mentorship, tools, and infrastructure in Nigeria’s creative sectors.
According to Korah Na’adzenga, Business Development Manager at The Space Studio, the workshop is part of a broader effort to build an enabling environment for young Nigerian creatives.
“We’re not just teaching skills,” Na’adzenga said. “We’re building platforms. We’re building people.”
Valued at an estimated $5 billion, Nigeria’s creative economy is one of the largest on the continent. A 2024 report by Communiqué by David Adeleke projected that Africa’s digital creator economy would surpass $30 billion by the end of 2025. However, creative professionals and advocates say limited access to entry-level resources remains a barrier for many.
The City Dreamers workshop aimed to break that barrier by offering not only free access to a professional photography studio but also post-workshop mentorship. Participants were invited to join a private digital community for continued guidance and collaboration on portfolio development.
Feedback from participants reflected the impact of the training. “The whole class was worth it. I look forward to the next one where we get a mini portfolio,” said attendee Shittu Oluwamuyiwa.
Kolawale Oyedele Henry, another participant, noted the philosophical shift the session sparked. “My biggest takeaway was that it’s not about the gear, it’s about the eye. That workshop taught me to see differently, and now I shoot with purpose,” he said.
Ayoitunu Gbadebo pointed to the emotional resonance of the facilitator’s personal journey. “I was really motivated by Miss Ije’s background story. It reminded me that it’s okay to start small—just start.”
With the next edition of City Dreamers scheduled for August 30, organisers say they are exploring ways to expand the program into a long-term talent pipeline for the creative industry.
“If Lagos is going to lead the continent’s creative charge, we have to invest in the people behind the vision—especially those just getting started,” Amagwula said.
