What began with a single projector and an ambitious dream has grown into one of southern Nigeria’s most respected multimedia companies. This August, Optimist Group, headquartered in Benin City with operations in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, marks its 10th anniversary—celebrating a decade of creative innovation, youth empowerment, and storytelling impact.

Founded in 2015 by Imagbenikaro Osarumwense, Optimist started as a modest projector rental service. Today, it’s a multi-division enterprise that includes a NABTEB-accredited creative and technical academy, a dynamic event experience and mobility unit, and a robust media production team serving clients across Nigeria and abroad.

“We started with just one projector,” Osarumwense recalls. “The idea was simple: provide projectors for events—and believe something remarkable could grow right here in Benin. Today, we’re a trusted name in corporate and religious circles and among Nigeria’s influential creatives.”

A pivotal part of Optimist’s growth has been the Optimist Academy for Film & TVE, launched in 2020. In just five years, the academy has trained and graduated over 100 multimedia professionals, many of whom now work in the creative industries across Nigeria. With both paid and fully sponsored programs, the academy ensures access to quality education regardless of background.

In 2024, Optimist Academy made international headlines with a student exchange program in partnership with Germany’s Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. The collaboration led to the co-production of a cross-cultural documentary, marking the academy’s first foray into international co-productions and expanding its global footprint.

Beyond training, Optimist has produced impact-driven media in partnership with NGOs, development agencies, and major brands, tackling themes from education and gender equality to public health and youth development. Community outreach efforts—powered by the GraceKaro Humanitarian Initiative—have also brought free mentorship and training to underserved youth.

“Creative education is a tool for social change,” says Mrs. Osarumwense, Chief Education Officer at the academy. “It offers alternatives to fraud and cultism and gives our youth real options to thrive—especially those thinking of leaving the country. Our goal is to train and retain homegrown talent.”

Optimist’s work culture is equally distinctive. Young team members are nurtured as collaborators, not just staff, with a culture that values open expression, team spirit, and personal growth.

“Everyone here contributes to the story,” says Mr. Osarumwense. “This is a space where you grow, lead, and find your voice.”

Looking forward, Optimist plans to scale its training programs, expand its event and mobility services, and forge new creative partnerships across Nigeria and West Africa.

To mark this 10-year milestone, the group is rolling out client appreciation promotions all through August.

“We’re only just getting started,” says Mr. Osarumwense. “The last 10 years were about proving what’s possible. The next 10? Expect better.”