In a bid to empower Nigerian creatives, preserve our cultural heritage and promote Nigeria’s image on a global pedestal, Torrista, a product of Sterling Bank’s Tourism Business Unit, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture & Creative Economy (FMACCE), Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and Made By Nigeria (MBN), have launched ‘Uncover Naija’ – a competition that offers Nigerian photographers and videographers a platform to showcase their talent by capturing the beauty and richness of Nigerian culture.

Uncover Naija will be rewarding 32 exceptional winners with prizes worth a total of N8.5million. A digital gallery would also be launched featuring the best photographs and videos submitted during the competition, serving as a platform for participants to earn revenue from the sale of their work, while also offering a global audience access to Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Head of Tourism, Sterling Bank, Abiola Adelana, believes that the competition presents an opportunity to tell Nigerian stories in an innovative manner. He also noted that since the competition’s launch in late October, the reception has been beyond expectation.

“Together, our vision is to highlight Nigeria’s diverse heritage and create a space where creatives can amplify Nigeria’s voice on the global stage. Since our launch on October 25, we’ve been thrilled by the response. Uncover Naija attracted 526 passionate photographers and videographers from across the country, all eager to share their unique perspectives in Nigeria,” he said.

Adelana noted that the essence of the competition is to preserve Nigeria’s cultural legacy, exemplifying Sterling Bank’s commitment to cultural sustainability, enrichment and youth empowerment.

“Through Uncover Naija, we are not only promoting and preserving Nigeria’s cultural treasures but also empowering our creatives with the recognition and opportunities they deserve. This project speaks to our commitment at Sterling Bank to celebrate and elevate Nigeria’s stories, voices, and visions. Thank you all for joining us today, and for your continued support in amplifying Nigeria’s cultural legacy,” said Adelana.

While Director General, National Theatre, Tola Akerele, stated that ‘Uncover Naija’ fully aligns with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy’s (FMACCE) mission to inspire young Nigerians to explore their heritage, share their artistic interpretations, and gain recognition for their contributions to Nigeria’s cultural tapestry.

“By providing a platform for emerging talent, ‘Uncover Naija’ aligns with the Ministry’s agenda to nurture local creativity, build the economy around arts and culture, and cultivate a sense of national pride. The competition aims to spotlight Nigeria’s untapped creative potential while fostering a deeper appreciation for its unique identity among a wide audience,” she noted.
Akerele wants the competition to stir up the international community’s interest in Nigerian culture and spark a desire to immerse themselves in the nation’s cultural heartbeat.

“Through the lens of each entry, the world will get to see Nigeria’s beauty, diversity, and depth. From our landscapes to our vibrant traditions and welcoming people. This competition gives global audiences an authentic look into our culture, which we hope will inspire a growing interest in visiting and experiencing our country firsthand.”

“This initiative will position Nigeria as a cultural and tourism destination, making it a valuable part of our national economic development strategy,” she added.