In the run-up to The Nigeria Summit 2025 – a landmark event co-created by CT Productions and The Guardian Nigeria – we spoke with Camelia Oros Tsarouchis and The Guardian Nigeria’s Chief Strategy Officer about their vision for storytelling, the choice of Lagos as the host city, and why partnerships remain at the heart of everything they do.

How did you two meet?

Camelia Oros Tsarouchis: Our relationship really grew out of a shared vision. We were both committed to storytelling as a means of building bridges – whether between businesses, cultures, or entire regions. Over the years, this mutual commitment to creating meaningful and authentic narratives has become the foundation for trusted collaborations and long-term partnerships.

Anita Athena Ibru: The Guardian has been media partner of CT Production’s events for some years now, usually held earlier in the year. So when I found out that we were both (unusually) planning events for later in the year, I was excited because mine tend to be tied to Women’s Month. Our chosen dates also happened to be so close that we viewed this as an opportunity to co-create a single impactful event.

Why have you chosen to co-create this event together, and why Lagos?

Camelia Oros Tsarouchis: This event is about more than visibility; it’s about celebrating collaborations and creating new opportunities for engagement. Lagos is the beating heart of African business and creativity – it’s where our work has always been rooted. This will actually be the fourth in-person event we’ve organised in Lagos, and this time we’re doing it with the amazing partnership of The Guardian Nigeria. For me, it’s the perfect place to exchange ideas and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.

Anita Athena Ibru: Lagos is our home, the place where The Guardian Nigeria has shaped national conversations for over four decades. But more than that, Lagos connects to West Africa and beyond. Our live events have mastered the art of brand and personal brand storytelling before audiences both inside and outside the room. And when it comes to sectors, we know how to connect them. By joining forces with CT Productions here in Lagos, we’re breaking out of our comfort zones to create an even more special and impactful event.

What role does storytelling play in your vision for The Nigeria Summit 2025?

Camelia Oros Tsarouchis: Storytelling has always been at the heart of what we do. At CT Productions, our mission is to bring global visibility to African voices, businesses, and partnerships, while positioning brands authentically across cultures. For the summit, that means creating a space where stories drive dialogue, where they can inspire leaders in business, media, and government to see new opportunities.

Anita Athena Ibru: For The Guardian Nigeria, storytelling is more than reporting; it’s how we connect people, sectors and ideas. That’s why this summit is so important. It’s not just storytelling, it’s networking. It’s about stronger ties, being stronger together. In Nigeria and across West Africa, stories are what shape influence. This event provides us with a platform to bring those narratives together in one powerful space.

Why are partnerships so important to you and to this event?

Camelia Oros Tsarouchis: No story stands alone. Partnerships amplify voices, create credibility, and ensure sustainable impact. In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is not optional – it is essential. This event is about building those bridges: fostering dialogue, advancing cooperation, and making sure that African voices are heard and celebrated on the global stage.

Anita Athena Ibru: Partnerships are crucial because they multiply impact. On our own, we each have strong platforms, but together, we can amplify reach, broaden networks and create something bigger than either of us could do alone. This is about breaking silos, connecting like-minded people who believe in Nigeria’s potential and global position, and proving that collaboration is a powerful strategy for growth.

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