117 photographers and videographers from across the country have been shortlisted in a competition that seeks to provide a lucrative digital platform for creatives to showcase their talents.
The competition, tagged; Uncover Naija, was launched last October 25, courtesy of Torrista, a product of Sterling Bank’s Tourism Business Unit.
The project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, and its agency, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, as well as, the Made by Nigeria (MBN), another initiative of the bank focused on promoting Nigerian creativity and supporting local talent.
The bank stated that public voting would commence from November 20, this year as the competition aims to spotlight Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscapes and traditions through the lens of talented creatives in the photography genre.
According to Torrista, the Uncover Naija initiative seeks to challenge participants to document Nigeria’s history, city life, landscapes, people, and natural wonders, offering the world a glimpse into the vibrant stories that define the country.
Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, charged tourism stakeholders to amplify the competition, and by extension, the country’s cultural and tourism legacy.
“Ultimately we want you to see Nigeria because if you see Nigeria you will buy Nigeria. We want to sell Destination Nigeria through photography. Even when you think you travelled the entire length of Nigeria there are still details you may have missed.
“What we have done through Uncover Naija is present Nigeria in HD to everybody. It’s digital photography like you have never seen before; Nigeria in photographs. Please amplify this for us,” Suleiman said.
Director General of the National Theatre, Mrs Tola Akerele, who represented the minister, Hannatu Musawa, noted that the Uncover Naija initiative aligns with its own agenda of championing ‘the wealth of Nigerian heritage, support creative industries, and foster talent that will tell our country’s unique stories on both local and global stages.
“Uncover Naija speaks directly to this mission by inviting Nigerians to showcase their cultural roots, talents, and perspectives. Through the competition, we aim to inspire young Nigerians to explore their heritage, share their artistic interpretations, and gain recognition for their contributions to Nigeria’s cultural tapestry.
“Our goal with this competition is not only to uncover the beauty and stories within Nigeria but also to nurture and amplify the voices of young creatives.
“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. In addition to this, Uncover Naija is a powerful opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s place on the global tourism stage. Through the lens of each entry, the world will get to see Nigeria’s beauty, diversity, and depth.
“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 said.
The Marketing Manager for Tourism Business, Obianuju Akinlolu, disclosed that there were 526 entries from the 36 states of the Federation, saying 117 were shortlisted across 27 states.
She said voting is expected to take place on Torrista’s portal and will last for one week after which the final set of winners emerge on November 30, this year.