By Yemisi Suleiman

This year’s edition of the Business of Photography Conference (BOP2024) came to a resounding success March 20th, at The Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos.

Now in it’s fifth year, The Business of Photography Conference was designed for advocating the creative industry in Nigeria with a focus on the photography and videography industry and enhancing its recognition as a formidable business sector in Nigeria and Africa.

The conference attracted industry leaders, policymakers, creatives, and aspiring photographers and videographers. It showcased insightful discussions,
thought-provoking panels, and networking opportunities, cementing its reputation as a premier event in the creative industry calendar.
Mr. Kola Oshalusi, the convener of BOP Conference, set the tone with his opening remark, emphasizing the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s cultural wealth for economic prosperity.

He said: “The creative industry in Nigeria has the potential to employ everyone who doesn’t have a job if only it is explored and that is the basis of this conference.”
Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a diverse array of perspectives and expertise,
beginning with Bola Yinka Obebe’s illuminating speech on Speak Ede, followed by Obi Asika’s,
Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Keynote Address on the
transformative power of arts and culture. He said: “Photography is an absolute critical part of communication, and everything we do. If you check the growth of social media over the last decade, you’ll see that platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been driven massively by photography and visual direction. In Nigeria, we’re working to see more platforms to provide better opportunities for Photographers in Nigeria”
The conference featured engaging panel sessions, each exploring crucial themes pertinent to the creative economy. The first session moderated by Yagazie Eguare featured industry stalwarts such as Tolagbe Martins, Mary Edoro, and Jokotade Shonowo, while topics ranged from exporting Brand Nigeria to empowering gender diversity and embracing cultural appreciation.
Notable panelists including Dayo Adedayo, Yinka Obebe, Adeniyi Adebisi, Chris Ifeanyi Oputa, Tope Tedela, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Bukola Oloyede, Jokotade Shonowo, Stephen Tayo, Bayo Omoboriowo, and Chalya Shagaya shared invaluable insights and perspectives, sparking dynamic conversations and actionable solutions. The conference also provided a platform for technological
innovation, with a panel on smart technology moderated by Tobi Olanihun and featuring industry leaders such as Scott Eneje, Malik Afegbua, Oluseyi Magic, Ijeoma Amagwula, and Asabe Vincent-Okoro.

In addition to the enriching discussions, attendees had the opportunity to explore
experiential spaces, including Slickcity’s VR display, Infinix gadgets showcase, and WOW
Connect’s 360 photo booth, enhancing their understanding of the evolving landscape of visual storytelling.
Against the backdrop of a thriving global digital photography market, projected to soar to $149.9 billion by 2026 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4 percent, the Business of Photography Conference stands as a beacon of industry advancement.
With smartphone penetration and a burgeoning interest in photography driving this growth, this conference has not only anticipated
these trends but also paved the way for professionals to capitalize on this lucrative market.