The Business of Photography Conference 2024 (BOP2024) drew its curtains with resounding success on March 20th, 2024, at the prestigious Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria. This fifth edition of the conference, dedicated to advocating for the creative industry in Nigeria with a particular focus on the photography and videography sectors, solidified its status as a premier gathering in the creative industry calendar of Nigeria and Africa, proving to be a pivotal event.
Mr. Kola Oshalusi, the convener of the BOP Conference, set the stage with an inspiring opening remark, highlighting the immense potential of Nigeria’s cultural wealth for driving economic prosperity. He passionately articulated, “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 received invaluable insights and expertise, starting with Bola Yinka Obebe’s enlightening discourse on Speak Ede, followed by a keynote address from Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture. Asika emphasised the transformative power of arts and culture, stating, “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.”
The conference featured dynamic panel sessions moderated by luminaries like Yagazie Eguare, covering crucial themes such as exporting Brand Nigeria, empowering gender diversity, and embracing cultural appreciation. Esteemed panellists, 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, sparking vibrant conversations and actionable solutions.
Also, the conference 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. Attendees were also treated to experiential spaces, including Slickcity’s VR display, the Infinix gadget showcase, and WOW Connect’s 360 photo booth, enriching their understanding of the evolving landscape of visual storytelling.
Against the backdrop of a thriving global digital photography market projected to soar to $149.98 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 capitalise on this lucrative market.
The success of the BOP Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of a rich array of sponsors, including Insigna Media, Sony, Teps, Infinix, the Peter Bello Foundation, MoutonCadet, BellaNaija, YD Company, Sotectonic, Africa Soft Power, St. Remy, Aforevo, RedEdit Magazine, PulseNG, LASAA, Meristem, Ro-Marong, Shuttlers, WOW Connect, FashionEVO, and
FAB L’Style Magazine.
Reflecting on the conference, Mr. Kola Oshalusi expressed his gratitude to all participants and stakeholders. “As the curtains draw on yet another remarkable edition of The Business of Photography Conference, we look forward to building on the momentum generated and continuing our mission to elevate photography into a formidable business sector in Nigeria and beyond.”
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