By Aminat Umar
The World Photography Day 2024 celebration in Lagos, hosted by the Guild of Photojournalists Nigeria in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, was a resounding success. Held on Monday, August 19, the event saw a significant turnout, with over 50 children, students, and scholars eagerly joining the ranks of the GPN Young Photographers Club. The occasion marked a vibrant convergence of budding photographers and seasoned professionals, united in their passion for the art of visual storytelling.
A remarkable turnout of young attendees, primarily from Lagos and Ogun schools, created a vibrant atmosphere. The event offered them a unique opportunity to explore various types of cameras, network with seasoned professional photographers, and engage with experts who shared valuable insights into the art of photography.
In his heartfelt goodwill message, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, encouraged photographers to embrace resilience and pursue continuous learning to elevate their craft. Drawing inspiration from esteemed veterans Peter Obe and Summie Smart Cole, Adefaye underscored the importance of perseverance and knowledge in achieving outstanding results in the field of photography.
A curated exhibition by the NIJ Photography Department showcased a fascinating evolution of cameras, from the chemical processing era to the modern digital age. The display featured iconic brands such as Yashica and Leica, tracing the journey to contemporary digital single-lens cameras from Canon and Sony.
At the August event, Mr. Kunle Ajayi, the Photo Editor of DAILY INDEPENDENT Newspapers, captivated the audience with his insights on the significance of fostering emerging talents in photojournalism. As he narrated the stories behind nearly every photograph displayed, his passion for the craft and commitment to mentoring the next generation of photographers shone through, setting a compelling tone for the occasion.
The centerpiece of the event was a captivating exhibition featuring iconic Nigerian photographs, each image a powerful narrative of the nation’s history. Attendees immersed themselves in the stories behind these striking visuals, as expert-led discussions unraveled the profound influence of photography on social transformation. Young minds were particularly inspired, engaging deeply with the images and sparking thought-provoking conversations about how these snapshots have shaped and reflected societal changes.
Children who had never seen single or twin-lens cameras or the roll of film inside them were taught the history of photography, tracing its evolution from film to the digital world they now knew. They were guided through the journey, learning how photography transformed from the delicate art of developing film in darkrooms to the instant capture and sharing of images on their screens today.
Following the session, the students demonstrated impressive photography skills as they fielded questions from their instructors. Their confident responses reflected a deep understanding, gained in such a short time. The most outstanding students were rewarded with gifts for their achievements.
The Catch Them Young initiative set the age limit for joining the photo club between 9 and 24 years. This rule sparked excitement among many undergraduates, who eagerly filled out membership forms and prepared for potential interviews.
Since its inception, GPN has been dedicated to nurturing the younger generation of photographers. Through its CTY initiative, GPN offers a robust support system, providing essential resources and platforms to help aspiring photographers and visual literacy enthusiasts achieve greatness in their craft.
The event, a groundbreaking collaboration between the college and GPN, marked an unprecedented moment in their history. The hall buzzed with an electric energy as young talents showcased their raw, unfiltered passion. This debut gathering became a testament to the boundless enthusiasm and creativity of the next generation.
The Deputy Provost of NIJ, Dr. Boye Ola said “This is the first major collaboration between NIJ and the Guild of Photojournalists Nigeria. We had a super collaboration that we can build on to raise the public image of photojournalism in Nigeria.”
The Awareness Walk, which began in Ojodu and made its way to Ogba, intentionally excluded children from the event for safety considerations. Despite the presence of a motorized patrol team and outriders from the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency to ensure a secure journey, the decision was made to keep young participants away.
The walk provided a vibrant canvas for members, students, and photography enthusiasts alike to showcase their creative flair. As they paraded through the streets, they danced exuberantly and waved colorful banners, drawing the attention of motorists and pedestrians with their spirited display.
Amidst a lively awareness walk, a practicing lawyer with a burgeoning passion for photography spotted a procession of banners and cameras. Enthralled by the scene, she swiftly disembarked from her moving vehicle. With a purposeful stride, she made her way to the hall where an enlightening lecture was about to commence, eager to immerse herself in the event.
In his speech, Mr. Abiodun Ajala, Chairman of the Guild of Photojournalists Nigeria, offered a clear and engaging overview of the essence of photojournalism. Meanwhile, the keynote speaker, acclaimed photographer Akintunde Akinleye, delved into the global theme of the day, “An Entire Day,” providing a deep and insightful exploration of its significance and impact.
In conclusion however, this year’s event saw impressive backing from Nestlé Nigeria Plc. and MultiChoice Nigeria, whose generous support was instrumental in making the occasion a resounding success.
