Earlier today, I spent time at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, National Theatre, for the Lens for Good 2026 Storytellers’ Conference—and I left deeply inspired.
The experience was a powerful reminder of the role visual storytelling plays in our lives. Stories told through images, film, and creative expression do far more than entertain. They educate, challenge assumptions, preserve culture, and connect people across generations and borders. They shape how the world sees us, and just as importantly, how we see ourselves.
The conversations at the conference made one thing clear: the stories we choose to tell are a reflection of who we are and who we aspire to become as a society. Every frame, every narrative choice, carries responsibility. When told thoughtfully, our stories can affirm identity, inspire hope, and spark meaningful change.
Seeing the National Theatre alive again was especially moving. The space was filled with young creatives—dreaming, collaborating, and daring to imagine new possibilities. In that moment, it became clear why so much effort and investment went into restoring this iconic institution. It is more than a building; it is a home for the next generation of African storytellers. A place worthy of their talent, and a space where they can learn not just the craft of storytelling, but the responsibility that comes with telling our stories well.
From the rooftop of the theatre, the view of the Blue Line Rail—quietly and consistently making its daily trips—was a beautiful reminder of what is possible when vision is matched with execution. It stands as a true success story and a symbol of progress.
As we continue to create, document, and imagine, let us do so with intention, pride, and care. Our stories matter. Let’s keep telling them—together.
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