Adiakpan says initiative aims to empower young photographers and promote industry excellence
The Special Assistant and Chief Photographer to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Ms Idara Adiakpan, has announced the second edition of The Visual Conference and Awards, an initiative designed to empower and celebrate photographers and creatives across Nigeria.
Speaking during a media chat in Uyo, Ms Adiakpan explained that the idea behind the Visual Conference was born out of her personal experience as a young entrepreneur seeking access to mentorship and professional development opportunities.
“As a young entrepreneur, I was searching for knowledge everywhere. I traveled to different cities, traveled to meet mentors and neighbors in the industry,” she said.
“So, it’s not everybody that can afford the energy of moving around for courses. It’s not everybody that can have the means to meet with mentors that are out there. So, I thought to myself, why not bring these people to them, to make it easier for them. So, that’s why the Visual Conference was born, to help our creatives.”
According to Ms Adiakpan, the 2025 edition, scheduled for the 9th and 10th of October at the Vinpy Events Center, will go beyond the conference format to include a photography awards segment, which she described as a platform to honour excellence within the creative industry.
“Our first edition was in 2024, and this year will be our second edition. But this year, we are going beyond just the conference and we are adding the photography awards to celebrate the greatness in our industry,” she said.
“To celebrate the talented photographers, to have our own awards for us, to celebrate us. So, that is why the Visual Awards was born.”
She emphasised that participation in the event is free for registered photographers, describing the initiative as her personal contribution to the development of the industry.
“This is just my way of giving back to the photography industry and the creative industry at large. As the Special Assistant to the Governor and Chief Photographer, I feel like there is so much I can do for my industry and the Visual Conference is my way of giving back,” she said.
Among the speakers expected at this year’s conference are Kelechi Amadi-Obi, a renowned photographer, painter and artist; Hon Aisha Adamu Augie, Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation; Emmanuel Oyeleke, a virtual artist; and Eduwem Ukpong, Creative Director of PhotoFreak.
The Visual Conference and Awards 2025 will feature a mix of value insight sessions, expert-led panel discussions, networking and mentorship opportunities, the ARISE Photo Exhibition, and The Visual Awards Night a celebration of vision, artistry and storytelling.
