Uncover Naija Spotlights Nigeria’s Tourism Potential through Visual Storytelling

Vanessa Obioha

Nigerian tourism is getting a creative boost as 117 photographers and videographers have been shortlisted in the Uncover Naija competition, an initiative designed to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential through visual storytelling.

Organized by Sterling Bank’s tourism division, Torrista, with support from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Uncover Naija seeks to capture Nigeria’s diverse landscapes, people, and cultural heritage through visual storytelling.

Speaking at a media briefing recently Sterling Bank’s Managing Director, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasized the role of photography in promoting “Destination Nigeria” and rebranding the country’s image on the global stage. According to him, the Uncover Naija competition will make Nigeria come alive and give people new lenses to view the beauty of the country.

“It’s not just a story of pictures,” he said. “First we will compel Nigerians who live in Nigeria, experience Nigeria to start to see Nigeria and capture what they see in different art forms such as photography, drawings, poetry, whatever form or medium, so that we can create these for the benefit of those who do not live in our environment.”

He further added that the enormous task of promoting Destination Nigeria as a global tourism brand requires all hands to be on deck, stating that Uncover Naija was his bank’s contribution towards that direction.

“Our goal is to present Nigeria in high definition through the lens of our talented photographers,” he said. “We want to show the world that Nigeria is not just a place, but a destination full of culture, natural beauty, and vibrant stories.”

With over 526 creatives from across Nigeria participating, the competition has narrowed down to 117 finalists whose work will be open for public voting from November 20, 2024. Categories include Cultural Heritage, City Life, People and Portraits, Breathtaking Landscapes, and Wildlife and Nature—each aiming to spotlight Nigeria’s unique tourism assets.

The competition is not only a platform for showcasing Nigeria’s beauty but also an avenue to empower local creatives. With cash prizes awarded to 32 exceptional winners, the Uncover Naija will also reward the 1st Place winner with the sum of N2.5 million, and the 2nd Place winner getting N1.5 million while N150,000 each will be given to a total of 30 runners-up in the competition. Also, a digital gallery will be set up for winners to enable them to monetise their works.

According to Abiola Adelana, Head of Tourism at Sterling Bank, the initiative aligns with the broader mission of promoting cultural preservation and positioning Nigeria as a global tourism destination. “Uncover Naija is more than a photography competition, it is a platform that empowers Nigerian creatives, supports cultural preservation, and promotes Nigeria’s image on the global stage,” she said.

The initiative has drawn support from various stakeholders in the tourism and creative industries, including the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Made by Nigeria (MBN), a bank initiative focused on supporting local talent. At the briefing, Tola Akerele, Director General of the National Theatre, reiterated the importance of using creativity to promote Nigeria’s cultural wealth.

“Uncover Naija speaks directly to this mission by inviting Nigerians to showcase their cultural roots, talents, and perspectives,” Akerele said, representing the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. “Through the competition, we aim to inspire young Nigerians to explore their heritage, share their artistic interpretations, and gain recognition for their contributions to Nigeria’s cultural tapestry.”

She described the competition as a powerful opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s place on the global tourism stage.

“This competition gives global audiences an authentic look into our culture, which we hope will inspire a growing interest in visiting and experiencing our country first-hand. It will position Nigeria as a cultural and tourism destination, making it a valuable part of our national economic development strategy.”

Uncover Naija aims to provide global audiences with an authentic view of Nigeria’s culture, landscapes, and traditions, making it a key part of Sterling Bank’s efforts to promote tourism as a driver of national economic development.

The competition, which is set to announce its winners on November 30, 2024, promises to provide long-term benefits by creating new avenues for tourism promotion through photography while empowering Nigerian creatives to tell the country’s story visually.