The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have reiterated their dedication to leveraging creative storytelling and photography as tools to bridge societal divides, preserve cultural heritage, and promote peace globally. This commitment was highlighted during the opening ceremony of the 9th Abuja International Photo Festival.
During the event on Wednesday, Jean-Paul Abiaga, the head of UNESCO in Nigeria, underscored the organization”s ongoing support for young creators, especially in Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population is under 30. He emphasized the essential role of creative storytelling in countering misinformation and maintaining the integrity of information. “It is always a pleasure for UNESCO to be part of this kind of event,” Abiaga stated. “In the future, we hope you”ll no longer consider UNESCO just a partner, but one of your own.”
Abiaga took time to acknowledge the contributions of photographers and artists who enrich global culture, urging the audience to recognize their efforts. “Photography, which began nearly two centuries ago, has become a powerful medium of storytelling just as impactful as words, music, and dance,” he noted. “In Africa, particularly in Nigeria, photography has shaped our self-perception from colonial times to the present, celebrating our identity, resilience, and history.”
He recognized the ongoing “photo revolution” driven by smartphones and digital cameras, which have turned personal devices into expansive galleries. “These new tools connect us in ways we never imagined, linking us not only to each other but also to our past and future,” he remarked, highlighting photography”s potential to foster global peace. However, he also issued a warning about the risks of misinformation in today”s digital landscape, referencing a UNESCO survey that found a significant percentage of digital content creators do not verify the accuracy of their shared content. “A photo speaks powerfully, but it can also divide us if not used responsibly,” he cautioned, emphasizing the vital role of photographers and photojournalists in promoting peace, unity, and understanding.
UNESCO, according to Abiaga, remains committed to supporting Nigeria”s youth, particularly those pursuing careers in the creative sector, by providing them with the necessary resources to aid in peacebuilding and sustainable development. Cheikh Toure, the UNODC representative, also addressed the audience, praising the impactful works displayed at the festival. He highlighted how art can shine a light on complex social issues that are central to the UNODC”s mission. “We are here today because the work being presented aligns with the core values we hold dear — fostering resilience, peace, and positive societal change,” Toure stated.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between UNODC and the creative sector, asserting, “If our work is to be credible and effective, it must involve your voices, your talents, and your creativity. We need to work together for our efforts to truly resonate and create meaningful change.” The festival”s opening also served as a launchpad for the Creative Alliance for Peace, an initiative aimed at uniting creatives to investigate how art and culture can significantly contribute to conflict resolution and peacebuilding. “We are proud to support these creative initiatives, even though they may seem distant from our core work,” Toure added. “Your contributions are invaluable to our mission, and together, we can create lasting change that benefits Nigeria and the world.”
Ayomide Adeagbo, Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, also spoke at the event, revealing that the Federal Government is in the process of developing new copyright policies designed to protect creatives and enhance the industry. “The government is working on intellectual property policies for creatives in Nigeria, and it”s very vital,” Adeagbo explained. “Photography is part of the creative sector, and we want our creatives and photographers to own their work and have full control over it. Very soon, these policies will be rolled out nationwide.”
The festival organizer, Efe Osaze, shared that the annual event aims to celebrate photography and its ability to connect people worldwide. “This year”s theme, A World Connected, focuses on the power of photography to bridge cultural, ideological, and geographical divides,” he said. He emphasized photography”s role as a universal language that unites diverse populations. “In a world increasingly divided by distance and differences, photography stands as one of the few ways to bring us all together,” Osaze concluded.
