A new national thought-leadership platform, Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens, has been launched to reset Nigeria’s reputation agenda and inspire a new sense of pride among citizens.
Powered by HighStakes Public Relations Professionals, Pivot Nigeria is designed to catalyse dialogue, amplify authentic narratives, and co-create a stronger, more balanced national story.
The inaugural Pivot Nigeria Conference, held recently in Lagos, convened thought leaders, innovators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and youth advocates to emphasize the urgent need for Nigerians to own and shape the nation’s story. The event featured keynote sessions, panel discussions, and co-creation labs aimed at transforming conversations into tangible action.
Setting the tone for the conference, Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka, Convener of Pivot Nigeria, said: “We are not here to complain or lament; we are here to reframe the lens on how we see ourselves as Nigerians. Changing how others see us starts with how we present and represent ourselves. Our mission is to challenge prevailing narratives, spotlight authentic stories, and co-create a narrative that reflects Nigeria’s true story.”
The conference explored key themes such as culture as capital, who tells our story and why it matters, reconciling criticism with commitment, and the role of the media in redefining Nigeria’s image.
Veteran actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) described Nigeria as a paradox of promise and challenge: “Nigeria is a beautiful country. It can frustrate you, yet it can bless you beyond imagination. We need to rediscover who we are as a people—because only then can others truly see us.”
Echoing this sentiment, Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of AfiaTV, stressed the importance of ownership in storytelling: “Who tells your story and how it’s told is how you are seen. Too often, our stories are told by outsiders. To reshape perception, we must invest in cultural diplomacy, inclusive narratives, and media responsibility.”
Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director of Commercial and Communications at News Central TV, called for bold and balanced storytelling:
“Nigeria’s story must no longer be filtered through fear or foreign bias. We at News Central chose to change the narrative—not by ignoring challenges but by contextualizing them, highlighting progress alongside problems, and amplifying voices often left unheard.”
During the co-creation labs, participants proposed actionable solutions including:
- Reclaiming Nigeria’s story through citizen action.
- Promoting balanced, indigenous storytelling.
- Embedding civic education and national values in school curricula.
- Leveraging creative industries—film, music, fashion, and technology—as soft-power engines.
- Strengthening governance accountability.
- Expanding Pivot Nigeria’s reach through campus ambassadors and community chapters.
Contributors such as Nneka Isaac-Moses, Meche Isaac-Moses, Nina Anyianuka, Temitope Aina, and Nneamaka Nwadei emphasized narrative power as a tool for diplomacy, trade, and national cohesion.
Ultimately, the Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens initiative calls on citizens, creatives, media practitioners, public institutions, and the diaspora to use their platforms—especially social media—to responsibly project an authentic, hopeful, and forward-looking Nigeria.