Uyo Set to Host National Photography Conference, Awards to Empower Young Creatives

Photographers from across Nigeria are set to converge on Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for a two-day visual conference and photography award event organized by the Special Assistant and Chief Photographer to Governor Umo Eno, Miss Idara Adiakpan.

Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo on Tuesday ahead of the event, Adiakpan said the conference aims to reposition Nigeria’s creative photography industry amid the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence-generated images. She noted that the event would also serve as a platform for young photographers to learn directly from experienced professionals in the field.

According to her, the initiative stems from her desire to give back to society by sharing knowledge and providing skill-building opportunities for emerging photographers in Akwa Ibom State.

“The conference will bring together top professionals to empower and inspire our people here in Akwa Ibom. As a young photographer, I travelled far and wide in search of knowledge and mentorship. Not everyone has that privilege, so I decided to bring the experts here to make it easier for others to learn from their wealth of experience,” Adiakpan explained.

She recalled that the first edition of the conference was held in 2024, noting that this year’s edition will take place from October 9 to 10, 2025, at the Vinpy Event Centre, Uyo.

Adiakpan added that the programme serves as both a training and networking opportunity for photographers and other players in the creative industry, emphasizing that it is her personal contribution to nurturing talent and promoting professional growth in the sector.

“This is my way of giving back to the photography and creative industries at large,” she said. “I believe there is so much I can do for my industry, and the visual conference is one way to make that impact.”