Plans are underway for the 2025 edition of the Visuals Conference and Awards, a creative empowerment initiative spearheaded by Ms. Idara Adiakpan, Special Assistant and Chief Photographer to the Akwa Ibom State Governor. The event, now in its second edition, is designed to nurture emerging photographers and visual storytellers across the state.
Scheduled to hold on Thursday, 9th and Friday, 10th October 2025, in Uyo, the two-day conference will focus on mentorship, skill development, and professional networking for budding talents. It will also feature an awards segment to celebrate outstanding creativity and impact within the photography and visual arts community.
According to Ms. Adiakpan, the Visuals Conference was born out of her personal experience as a young entrepreneur in search of growth and mentorship within Nigeria’s creative space.
“As a young photographer, I travelled across Nigeria and beyond in search of knowledge, meeting mentors and industry experts. But I understand that not everyone can afford that privilege, so I decided to bring these opportunities closer to them,” she explained.
She emphasized that the conference is intended as an interactive platform where photographers can learn, collaborate, and build sustainable careers.
“My intention is to empower young photographers and create an environment where their creativity is recognised, promoted, and projected,” she said.
Ms. Adiakpan noted that the 2025 edition will expand beyond the traditional conference format, introducing an awards segment to honour exceptional photographers and visual artists who have made significant contributions to the industry. She described the initiative as her way of giving back to the creative community, adding that participation will be free for all interested photographers.
In her words:
“Our creative industry is vast, and this initiative seeks to keep our creators informed, inspired, and connected to global trends in photography and visual storytelling.”
The conference has already garnered institutional support and commendations from key media stakeholders. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, lauded Ms. Adiakpan’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, describing the project as a practical example of giving back to society. He also noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, which prioritizes youth development and entrepreneurship.
Similarly, the Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), Comrade Utitofon Morgan Ukpong, applauded the Visuals Conference as a platform that will “inspire and motivate young creatives to grow and explore their talents.”
The 2025 edition will host distinguished speakers and industry leaders, including Hon. Aisha Amadu Augie, Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC); Kelechi Amadi-Obi, renowned creative photographer; Emmanuel Oyeleke, virtual artist; and Eduwem Ukpong, Creative Director of PhotoFreak.
Through initiatives like the Visuals Conference and Awards, Akwa Ibom’s creative community continues to strengthen its position as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant hubs for emerging visual storytellers and photographers.