Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has offered a unique perspective on the city’s notorious traffic congestion, describing it as an ingrained lifestyle that fuels the creative industry. He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at PodFest Naija on Friday, September 27, 2026, at Harbour Point in Victoria Island. The event brought together storytellers, podcasters, and creatives to discuss the intersection of culture, technology, and storytelling. Hamzat reflected on how Lagos's chaos and traffic have shaped the city’s identity and inspired creative works.
Hamzat, who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Lagos in the 2027 general election, posited that traffic has become an unlikely patron of the booming podcast and digital content industry. Millions of Lagosians consume content during their daily commutes. He stated, “Anyone who has crossed Third Mainland Bridge at 6 p.m. knows that Lagos traffic is not a problem; it’s just a lifestyle.” Hamzat continued, “In fact, I suspect that many of us in this room, we produce things that are consumed, episode by episode, between Ojota and Obalende.”
The Deputy Governor noted that the narrative of Lagos was previously dominated by external perspectives, often focusing on its chaos and congestion. However, the city’s robust creative community is now reclaiming and retelling its own story. “Lagos is now telling its own story and the people telling it in a very serious way are in this room,” he said. Hamzat praised podcasters, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, developers, and entrepreneurs who have transformed the “Lagos microphone into a global broadcast.”
Hamzat urged creatives to build sustainable and viable business models, warning that a large audience size alone does not guarantee commercial success. “A podcast with a million listeners and no business model is just a hobby with a good microphone,” he cautioned. He revealed that the state government is actively supporting the creative and innovation ecosystem by funding ideas, with Lagos currently supporting over 90 research and development projects.
The Deputy Governor underscored the critical role of security in fostering innovation, asserting that “creativity flourishes best when people feel safe.” He claimed that Lagos is currently the safest state in Nigeria, though he acknowledged that this achievement came at a “ridiculous cost.” Hamzat's remarks highlight the government's efforts to create an environment conducive to creative growth.
Hamzat concluded his address by urging Nigerians and Africans to reconnect deeply with their cultural roots, arguing that cultural identity is intrinsically linked to the continent’s future prosperity. His address emphasized the importance of embracing Lagos's unique lifestyle, including its traffic, as a catalyst for creative expression and economic growth.
The event, PodFest Naija, provided a platform for creatives to engage with key stakeholders and explore opportunities for growth. Hamzat's keynote address set the tone for discussions on the intersection of culture, technology, and storytelling, highlighting the potential for innovation and collaboration in the creative industry.
Key points
- - Obafemi Hamzat says Lagos traffic is a lifestyle that fuels the creative industry. - The Deputy Governor urges creatives to build sustainable business models. - Hamzat claims Lagos is the safest state in Nigeria, with over 90 research and development projects supported by the government.
