The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, recently delivered a keynote speech at Podfest Naija 2026, where he highlighted the significant role of creators in shaping the city's culture and economy. According to Tosin Adefeko, the organizer of the event, the Deputy Governor showed a deep understanding of the purpose behind Podfest, which is to recognize the extraordinary talent emerging from Lagos and its impact on the city's identity.
During his speech, Dr. Hamzat connected storytelling to Lagos, culture, technology, business, and economic opportunity, emphasizing that Lagos is increasingly telling its own story, and the people telling that story matter. He specifically mentioned the importance of creators moving from visibility to sustainable businesses, protecting their intellectual property, and building structures around their work. This message is particularly relevant to the younger generation, who need to understand the difference between being popular and building an asset.
The Deputy Governor's speech was well-received, with over 3,000 attendees and 50+ accomplished storytellers in attendance. The event, now in its latest edition, brought together creators, brands, policymakers, and ordinary citizens to occupy the same conversation. According to Adefeko, Podfest has created a home for thousands of people who love stories, providing a platform for them to engage with each other and with industry leaders.
One of the most memorable moments from the Deputy Governor's speech was his comment about the traffic situation in Lagos, where he noted that the city's long commutes have created a captive audience for digital content. While this comment was widely reported, Adefeko emphasized that it was just one part of a larger message that highlighted the importance of creators in Lagos' economy.
Adefeko noted that the reaction to the Deputy Governor's speech was a useful reminder of the power and danger of a great soundbite. He emphasized the importance of message development and speech writing, particularly when public figures are speaking in a politically sensitive environment. Every phrase can be isolated, interpreted, and amplified far beyond the intention of the larger message.
The Deputy Governor's central argument was that creators have a critical role to play in shaping Lagos' culture and economy. He encouraged them to build businesses, not just brands, and to turn their audiences into revenue streams. This message is particularly relevant in today's digital age, where creators have unprecedented opportunities to monetize their work and build sustainable businesses.
Podfest Naija 2026 was a huge success, with thousands of people in attendance and many more engaging with the event online. The Deputy Governor's speech was a highlight of the event, and his message to creators is likely to resonate for a long time. As Adefeko noted, the bigger story behind Podfest is the recognition of the extraordinary talent emerging from Lagos and the role that talent is playing in shaping the city's culture, business, and identity.
Key points
- Creators in Lagos need to move from visibility to sustainable businesses to maximize their economic impact.
