In an era where national identity is increasingly shaped by digital narratives and global perceptions, a bold initiative — Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens — has emerged as a clarion call for Nigerians to reclaim ownership of their country’s story. The platform, powered by HighStakes Public Relations Professionals, seeks to reposition Nigeria’s image by promoting authentic storytelling, civic pride, and responsible representation across all sectors of society.
Held in Lagos, the inaugural Pivot Nigeria Conference 2025 gathered a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, media executives, cultural icons, and youth leaders for a day of reflection, dialogue, and action. Themed “Reframing the Lens,” the event aimed to reset the nation’s reputation agenda through intentional storytelling and collaborative action.
“We Must Reframe How We See Ourselves First” — Uwadoka-Anyianuka
Setting the tone for the event, Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka, Convener of Pivot Nigeria, delivered a powerful address urging Nigerians to rise above despair and take ownership of their national image.
“We are not here to complain or to lament,” she declared. “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 the prevailing narratives, to spotlight authentic stories, and to co-create a narrative that reflects Nigeria’s true story.”
Her message resonated deeply, sparking discussions about self-perception, accountability, and the urgent need to dismantle stereotypes that have long defined Nigeria in the eyes of the world.
RMD: “Nigeria Is a Paradox of Beauty and Frustration”
Veteran actor, lawyer, and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) brought emotional depth to the conversation, reflecting on Nigeria’s dual character — a land of both challenge and opportunity.
“Nigeria is a beautiful country. It is a great country. On the one hand, it can frustrate you to the point where you feel like leaving. But on the other, it can give you so much that you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to unlock the opportunities that lie within it,” he said.
RMD urged Nigerians to look inward and rediscover their collective identity:
“It is only when we know who we are that we can tell our story truthfully and powerfully.”
Media Leaders Challenge Outsider Narratives
The conference also featured influential media professionals who called for a strategic reclamation of Nigeria’s narrative space.
Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of AfiaTV, underscored the influence of storytelling in shaping perception:
“Who tells your story — and how it is told — determines how you are seen. For too long, outsiders have defined our image. It’s time for us to take control through inclusive narratives, deliberate cultural diplomacy, and policies that rebuild trust.”
He pointed to emerging Nigerian platforms such as AfiaTV and News Central TV, which have demonstrated a commitment to balanced, responsible journalism aimed at correcting misconceptions about Nigeria.
Echoing his sentiments, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director of Commercial and Communications at News Central TV, emphasized the importance of truth-telling through a local lens.
“The story of Nigeria, in all its complexity, courage, and brilliance, must no longer be told by others through filters of fear or bias,” she said. “At News Central, we chose to change the narrative — not by denying challenges but by contextualizing them and showcasing progress alongside problems.”
Her remarks highlighted the transformative power of local media in projecting a fairer, more nuanced representation of Nigeria to the world.
Co-Creation Labs Turn Words into Action
Beyond dialogue, the conference emphasized practical solutions. Participants in the Co-Creation Labs brainstormed actionable strategies for reshaping national consciousness, including:
- Reclaiming Nigeria’s story through citizen-led campaigns and responsible social media use.
- Embedding civic education and patriotism into school curricula.
- Promoting indigenous storytelling through film, literature, fashion, and music.
- Using creative industries as soft-power tools for diplomacy and global branding.
- Ensuring accountability in governance and leadership communication.
- Expanding the Pivot Nigeria initiative through campus ambassadors and community chapters nationwide.
These proposals, according to the organizers, will form the foundation for a long-term advocacy framework to reposition Nigeria’s reputation locally and internationally.
Narrative Power as National Power
Industry voices including Nneka Isaac-Moses, Meche Isaac-Moses, Nina Anyianuka, Temitope Aina, and Nneamaka Nwadei reinforced the idea that storytelling is not just cultural — it’s strategic. They argued that nations with strong, coherent narratives wield greater influence in diplomacy, trade, and global partnerships.
They called for collaboration between the media, creative industries, and government agencies to use narrative power as a tool for unity and progress.
Reframing the Future
As the conference drew to a close, Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka reminded participants that reframing Nigeria’s narrative is not a one-off campaign but a long-term national project.
“Nigeria’s story is not finished. It is ours to tell — boldly, truthfully, and beautifully,” she said. “Each of us holds a piece of the lens that shapes how the world sees us.”
The Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens initiative is now calling on citizens, creatives, government agencies, and the diaspora community to join hands in building a more balanced and authentic global image of Nigeria — one post, one story, and one voice at a time.
About Pivot Nigeria
Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens is a national thought-leadership platform designed to reset Nigeria’s reputation agenda. Powered by HighStakes Public Relations Professionals, it drives dialogue, inspires pride, and amplifies authentic narratives to co-create a stronger, more balanced image of Nigeria.
About HighStakes PR Professionals
HighStakes Public Relations Professionals is a leading communications and reputation management firm committed to shaping narratives, managing reputations, and connecting people and organizations to sustainable success through strategic storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
Press Contact:
Ndidiamaka | +234 803 353 8833 | pivot@highstakesprp.com
Website: https://highstakesprp.com
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Pivot Nigeria 2025: Reframing the Lens inspires a powerful national awakening to reshape Nigeria’s image globally. Powered by HighStakes PR Professionals, the initiative unites media leaders, creatives, and citizens to reclaim the country’s authentic story and rebuild its reputation through purposeful storytelling.
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