A strong call for Nigeria to reclaim its narrative through creative storytelling took centre stage recently at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), as global and local animation experts, academics and industry stakeholders converged for a landmark stop-motion animation symposium and workshop.
The event, held at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, was organised by the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Skills, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development in collaboration with Radioxity Stop Motion Academy, drawing attention to the urgent need for Africans to tell their own stories or risk having them told by others.
Delivering one of the keynote addresses, the Chief Executive Officer, Radioxity Media, Esther Kemi Gbadamosi, lamented the absence of a coordinated cultural movement from Nigeria, noting that despite the richness of African stories, they are often produced and interpreted by foreign creators.
"We have seen African stories on global platforms, but shockingly, they are not told by Africans," the speaker said, referencing experiences at international film gatherings.
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"If we do not come out to tell our stories, others will tell them for us and not necessarily the way they should be told."
Gbadamosi cited historical distortions, including narratives around early European exploration of Africa, as examples of how storytelling shapes perception and legacy.
According to her, stop-motion animation presents a unique opportunity for Nigerians, especially young creatives, to project authentic cultural expressions to global audiences.
In his welcome address, the Director, TETFund Centre for Excellence in Skills, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development, Arc. Sherifdeen Ayodele-Oja, described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to bridge the gap between academia and industry while promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
He noted that the Centre, established in 2021 as one of six polytechnic Centres of Excellence in Nigeria, is committed to equipping students with industry-relevant skills and fostering applied research capable of addressing national development challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the College, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, in an address delivered by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Ismail Badmus, emphasised the importance of creativity and consistency in achieving excellence.
"Stop-motion animation teaches us that great things are built one small step at a time. It mirrors our academic journey progress may seem slow, but consistency produces remarkable results," he said.
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The symposium also featured contributions from international animation experts joining virtually, reinforcing the global dimension of the initiative.
