By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state’s economic growth and global relevance are deeply rooted in the stories that shape its identity, describing Lagos as a city defined by resilience, creativity, and an unyielding drive for progress.
The governor made the remarks during a fireside conversation at the 2026 Storyteller’s Conference, organised by the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Visual Communications and Photography, Nosa Asemota. The event, themed “Stories That Move Us,” was held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Iganmu, and drew a large audience, particularly from the youth demographic.
Sanwo-Olu spoke on “Culture, Heritage and the Creator’s Responsibility,” stressing that storytelling plays a critical role in shaping how societies are perceived and judged. He noted that narratives can either strengthen or damage the image of a society, making storytellers key contributors to growth and development.
According to the governor, Lagos’ identity has been forged through a blend of contrasting experiences, from its well-known traffic congestion to its vibrant creativity and boundless energy. He said it is this mix of challenges and strengths that has produced a unique and resilient identity for the state.
“One part of the story of Lagos is its unending chaos and traffic, while another is its inexhaustible creativity and energy. It is from these extremes that Lagos defines its identity,” Sanwo-Olu said. He added that the state’s relentless drive to improve after every achievement has positioned it as a city that never stops evolving, forming the basis of its economic strength and growth trajectory.
The governor also emphasised that storytellers bear a responsibility to project narratives that positively shape societal values and public perception, noting that such stories influence how communities and their people are assessed globally.
Also speaking at the event, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, said African societies have long suffered distorted portrayals driven by external narratives. He urged Africans to reclaim their stories by grounding them in authentic histories in order to correct long-standing misconceptions.
The monarch noted that countries with strong global images are not necessarily flawless but are often those that tell compelling stories about their cultural and social lives. He encouraged writers and creatives to produce narratives that would form a positive historical legacy for future generations.
“Stories do not just entertain nations; they shape them. Those who steward stories do not only preserve culture, they set the direction of history,” Atuwatse III said.
The conference was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Idris Olorunnimbe; Lagos State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Arts, Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Idris Aregbe.
