The inaugural Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens conference, powered by HighStakes Public Relations Professionals, has launched a national dialogue aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s reputation and promoting a more balanced, authentic national narrative.
The thought-leadership platform brought together leading voices from across media, culture, business, and youth sectors to inspire collective ownership of Nigeria’s story. Through keynote speeches, plenary discussions, and hands-on co-creation labs, participants explored how Nigerians can drive perception change from within.
Setting the tone for the event, Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka, Convener of Pivot Nigeria, said the goal was to replace complaints with constructive reframing.
“We are not here to lament,” she declared. “We are here to reframe the lens through which we see ourselves as Nigerians. Changing how others see us begins with how we present and represent ourselves.”
Themed around culture as capital, who tells our story and why it matters, and the role of media in narrative change, the conference reinforced the need for citizens to lead a new storytelling movement anchored on pride, accuracy, and optimism.
Renowned actor and cultural icon Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) reflected on Nigeria’s paradoxes, calling for self-discovery and renewed national vision.
“Nigeria is a beautiful country — one that can frustrate you, yet bless you immensely,” he said. “We need to go back to the drawing board to rediscover who we are. Only then can our people truly see.”
Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of AfiaTV, stressed the importance of media sovereignty in defining Nigeria’s global image.
“Who tells your story and how it’s told is how you’re seen,” he noted. “We need consistent cultural diplomacy and deliberate media policies that rebuild trust and reshape perception.”
Echoing this, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director of Commercial and Communications at News Central TV, called for Nigerians to reclaim their story.
“For too long, our image has been filtered through fear and foreign bias,” she said. “We must tell our story — boldly, responsibly, and completely. At News Central, we chose to change the narrative by contextualizing challenges and amplifying overlooked voices.”
In breakout sessions, participants outlined actionable steps, including:
Promoting balanced, indigenous storytelling;
Embedding civic education and national values in schools;
Leveraging creative industries as engines of soft power;
Strengthening accountability in governance; and
Expanding Pivot Nigeria through campus and community chapters to sustain advocacy.
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Contributors such as Nneka Isaac-Moses, Meche Isaac-Moses, Nina Anyianuka, Temitope Aina, and Nneamaka Nwadei emphasized storytelling as a tool for diplomacy, trade, and social cohesion, urging collaboration across media, government, and the private sector.
Ultimately, Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens stands as a citizen-driven movement to challenge stereotypes, elevate authentic voices, and redefine how Nigeria is perceived — at home and abroad.