Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the growth and economic strength of Lagos are deeply rooted in its unique identity as shaped by its stories, narratives, and cultural expressions.
The governor made this assertion during a fireside conversation at the 2026 Storyteller’s Conference organised by Nosa Asemota, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Visual Communications and Photography.
The event, themed “Stories That Move Us,” was held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (formerly the National Arts Theatre), and attracted a large audience, particularly from the youth demographic.
Speaking on “Culture, Heritage and the Creator’s Responsibility,” Sanwo-Olu emphasised that storytelling plays a powerful role in shaping how societies are perceived, noting that narratives can either build or damage the image of a place.
He described Lagos as a city of contrasts, with stories that reflect both its challenges and its strengths.
“One part of the story of Lagos is its unending chaos, including heavy traffic. Another part is the inexhaustible creativity, energy and resilience of its people. It is from these extremes that Lagos defines its identity,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the state’s defining characteristics—its resilience, energy, and never-give-up spirit – have created an identity that distinguishes Lagos from other global megacities and continues to drive its growth.
“Lagos has created an image and identity of a city that doesn’t stop. After every achievement comes another effort to surpass that level. This is the basis of its growth and economic power,” he added.
The governor further stressed that storytellers have a responsibility to project narratives that shape society positively, as stories influence not only how a place is judged but also how its people are perceived.
The conference was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Board Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe; Lagos State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Arts, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Idris Aregbe.
Also present was the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, who attended with some of his chiefs.
In his remarks, the monarch said African societies have long suffered distorted portrayals by external narratives, urging Africans to reclaim and tell their own stories based on their histories and realities.
“Stories do not entertain nations, they shape them. Those who steward stories do not just preserve culture, they set the direction of history,” the Olu of Warri said.
He called on storytellers, writers, and creatives to produce narratives that future generations would inherit with pride, noting that societies admired globally are not necessarily perfect but are intentional about projecting positive and authentic stories.
