EROMOSELE OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), recently held its rescheduled 2025 End-of-Year Symposium on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Council Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja. Originally planned for December 16, 2025, the event was postponed as a mark of respect following the passing of Mr. Akinola Ariyo, one of PJAN’s founding members, on December 3, 2025. The association also mourned the earlier loss of Prince Isaac Igbaroola, husband of PJAN Chairman Princess Alaba Igbaroola, in January 2026. These somber events underscored the close-knit nature of the photojournalism community, where personal losses deeply affect collective gatherings.
The symposium, themed “Restoring Our Pride: The Role of Photojournalists in National Discourse”, brought together photojournalists, media professionals, and stakeholders to discuss the power of visual storytelling in shaping public opinion and preserving Nigeria’s history. Chairman Princess Alaba Igbaroola and Secretary Mayor Kazeem Bakenne led the proceedings, with the 2025 End-of-Year Committee Chair Bode Agbede highlighting the event’s focus on the impact of images on collective consciousness. Attendees reflected on challenges like preserving visual archives amid digital shifts and the need for greater recognition of photojournalists’ contributions to national narratives.
Veteran journalist and former Director of Tell Magazine, Dare Babarinsa, served as the guest speaker and delivered a compelling address. He passionately advocated for the establishment of a National Photo Bank to archive and preserve the works of photojournalists, lamenting that many historical images from past events have been lost or poorly maintained due to the absence of such a centralized repository. Babarinsa urged PJAN to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information and other relevant agencies, to make this initiative a reality and ensure Nigeria’s visual history is safeguarded for future generations.
The call resonated strongly with participants, who shared experiences of how powerful photographs have documented pivotal moments in Nigeria’s democracy, conflicts, and cultural life. Discussions emphasized restoring pride in the profession by addressing issues like professional development, ethical standards, and the role of images in countering misinformation in national discourse.
Awards were presented during the ceremony to recognize outstanding contributions within PJAN, celebrating members’ dedication despite challenges. The event fostered networking and renewed commitment among attendees to elevate photojournalism’s status in Nigeria’s media landscape.
Overall, the symposium served as both a tribute to departed colleagues like Akinola Ariyo and a forward-looking platform. It reinforced the vital role of photojournalists in telling Nigeria’s stories through the lens, leaving participants inspired to advocate for better preservation and recognition of their craft.
