'Reframing the Lens': Pivot Nigeria Conference Demands Nigerians Take Ownership of National Story

 The narrative surrounding Nigeria must shift from external clichés of "conflict, corruption, disease, and despair" to an authentic, balanced portrayal driven by its own citizens. This was the central call to action at the inaugural

Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens" conference, a national thought-leadership platform launched by HighStakes PR Professionals on October 7, 2025. 

The conference, which brought together cultural icons, media leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth, emphasized that resetting Nigeria’s global reputation begins with Nigerians changing how they view themselves. 

Victoria Uwadoka-Anyianuka Convener of Pivot Nigeria, set the urgent tone for the day: “We are not here to complain or to lament; we are here to reframe the lens on how we see ourselves as Nigerians. Changing how others see us starts with how we present and represent ourselves. Our mission is to challenge the prevailing narratives, to spotlight authentic stories, and to co-create a narrative that reflects Nigeria’s true story.” 

The full-day event utilized keynotes, panels, and co-creation labs to focus on critical areas, including the power of culture, the media's duty, and reconciling internal criticism with national commitment.  

Renowned Nigerian actor and cultural icon Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) spoke candidly about Nigeria’s paradox, highlighting the country’s duality of frustration and "bountiful opportunities." He insisted that the country needs to return to the drawing board to articulate its true identity, stressing, "It is when you have articulated who you are that your people can see."

Mr. Emeka Mba Founder and CEO of AfiaTV, underscored the importance of ownership: “Who tells your story and how it is told is often how you are seen. Too often, our stories are told by outsiders.” He called for consistent cultural diplomacy and deliberate policies to rebuild trust. 

Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan Director, Commercial and Communications, News Central TV, asserted that the Nigerian story "must no longer be told by others, through filters of fear or foreign bias. t must be told by us: boldly, responsibly, and completely. She noted that News Central has already taken a stand to change the narrative by contextualizing challenges and highlighting progress. 

The conference concluded with co-creation labs that converted ideas into practical solutions for collective action. Participants resolved to:

1. Reclaim Nigeria’s story through citizen action. 

2. Promote balanced, indigenous storytelling.

3.Embed civic education and national values in school curricula. 

4. Leverage creative industries (film, music, fashion, tech) as soft-power engines. 

5. Push for stronger accountability in governance. 

The "Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens" initiative serves as a national call for all citizens, the media, government, and the diaspora to interrogate and responsibly reframe their representation of Nigeria on all platforms, including social media, to reflect a balanced, authentic national narrative. 

About Pivot Nigeria: A national thought-leadership platform powered by HighStakes Public Relations Professionals, committed to resetting Nigeria’s reputation agenda. 

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