The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 edition of PodFest Naija, a festival celebrating storytelling, podcasting and the growing creative economy in Nigeria.
The festival is scheduled to hold on September 25, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Hamzat, an engineer with experience across technology and business, is expected to speak on creativity, technology, culture and the future of Lagos, with a focus on the role of young creators, podcasters and storytellers in the state’s creative economy.
His participation comes as the creative industry continues to expand beyond entertainment, with content creation and storytelling becoming increasingly important to how brands, businesses and communities engage their audiences.
The Deputy Governor joins a lineup of creators, media personalities and industry leaders expected at the festival, including Funke Akindele, Aproko Doctor, Rufai Oseni, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, Babajide Ogunsanwo, Duke of Shomolu, Audu Maikori, Tosin Olaseinde, Fisayo Soyombo, Grace Ofure, Masoyinbo, Salem King, Dr. Foy, Toolz and William Benson, among others.
According to Tosin Adefeko, Curator of PodFest Naija and Chief Executive Officer of AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, the Deputy Governor’s participation reflects the growing recognition of storytelling as part of Lagos’ cultural and economic identity.
“Lagos creates culture that Nigeria and Africa export to the world: music, film, fashion, comedy, art and increasingly storytelling itself are economic assets,” Adefeko said.
He added that having the Deputy Governor address creators at the festival reinforces the importance of creating an environment where young people can build sustainable businesses around their creativity.
PodFest Naija was established as a platform for Nigeria’s storytelling ecosystem, bringing together podcasters, writers, content creators and other creative professionals to share ideas, learn, collaborate and showcase their work.
Following its debut edition, the 2026 festival will feature live podcasts, masterclasses, talent discovery opportunities and an experiential arena designed to connect creators, audiences and brands.
The event is backed by Eventful, Dashboard, The Place, Yolly, MTN, DNIL, Afrinvest, Page International Finance Company, Lebara and Sahara Foundation. FMCG partners include UAC, Coca-Cola, Crown Flour Pasta, Beloxxi, Fan Milk and Eve Essentials.
Its media and creative partners include Optimum Exposures, Next Phase Vision Limited, Nimbus Media, Bella Naija, OSG Media, The Cable, Nairametrics, MediaRoomHub, Live with Lynda, Newscentral, City FM, Citizen FM 97.1, VOP 90.3FM, Radio Jusmen, Glazia Magazine, GAH Media, Naijapreneur and Nevon.
PodFest Naija 2026 will hold at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, on September 25, bringing together creators, brands and other stakeholders within Nigeria’s growing storytelling and podcasting ecosystem.
