Lagos State Deputy Governor to Address Podcasters, Creators and Youth at PodFest Naija 2026

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, is set to deliver the keynote address at PodFest Naija 2026, a festival celebrating the power of stories and the growing influence of Nigeria's creative economy.

The festival, themed A Festival of Stories, will take place on September 25, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together podcasters, content creators, storytellers, industry leaders and young talents from across the country.

An engineer with substantial experience in technology and business, Hamzat's address will focus on creativity, technology, culture and the future of the people of Lagos.

His participation highlights the growing recognition of storytelling and content creation as important components of Lagos' creative economy. As Nigeria's commercial and cultural capital, Lagos has become a major hub for music, film, fashion, comedy and digital content.

Hamzat will join an impressive lineup of storytellers, creators and brands at the festival, including box office queen 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.

PodFest Naija was created as a convergence point for Nigeria's storytelling ecosystem, providing a platform to celebrate creativity, foster collaboration, showcase innovation and create opportunities for learning among storytellers.

Following the success of its debut edition, this year's festival will feature a wider lineup of storytellers, live podcasts, masterclasses, talent discovery sessions and an experiential arena. The 2026 edition will also see government joining the growing list of brands and organisations supporting the festival.

“Lagos creates culture that Nigeria and Africa export to the world: music, film, fashion, comedy, Art and increasingly storytelling itself are economic assets; so having the Deputy Governor speak directly to our storytellers is a turning point for this festival,” said Tosin Adefeko, Curator of PodFest Naija and Chief Executive Officer of AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency.

“This is government affirming that this is an environment where creators can build sustainable businesses. This changes what this festival means for every young person walking into Harbour Point on September 25.”

PodFest Naija 2026 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.

The festival's 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 some of Nigeria's leading voices in storytelling, media and the creative economy.