PodFest Naija Unites 3,000+ for Storytelling, Creativity, and Culture
PodFest Naija returned for its second edition on Friday, September 25, bringing together more than 3,000 attendees, 50+ storytellers, creators, podcasters, brands, policymakers, industry leaders, and everyday Nigerians.
Organized by The Muvmnt Studio, in partnership with Eventful Nigeria, the festival focused on conversations, collaboration, creativity, and learning.
A Festival of Stories, A Celebration of Experiences
Across six themed stages — Life, Love, Culture, Money, Health, and Brands — PodFest Naija created a space for Nigerians to explore the experiences shaping their lives. The festival also introduced the Citizen Stage, bringing everyday Nigerian voices into dialogue with influential storytellers.
A highlight was the keynote address by Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State. He emphasized the economic impact of Nigeria’s creative sector and the role of technology in exporting Nigerian culture.
“Lagos is now telling its own story. The podcasters, the filmmakers, the musicians, the writers, the designers, the developers and the entrepreneurs in this room have turned a Lagos microphone into a global broadcast. When a young man in Surulere records a conversation in his bedroom and it is streamed in Houston, in London or in Nairobi by the weekend, that is not just content. That is export. That is soft power. That is the Lagos economy speaking to the world in its own voice”, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat
The festival’s core philosophy, as stated by Tosin Adefeko, its convener and CEO of AT3 Resources, was to move beyond content and platforms, focusing on the people and experiences behind them.
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Spotlighting Voices, Building Futures
PodFest Naija featured The Uncovered Series, a candid conversation between Adefeko and award-winning filmmaker Funke Akindele, exploring the journey behind her success.
The festival also launched The Next Big Podcaster, an initiative to discover and nurture emerging podcasting talent in Nigeria. This aligns with The Muvmnt Studio’s commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians in the creative industry.
The PodFest Hall of Fame celebrated established voices who have shaped Nigeria’s cultural environment. The festival brought together a diverse group of storytellers, including Joro Olomofin, Toolz Oniru-Demuren, and Francesca Uriri, supporting intergenerational and cross-industry dialogue.
Beyond conversations, PodFest Naija offered practical learning sessions, live podcast recordings, and networking opportunities, connecting creators with brands and industry leaders. Supported by leading brands like Meta, MTN, and Coca-Cola, the festival highlighted the growing role of storytelling in consumer engagement.
Connecting Storytelling and Opportunity
The festival featured monetisation masterclasses and creator conversations, providing emerging talent with platforms to showcase their skills. This focus on opportunity aligned with the festival’s goal of supporting a pipeline for new storytellers and helping young Nigerians turn their creativity into sustainable careers.
Brand Support and Cultural Impact
Leading brands and organisations supported the 2026 edition, recognising the intersection of storytelling, culture, and consumer engagement. Sponsors included The Place, Yolly, Meta, MTN, DNIL, Afrinvest, Page International Finance Company, Lebara, Sahara Foundation, UAC, Coca-Cola, Crown Flour Mills, Beloxxi, Fan Milk, and Eve Essentials. Dashboard Innovations and Clover joined as strategic partners.
