Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has attributed the rapid growth and economic dynamism of Nigeria’s largest metropolis to the city’s “unique identity stories,” saying how Lagos is narrated and perceived has helped shape its remarkable trajectory. The governor made the observation while speaking at the 2026 Storyteller’s Conference in Lagos, an event that brought together creatives, cultural practitioners and young innovators to discuss the power of narratives in shaping societal perception and development.
Sanwo-Olu told attendees at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu that stories — and the meanings people attach to them — play a pivotal role in projecting an image that can either attract opportunity or reinforce misconception. He explained that Lagos has long benefited from a narrative rooted in resilience, resourcefulness and unrelenting energy — qualities that distinguish it from other cities and have contributed to its rise as a commercial, cultural and economic hub.
“Lagos has created an identity of a city that doesn’t stop,” the governor said, underscoring that the state’s people have played a central role in forging its reputation. “The energy in the city is unimaginable and the never-give-up spirit of the people is the unique selling point in the story of Lagos that is different from other big cities.”
Sanwo-Olu’s remarks highlighted the importance of narrative in shaping public perceptions and boosting investor confidence. According to him, how a city is portrayed can influence everything from cultural pride to economic engagement, making storytelling a strategic tool for promoting growth. He emphasised that while Lagos is not without its challenges, the consistent portrayal of its strengths has helped attract business, talent, investment and innovation.
The Storyteller’s Conference — themed “Stories That Move Us” — was organised by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Visual Communications and Photography, bringing together thought leaders, creative professionals and policy makers. The forum focused on how cultural narratives can be harnessed to advance civic engagement, preserve heritage, and drive social and economic progress.
Sanwo-Olu’s address touched on the historical significance of Lagos as a melting pot of diverse cultures, ethnicities and ideas, noting that the city’s complex identity is rooted in the contributions of people from across Nigeria and beyond. This collective narrative of diversity, he argued, has strengthened the city’s brand as a centre of opportunity and innovation.
He also underscored the role of youth and creative practitioners in shaping Lagos’s future story. Sanwo-Olu encouraged young storytellers, digital content creators, writers and artists to leverage their craft to reflect authentic experiences that inspire confidence and unity. “Powerful narratives have the ability to influence policy, shape culture and fuel economic ambition,” he said.
Experts and cultural commentators say Sanwo-Olu’s focus on narrative aligns with broader efforts to deepen Lagos’s global standing as a creative and economic powerhouse. By celebrating the city’s unique identity and encouraging positive storytelling, Lagos aims to enhance its domestic brand while expanding its appeal to global partners, investors and diaspora communities.
As Lagos continues to expand its infrastructure, deepen technology investment and attract foreign direct investment, how its story is told — by residents, creatives, business leaders and government — will remain central to shaping its image and growth path.
