Ravenewsonline reports that PodFest Naija, a storytelling and podcasting festival, on Friday held its second edition in Lagos, attracting more than 3,000 attendees and over 50 storytellers, creators, podcasters, brands, policymakers, industry leaders and members of the public.
The festival was curated by The Muvmnt Studio, the storytelling platform of AT3 – The Muvmnt Agency, in partnership with Eventful Nigeria.
The 2026 edition featured conversations, creative sessions, collaborations and learning opportunities centred on the experiences of Nigerians.
It featured six themed stages — Life, Love, Culture, Money, Health and Brands — where participants discussed issues relating to lifestyles, relationships, culture, work, business, health, creativity and the future.
The festival also introduced the Citizen Stage, which provided a platform for everyday Nigerians to share their experiences and concerns and interact with storytellers and other influential voices.
A major highlight of the event was the participation of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who delivered a keynote address on the economic significance of Nigeria’s creative sector and the role of technology in the creation, distribution and global promotion of Nigerian culture.
Hamzat said the creative industry was increasingly contributing to Lagos’ economy by enabling Nigerian creators to reach audiences beyond the country.
“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,” he said.
Tosin Adefeko, Convener of PodFest Naija and Chief Executive Officer of AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, said the festival was created to broaden conversations around content and the people behind the various platforms.
“We needed a convergence. A place where creators, storytellers, brands, policymakers, industry leaders and, most importantly, everyday people could come together and talk about the one thing we all have in common: our lived experiences,” Adefeko said.
She said the festival recognised the human experiences behind podcasts, creative works and public personalities.
“Behind every podcast is a person. Behind every microphone is a life. Behind every creator is a journey. And behind every seemingly successful person is a story you probably haven’t heard,” she said.
One of the major attractions was the Uncovered Series, during which Adefeko held a conversation with award-winning filmmaker, actress and producer, Funke Akindele.
The session examined Akindele’s career and personal journey, including issues of purpose, sacrifice, resilience, creativity and reinvention.
The organisers said the conversation reflected the festival’s focus on exploring aspects of public figures’ experiences that are often not visible to audiences.
The festival also unveiled The Next Big Podcaster, an initiative of The Muvmnt Studio aimed at discovering and developing emerging podcasting talent in Nigeria.
The initiative, sponsored by Afrinvest and Yolly, featured emerging storytellers and culminated in Clement Akintade being announced as the winner.
According to the organisers, the initiative forms part of The Muvmnt Studio’s efforts to create opportunities for emerging storytellers to develop their skills and build sustainable careers.
PodFest Naija 2026 also featured the PodFest Hall of Fame, which recognised individuals whose work and contributions have influenced Nigeria’s creative and cultural landscape.
Among the storytellers and cultural voices featured at the festival were Joro Olomofin, Toolz Oniru-Demuren, Ify Mogekwu, Dr Morenike Molehin, Francesca Uriri, Anthony Wolve, Grace Ofure, Tosin Olaseinde, Rufai Oseni, Fisayo Soyombo, Babajide Ogunsanwo, Joseph Edgar, Khadijah Okunnu, Dr Foy and Masoyinbo.
The discussions covered different generations, industries and genres, with emphasis on identity, memory, ambition, culture, challenges and shared experiences.
The festival also featured live podcast recordings, monetisation masterclasses, creator conversations, practical learning sessions and opportunities for emerging talent.
The organisers said the activities were designed to connect storytelling with opportunities within Nigeria’s growing creative economy.
The festival also provided opportunities for creators to interact with brands and industry leaders, while emerging talent gained exposure to potential opportunities.
The 2026 edition was supported by 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 participated as strategic partners.
The organisers said the involvement of the organisations reflected growing interest in platforms that connect storytelling, culture, creativity and audience engagement.
Adefeko said PodFest Naija was designed to provide a platform for Nigerians from different backgrounds to share their experiences and contribute to conversations about society and the creative economy.
She said the festival would continue to provide opportunities for creativity, collaboration, innovation and learning.
“Everybody has a story. Tell your own,” Adefeko said.
The organisers said PodFest Naija would continue to provide a platform for stories and experiences that could contribute to how Nigerians and the country are represented locally and internationally.
