Fifty outstanding pictures from the NaijaGem photo contest exhibited at the 9th edition of LagosPhoto Festival have shown that Nigeria has a lot to offer the world than its petroleum resources.
Public Affairs Officer United States Consulate in Nigeria, Mr. Russell Brooks, who represented the US Mission, disclosed this at the preview of the NaijaGem photos recently at Africa Artist’s Foundation (AAF).
“We believe that it is important for Americans to understand the beauty that exists here in Nigeria and to understand that Nigeria has a lot more to offer the world than the petroleum resources that everyone talks about so often. There is also a tremendous wealth of human capital here as represented by photographers and the artists that exhibited in other parts of the photo festival. We believe that human capital should also be invested in. It should also be highlighted and be shared with the rest of the world,” he said.
The conception of NaijaGem photo contest was initiated by US Consulate General, Ambassador Stuart Symington, who was inspired after seeing the beauty of Nigeria during his travel to all 36 states of the country.
According to Brooks, the motivation behind the contest is for cultural exchange, which he said, builds better understanding between US and Nigeria as well as offer Nigerians opportunity to highlight the country’s beauty through photography, tell a positive story through pictures and raise national pride.
“We believe that cultural exchange will bring a better understanding between the two countries. Nigeria and the United States share a lot in common in terms of the appreciation of music and the arts and by sharing those commonalities, both countries can build stronger bonds. Also, it is an opportunity for Nigerians to appreciate the beauty that exist throughout the country,’ he said.
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