Imo Photographers Conclude Maiden Summit in Owerri, Explore Digital Skills and Wealth Creation

By Amaechi Chidinma

The maiden edition of the 2026 Imo State Photographers Summit has been successfully concluded in Owerri, bringing together photography professionals, industry leaders, resource persons and other stakeholders to discuss digital skills, technological innovation and opportunities for wealth creation.

The event, held at Gloran Hotel in Owerri, Imo State, featured the theme “Digital Skills for Wealth Creation: Leveraging on Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

The summit provided a platform for photographers and videographers to examine emerging technologies, discuss industry challenges and explore strategies for professional growth in an increasingly digital environment.

Industry Leaders and Professionals Gather in Owerri

The summit attracted notable personalities from the photography and videography industry, including Comrd. Onyeahialam Chibueze T., Chief Executive Officer of Lovers Multimedia and President of the Imo State Professional Photographers and Videographers Association of Nigeria (ISPPAN).

Other participants identified in the event report included Comr. Mike Ogbon, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Photographers; Comr. Chukwuemeka Zion of One Way Photography, President of the Anambra State Professional Photographers Association; and Comr. Kingsley Ashley, President of the Delta State professional photographers' association.

Comrade Ikenna Onuoha of Imo State University, Owerri, served as Guest Speaker.

The gathering also featured other resource persons who examined the summit's theme and discussed how photography professionals can adapt to changes in the creative industry.

Exploring Digital Skills and Emerging Technology

Speaking with journalists after the event, Comrd. Onyeahialam expressed satisfaction with the successful organization of the summit.

He explained that the gathering was intended to help chart a sustainable direction for ISPPAN and strengthen the professional development of its members.

Addressing concerns about the growing influence of artificial intelligence on photography, the President encouraged members not to lose confidence in their profession.

He emphasized that technological changes also present opportunities for photographers and videographers willing to acquire new skills, improve their capabilities and adapt to emerging industry demands.

According to him, the summit's theme was particularly relevant to the challenges and opportunities currently facing visual media professionals.

ISPPAN President Highlights Association's Development

During his remarks, Comrd. Onyeahialam reflected on the association's history and progress under his leadership.

He stated that ISPPAN had existed since 1999, with the objective of promoting unity and cooperation among photographers and videographers involved in professional event coverage and other visual media services.

Reflecting on his four years in office at the time of the summit, the President described the organizational challenges encountered when his administration began.

According to him, the association had lacked some of the structures needed for effective administration.

He credited his leadership team with efforts to strengthen the association's institutional foundation, including developing a constitution and registering ISPPAN with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He also highlighted the production of the ISPPAN Magazine, whose first edition was published in 2022.

Other achievements he identified included organizing World Photography Day celebrations between 2022 and 2025, professional training programmes, free medical outreach activities and initiatives intended to strengthen relationships among members.

The President further indicated that the association was preparing for another leadership election.

Call for Government Support and Professional Empowerment

Comrd. Onyeahialam also drew attention to challenges affecting professional photographers and videographers in Imo State.

He appealed to governments at different levels to provide greater support for the creative industry through grants, access to professional equipment and other empowerment initiatives.

He emphasized that photography and videography play important roles in documenting public activities, preserving institutional records and communicating government programmes.

“No Government can function without Camera,” he stated.

The President maintained that greater recognition and investment in the profession would help photographers and videographers improve their services and contribute more effectively to economic and social development.

Industry Panel Discusses the Future of Photography

A major highlight of the summit was an interactive panel discussion featuring professionals from different areas of the photography and media industry.

The session was hosted by Chinasa Nwoko, Government House Correspondent of Orient TV/FM.

Panel participants identified in the report included representatives of Tunde Photography, Nemmy and Macdon Digital Studio, alongside other resource persons.

The discussion provided an opportunity to examine the summit's central theme, exchange professional experiences and consider the future of photography in a technology-driven environment.

Industry Collaboration and Professional Growth

The maiden summit was powered by Indigo Photo Lab in collaboration with Photo Speed Lab.

The event concluded with appreciation for the participating professionals, organizers, resource persons and stakeholders who contributed to its successful organization.

For ISPPAN and the wider photography community in Imo State, the summit represented another opportunity to promote professional unity, knowledge sharing, technological adaptation and sustainable industry development.

About ISPPAN

The Imo State Professional Photographers and Videographers Association of Nigeria (ISPPAN) is a professional association committed to promoting unity, excellence, professional development and collaboration among photographers and videographers in Imo State.