Nigerian photographer and visual storyteller Ajao Ganiu Olaitan, popularly known as Olaitan Ganiu, became the first Nigerian to win an award at the prestigious iDiaspora Photo Contest, securing third place in the professional category. The competition, organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with IBER-RUTAS, celebrates stories of migration, identity, and cultural heritage through the power of photography.
Makoko in Focus: A Story of Resilience and Identity
Olaitan’s award-winning entry featured a thought-provoking photo series captured in Makoko, a densely populated waterside slum in Lagos State, Nigeria. The collection included three evocative images titled:
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We Play Too Much But Never Forget Our Roots
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My Future Is Colourful
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Let the Dog Lead Our Path to the Homeland
These photographs portray the everyday experiences of Makoko’s youth, who despite living in extreme poverty and neglect, continue to hold on to hope, dreams, and a sense of identity. The images highlight the spirit of community, cultural pride, and resilience among children growing up in one of Nigeria’s most underreported communities.
The Message Behind the Lens
Makoko is often described as a floating slum, home to thousands of informal settlers with little access to clean water, electricity, or education. Yet, within this challenging environment, Olaitan found inspiration in the way young people embraced life, laughter, and learning.
The photo series presents a strong narrative of perseverance, exploring themes of belonging, migration, and youthful optimism. It connects the local realities of a marginalized community with broader global discussions about the diasporic experience and cultural continuity.
Judging Criteria and Impact
Olaitan’s photographs were selected for their emotional depth, visual strength, and narrative clarity. The panel of international judges commended his ability to shed light on overlooked communities through storytelling that is both authentic and artistically compelling.
His success reflects the iDiaspora Photo Contest’s mission—to spotlight voices that capture the essence of global migration and the enduring human connection to place and identity.
The Man Behind the Camera
Olaitan Ganiu is a self-taught photographer, journalist, and creative designer with a career spanning over 16 years in the Nigerian media and fashion space. A graduate of Lagos State University, he also works as a reporter with The Nation newspaper and runs his own fashion label.
His passion for photography was sparked during a humanitarian outreach program in Makoko. Moved by the harsh living conditions, he decided to return with his camera, determined to give voice to the children and families often ignored in mainstream coverage.
A Historic Win for Nigeria
This recognition not only marks a personal achievement for Olaitan but also stands as a national milestone—Nigeria’s first honor in the iDiaspora contest. His work puts a spotlight on indigenous narratives and amplifies stories from underserved communities like Makoko, which are rarely seen on global platforms.
By focusing on youth and their cultural identity, Olaitan offers a new perspective on how African communities retain strength, history, and dignity amid adversity.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through this recognition, Olaitan Ganiu has paved the way for emerging Nigerian creatives to use photography as a tool for change. His award-winning work encourages young storytellers to look inward, document the lives around them, and share meaningful stories that bridge local realities with global relevance.
He continues to inspire a new wave of African photojournalists committed to reshaping narratives and capturing the human spirit in its rawest form.
