The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has praised the success of PodFest Naija 2025, describing it as a groundbreaking moment for Nigeria’s creative and storytelling community.
Held on October 10, 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, PodFest Naija – A Festival of Stories marked Nigeria’s first-ever dedicated podcast and storytelling festival, uniting top creators, media innovators, cultural leaders, and brands for a day of dialogue, discovery, and connection.
Hannatu Musawa
Reflecting on the event, Minister Musawa wrote, “I had an incredible time at PodFest Naija 2025, a gathering that brought together our nation’s brightest minds, boldest storytellers, and cultural innovators under one roof. Special commendation to Tosin Adefeko, the convener, and her amazing team for an excellently organized event. Seamlessly hosting three simultaneous live podcast sessions in such a coordinated manner shows true precision and passion.”
She emphasized the importance of podcasting as a transformative medium, saying, “Podcasting represents one of the most powerful tools for shaping narratives and amplifying African voices. It is redefining how we tell our stories, bridging generations, and connecting Nigeria to the world through authentic, homegrown perspectives.”
Hannatu Musawa
Hannatu Musawa
This year’s PodFest Naija featured three simultaneous podcast stages, engaging masterclasses, and thought-provoking conversations led by notable voices including Obi Asika, Chude Jideonwo, Seun Okinbaloye, Tunde Onakoya, Adaora Mbelu, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, and Rufai Oseni.
Backed by sponsors like Coca-Cola, Sterling Bank, UAC Foods, The Place, and Crown Flour Mills, the festival showcased the evolving synergy between creativity, technology, and commerce.
Minister Musawa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative ecosystem through key initiatives such as the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) and the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) — both designed to empower storytellers, strengthen intellectual property protections, and expand economic opportunities in the fast-growing digital sector.
Hannatu Musawa
Hannatu Musawa
Hannatu Musawa
Hannatu Musawa
“Platforms like PodFest Naija are instrumental in building the next generation of storytellers,” she added. “Through collaboration, innovation, and vision, we can shape a creative economy that reflects Nigeria’s vibrant spirit and global potential.”
As the curtains closed on the 2025 edition, one thing was clear — PodFest Naija has set a new standard for how storytelling, technology, and culture can converge to define the next era of African creativity.
