As part of efforts aimed at encouraging the country’s youths to become ambassadors of authentic and balanced narratives, organisers of Pivot Nigeria recently held the campus edition at the University of Lagos.

Themed, ‘Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the lens,’ convener of the event, Victoria Uwadoka, observed when people hear the word Nigeria, different images come to mind like, Afrobeats, Nollywood, innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience.

To her, “others think of corruption, insecurity, fraud or economic hardship. But there is a question we rarely ask ourselves. Who gets to define Nigeria? Do we allow headlines alone to tell our story? Do we leave it entirely to foreign media, social media algorithms, or stereotypes?”

She added, “today is about recognising that the stories we choose to amplify shape confidence, opportunity and possibility. If all we ever see are our problems, we begin to believe that is all we are.”

In his speech, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Sunday Oloruntola commended the organisers.

He said, ‘I’m particularly delighted that this conversation is taking place among students. Universities are spaces where ideas are shaped, perspectives are challenged, and future leaders are prepared. The conversations you have today should not end in this hall. Let them influence how you think, how you communicate, and how you represent yourselves, your communities, and ultimately, your country.’

To the don, ‘as students of today and leaders of tomorrow, never underestimate the power of your everyday actions. Excellence in your studies, integrity in your conduct, innovation in your ideas, and respect for others all contribute to the reputation of Nigeria. Nation-building is not only about grand policies; it is also about the values we demonstrate every day.’

There was a panel discussion featuring co-founders of Goge Africa Worldwide Ambassadors Isaac Moses and Nneka Isaac-Moses.

Saying there is relationship between culture, identity and national reputation, they also identified the nation’s culture as powerful instrument of national reputation.

They argued that cultural diplomacy begins when citizens confidently embrace and promote their heritage.

Pivot Nigeria Campus Collective, a student-led network established to promote positive national engagement through storytelling projects, dialogue sessions, digital campaigns and community-based initiatives was launched. Members of the Campus Collective are expected to participate in a 30-Day Challenge, committing to deliberate actions that encourage responsible storytelling, ethical leadership, and balanced representation of Nigeria.