A new media initiative is setting out to reframe Nigeria’s global image by documenting the unscripted realities of innovation, culture, and resilience across all 36 states.
Dubbed “The 36: Nigeria Unscripted,” the series is the flagship project of This Is Nigeria, a Lagos-based storytelling platform founded by Ikenna Ani to reimagine the decades of external narratives on the country.
“Our mission is to change how the world sees us by sharing the positive, impactful stories of our land and its people.” Ikenna said.
Production began recently in Lagos with a two-week shoot capturing everything from informal tech hubs in Yaba to street food ecosystems in Agege and grassroots fintech adoption in Ajegunle.
Unlike conventional travel content, the series avoids curated aesthetics in favor of what its creators call “boots-on-the-ground realism”, showcasing entrepreneurs building AI tools for local farmers, artisans reviving near-extinct textile techniques, and community health workers deploying drone-delivered medicines.
The project also includes a Global Desk component spotlighting diaspora Nigerians driving scientific research, policy reform, and cultural movements abroad.
Most Nigerian travel content usually falls into two categories: it’s either a refined ad that ignores reality, or it focuses only on struggle while ignoring achievements.
However, This Is Nigeria says it rejects both as its campaign gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the real passion and effort that fuel the country’s success.
The platform says the goal is to strengthen its broader mission of redefining how Nigeria is represented globally by centering stories of positive impact and untold accomplishments.
For more information or to share your story, visit www.thisis-nigeria.com.
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