The Peter Bello Foundation has announced plans to host a creative industry seminar in Calabar aimed at equipping emerging and established talents with insights into opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving creative sector.
The event, themed “Opportunities for Creatives in Cross River State,” is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Prof. Eyo Ita Building on Ndidem Usang Iso Road.
According to the organisers, the seminar will bring together creatives, aspiring professionals and industry stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, professional growth and sustainable pathways in the creative economy.
Headlining the seminar is renowned travel journalist and documentary filmmaker Obaji Akpet, whose return to Cross River is expected to generate renewed interest within the state’s creative community.
Akpet, the founder of Africa Fixers, a pan-African production logistics support company, began his career in Cross River before relocating in 2017. His appearance at the seminar will mark his first speaking engagement in the state since leaving for broader professional opportunities.
He is widely recognised for his work across international media platforms, including the investigative documentary “Retirement Hell” produced for BBC Africa Eye. In 2023, he also collaborated with German documentary filmmaker Jean-Alexander Ntivyihabwa to co-produce “The Mysterious Treasure of Nigeria” for the European cultural network ARTE.
The foundation stated that the seminar forms part of its commitment to empowering young creatives, fostering innovation and building sustainable career pathways in the arts and creative industries.
Other speakers expected at the event include Otome Onoge, Great Ogban, Maurice Otu, Israel Ophori, Michael Diala and John Etefia, who will share insights on navigating the industry and building sustainable creative careers.
Discussions during the seminar are expected to focus on key areas such as emerging opportunities in the creative sector, personal branding, creative entrepreneurship and strategies for leveraging both local and global platforms.
Organisers said the event will also provide a platform for networking and collaboration among creatives, with the goal of strengthening the creative ecosystem in Cross River State.
The Peter Bello Foundation was established in honour of the late Peter Kayode Bello and continues to champion initiatives centred on education, mentorship and capacity building for young people in the arts.
Attendance at the seminar, the organisers said, will be strictly by invitation.
