OPUTA
By Janefrances Chibuzor
Studio 24 Nigeria on Monday hosted the opening ceremony of the official launch of Kodak Moments in Lagos, marking the return of one of the world’s most recognisable imaging brands to the Nigerian market. The unveiling, which took place on 17 November at Studio 24’s headquarters on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, flagged off a two-day event dedicated to showcasing new software, digital printing systems and business opportunities for photographers and creative professionals.
The ceremony brought together industry stakeholders, trainees, filmmakers and entrepreneurs for demonstrations, product walk-throughs and practical sessions aimed at improving output quality and expanding the business side of photography. The event continues on 18 November.
Representing Kodak, Anja Weidel, Business Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said the brand’s return to Nigeria followed a renewed interest in the continent and a deliberate move to reconnect with a market that has always shown strong photographic culture.
“I have worked with Kodak for 25 years. We are reintroducing Kodak Moments officially in Nigeria because this country has a rich photography heritage and a vibrant creative community. Our aim is to show what our new solutions can offer the industry,” she said.
Weidel recalled that Kodak exited several markets years ago after the global shift from analogue to digital cameras disrupted the printing business. The relaunch of instant digital printing, she explained, made it possible for the company to return to Africa gradually.
“We started revisiting African markets step by step. We made an attempt in Nigeria a few years ago, but it did not work out. It was Chris who reached out again about two years ago, and that was when the conversation restarted.”
Kodak’s Business Manager for the Middle East and Africa, Alfred Oteno, said the partnership with Studio 24 was the result of nearly two years of preparatory work.
“We have been working in the background for 18 to 24 months, bringing equipment into the country, completing logistics and conducting training. Studio 24 is our authorised distributor in Nigeria, and today marks our first official outing with them,” he said.
Oteno said awareness remains the biggest challenge for the industry. According to him, many young Nigerians have never seen printed photographs and are unaware that images stored on their mobile devices can be printed instantly.
“Everybody takes photos. Everybody has memories they want to keep or share. But many people do not know that the pictures on their phones can be printed. Raising awareness is a key part of what we are doing here,” he explained.
He noted that Kodak Moments has partnerships in countries such as Algeria, South Africa and Namibia, but Studio 24 is the first official partner in Nigeria under the Kodak Moments brand.
The launch also featured contributions from training partners, including Derwin Film Academy. Grace Edwin Okoye, who represented the academy, said the partnership will help train young filmmakers and photographers using the new Kodak technology.
“The first batch started classes on 3 November, and another batch for younger girls under Pix-Her Africa begins on the 19th. We have been training students since 2018, but this partnership will open the door for more young creatives,” she said.
Okoye added that the training is open to interested candidates above 15 years old, with a screening process to ensure that only committed learners are admitted. She urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity to build sustainable skills.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Studio 24, Mr. Christopher Oputa, encouraged photographers to focus not only on skills but also on understanding the business side of the industry.
“Skills are fine, but you must learn the business angle. I have been able to create more jobs by tapping into every available opportunity. That is the secret of our growth. Studio 24 has explored different business avenues to stay in business for over three decades,” he said.
Oputa announced that, with support from Kodak Moments, Studio 24 will introduce a free loan service for trainees to help them start small businesses. He urged young creatives to view challenges as part of the growth process, adding, “Kodak is here to change the game.”
The opening ceremony also featured partners such as Pix-Her Africa, Sun King and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). The event continues on 18 November with exhibitions, product demonstrations and more engagement sessions for industry players.
