With the support of MTN, GIDA is proudly announcing the launch of a Nigeria-wide photography competition to discover, support, and commission emerging creative talent. The winner will be given the opportunity to create a compelling new body of work, focused on amplifying one of the inspiring stories from MTN’s social initiatives.
Photographers over 16 years old across Nigeria have the opportunity to participate in the competition from 24th November to 30th December 2023, with free entry. The winner will be announced on 15th January 2024.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Momo Hassan-Odukale and Mira Makadia (Editors-in-Chief of GIDA Journal), along with five other industry experts, will adjudicate the entries. The winner will be publicly announced on January 15, 2024.
Entrants are encouraged to submit 5-8 images that encapsulate the theme of ‘community’, whether it be local communities, chosen communities, families, or more. Alongside the visual submissions, participants are required to provide a short biography and a 200-word artist statement.
MTN’s CSI programs actively address issues around Education, Health and Youth Development globally. The winner of the GIDA x MTN Photography Competition will receive a ₦1.5 Million fee to produce a new body of work documenting the communities and day-to-day life around one of MTN’s social development projects. This unique opportunity brings together MTN and GIDA’s respective commitments to social responsibility in Nigeria and to support emerging creatives develop their practice.
The winner will engage in three collaborative creative development sessions with GIDA’s Editors-in- Chiefs, Mira Makadia and Momo Hassan-Odukale. This will ensure a fresh and empowering approach to the brief, ultimately empowering the communities documented. The final work will be prominently featured across MTN’s digital channels, reaching an extensive audience of over 7 million people.
For media inquiries and additional information, please contact: Momo Hassan-Odukale
morinsola@momolagos.com.
About GIDA
GIDA is a print publication, digital space, and thriving community dedicated to championing African creative practitioners. We commission and develop nuanced and diverse narratives from the continent, with the goal of raising awareness about critical issues, supporting positive local impact, and nurturing visual artists.
About MTN
MTN, Africa’s foremost mobile network operator, stands at the forefront of leveraging digital solutions to drive Africa’s progress, with a special focus on advancing gender equality and youth development through the Corporate Social Investment programs. They have pioneered digital literacy initiatives for young people in Cameroon, Benin and beyond.
