By Isaac Asabor

Copyright independent

The inaugural edition of Pivot Nigeria, a national thought-leadership platform created to reshape the country’s reputation agenda, was held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at La Scala, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The conference, themed “Reframing the Lens,” brought together leaders from business, government, culture, academia, and civil society to spark conversations on challenging old narratives, celebrating authentic stories, and co-creating solutions that reflect Nigeria’s true spirit.

Among the notable speakers were veteran actor and cultural icon Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Emeka Mba, Founder and CEO of Afia TV, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, media executive, Nneka Isaac-Moses and her husband, Isaac Moses of Goje Africa fame, and Victoria Uwadoka, public relations and sustainability leader, who also convened the programme through HighStakes PR Professionals.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists, Uwadoka explained that Pivot Nigeria is a bold thought-leadership initiative designed to reframe the country’s reputation agenda. According to her, it is about bringing together voices from different sectors to challenge prevailing narratives, spotlight authentic stories, and co-create solutions that reflect the realities of the nation through a renewed lens.

On why the initiative is critical at this time, she noted that Nigeria stands at a juncture where global perceptions often overshadow its strengths and potential. She said the way the world perceives Nigeria influences investment, tourism, diplomacy, and even citizens’ sense of national pride. Pivot Nigeria, she stressed, is important because it begins with belief, belief in the collective ability of Nigerians to repair what is broken and a responsibility to showcase what is working.

Explaining the choice of the theme, “Reframing the Lens,” Uwadoka said it emphasises the need to shift perspectives and embrace a fresh narrative about Nigeria, one that is authentic, solution-driven, and anchored in truth.

She highlighted the lineup of speakers at the inaugural event, noting that Richard Mofe-Damijo, Emeka Mba, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, and herself all brought unique insights but shared a common vision of resetting the way Nigeria is perceived both at home and abroad.

On how Nigerians beyond the conference can engage with the vision, the convener said Pivot Nigeria is not just an event but a movement that requires collective ownership. She stressed that individuals can contribute by presenting themselves and their country positively, professionals by demonstrating integrity and excellence, and organizations by doing business responsibly and collaborating across sectors to drive solutions.

Looking ahead, Uwadoka expressed hope that Pivot Nigeria would spark a shift in how the nation is perceived locally and globally. Beyond the conference, she added, the platform aims to inspire collaborative projects, influence policies, and empower citizens to see themselves as agents of change.

The organisers emphasized that participation in Pivot Nigeria is open to all Nigerians, professionals, students, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, through registration on www.highstakesprp.com

.According to Uwadoka, the initiative is not a one-off conference but a sustained national movement that seeks to transform perception by telling Nigeria’s authentic story. “This is about belief and action,” she declared. “We cannot wait for others to tell our story, we must tell it ourselves.”