A lawyer, photographer and visual storyteller, Endurance Nosakhare Obasohan, has said photography and visual storytelling can play a significant role in healing Nigeria’s social divisions, promoting national unity and creating economic opportunities for young people.
Obasohan, who is the Founder and Creative Director of Shutter For Change Initiative, said his passion for using art as an instrument for social change was inspired by his upbringing in Benin City, Edo State.
He said he grew up surrounded by artists and creators, adding that his older brother, an accomplished artist, painter and sculptor, introduced him to the transformative power of art from an early age.
According to him, the experience shaped his understanding of creativity as more than a means of expression, but also as a tool capable of changing lives.
Speaking on the motivation behind Shutter For Change, Obasohan said the initiative was established in response to the divisions he observed within Nigerian society despite the country’s cultural diversity.
“I founded the initiative to use photography and visual storytelling to celebrate our shared humanity, promote national identity, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to the healing of Nigeria’s collective trauma,” he said.
‘Trust Is Foundation Of Thriving Economy’
Obasohan said Nigeria’s economic development could not be separated from the level of trust and cooperation among its citizens.
He argued that collective trauma could lead to distrust, division and fragmentation, making it difficult for people to collaborate, innovate and build sustainable businesses.
“I believe economic growth begins with people. A nation experiencing collective trauma often struggles with distrust, division, and fragmentation, making it difficult for people to collaborate, innovate, and build lasting businesses,” he said.
“Healing helps restore trust, and trust is the foundation of every thriving economy.”
He explained that Shutter For Change would use visual storytelling to strengthen Nigerians’ sense of shared identity and encourage citizens to see one another as partners rather than strangers.
“When people trust each other, they are more willing to work together, invest together, and create opportunities together,” he added.
The lawyer also said the initiative would encourage young Nigerians to embrace creativity, confidence and innovation, with the aim of preparing them to compete within the global creative economy.
Initiative To Train, Mentor Young Nigerians
Obasohan said Nigeria’s creative industry had enormous potential, noting that the country’s greatest resource was the creativity of its people.
He said Shutter For Change would seek to help young Nigerians discover opportunities within their communities and imagination through workshops, mentorship programmes and practical learning opportunities.
He said the programmes would equip participants with creative, storytelling and visual communication skills.
“Our initiative plans to contribute by creating workshops, mentorship programmes, and learning opportunities that equip young people with creative, storytelling, and visual communication skills,” he said.
Obasohan added that the initiative would encourage young people to see creativity as a means of solving problems, creating businesses, generating employment and driving social change.
Photography Can Create Jobs — Founder
The Shutter For Change founder noted that photography and visual storytelling were already providing livelihoods for thousands of young Nigerians.
He said photographers, filmmakers, content creators and visual artists had built successful careers from their skills, with some earning significant incomes and creating employment for others.
He said his organisation intended to expand such opportunities through training, mentorship and practical storytelling projects.
According to him, photography had evolved beyond simply taking pictures, as the skill could provide entry points into documentary filmmaking, journalism, advertising, digital marketing, tourism, fashion and media production.
“Photography is no longer just about taking pictures. It opens doors to documentary filmmaking, journalism, advertising, digital marketing, tourism, fashion, media production, and the broader creative industry,” he said.
Obasohan Targets Five-Year Impact
Looking ahead, Obasohan said he was optimistic about the potential impact of Shutter For Change on Nigeria’s social and economic development over the next five years.
He said the initiative would be research-driven and would adopt evidence-based strategies that had worked in other societies while measuring its impact.
On the social front, he said he hoped to see a Nigeria where ethnic and religious differences would no longer be major sources of conflict, violence and mistrust.
“I envision a safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive society where unity, tolerance, and mutual respect become everyday values,” he said.
Economically, Obasohan said he wanted more young Nigerians to benefit from opportunities in photography, filmmaking, visual storytelling and cultural documentation.
He added that increased trust and social cohesion could encourage Nigerians to collaborate, establish businesses, exchange ideas and invest in their communities.
For Obasohan, the camera is therefore not merely a tool for capturing images but an instrument that can document Nigeria’s stories, connect communities, empower young people and contribute to the country’s healing and development.
