The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has said the state’s heavy traffic has inadvertently become a major driver of content consumption and growth in the creative industry.

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Hamzat stated this on Friday at PODFEST Naija, where he noted that many Lagosians consume podcasts, music and films in traffic, particularly on busy corridors such as Ojota to Obalende and on the Third Mainland Bridge.

The video of his remarks at the event was shared by News Central on Saturday.

He said, “Not long ago, the story of Lagos was often told by other people; it was told in headlines about traffic, crowds and chaos. Some of those stories are not entirely wrong.

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“Anyone who has crossed the Third Mainland Bridge at 6 pm knows that Lagos traffic is not a problem; it’s just a lifestyle.

“I suspect that many of us in this room produce things that are consumed episode by episode between Ojota and Obalende. So, in a way, traffic has been the patron of your industry.

“So, you must celebrate traffic; that’s why we’re Lagos,” Hamzat said.

Speaking further, Hamzat said Lagos was increasingly telling its own stories through its creative community, including podcasters, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, developers and entrepreneurs.

“We are Africans and we tell stories. Lagos is now telling its own story and the people telling it in a very serious way are in this room,” he said.

He said the state’s creative industry could only flourish when people felt safe, stressing the importance of safety and liberty to creativity.

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria