Obaji Akpet, the acclaimed travel journalist and documentary filmmaker, is returning to Cross River State after nearly a decade for his first public speaking engagement in the region. Akpet, who left the state in 2017 to pursue international projects, will headline the creative industry seminar "Opportunities for Creatives in Cross River State" on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The event, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Prof. Eyo Ita Building (EDC) on Ndidem Usang Iso Road in Calabar, is organised by the Peter Bello Foundation. A native of the state, Akpet began his career in Cross River's creative ecosystem before establishing Africa Fixers, a pan-African production logistics support company. His documentaries, including "Retirement Hell" for BBC Africa Eye and the 2023 ARTE production "The Mysterious Treasure of Nigeria," co-created with a German filmmaker, have earned international recognition. The seminar aims to empower young creatives by exploring pathways in creative entrepreneurship, personal branding, and access to global platforms. Other speakers include Otome Onoge, Great Ogban, Maurice Otu, Israel Ophori, Michael Diala, and John Etefia, who will share industry insights and career strategies. The foundation described the event as part of its mission to support youth in the arts, honouring the legacy of the late Capt. Peter Kayode Bello. Attendance is by invitation only, with an emphasis on fostering networking and collaboration among local creatives and industry stakeholders.
Akpet's return after nine years is not just a homecoming but a signal of shifting dynamics in Nigeria's creative geography. His ascent from Cross River's local scene to international documentary platforms challenges the assumption that creative success requires permanent relocation to Lagos or abroad. The fact that he is headlining an event rooted in grassroots creative development suggests a growing confidence in regional ecosystems to incubate global talent.
This seminar reflects a broader trend across Africa: the decentralisation of creative influence from traditional hubs to secondary cities with untapped potential. Calabar, often overlooked in national cultural discourse, is positioning itself as a viable node in this expanding network. The involvement of Africa Fixers — a company operating across the continent — adds credibility to the idea that regional talent can engage global markets without cultural or logistical intermediaries.
For Nigerian and African creatives in smaller cities, Akpet's participation offers a tangible example of how local roots can coexist with international relevance. It underscores the value of homegrown support systems, such as the Peter Bello Foundation, in sustaining long-term creative careers. This model could inspire similar initiatives in other states seeking to retain talent.
The key development to watch is whether this event catalyses sustained investment in Cross River's creative infrastructure, beyond one-off seminars.
