In a captivating interview on One to One, renowned photographer, cultural anthropologist, and author Dayo Adedayo offered a rare glimpse into his decades-long journey of documenting Nigeria, its people, places, and traditions. More than a visual artist, Adedayo is a storyteller whose camera has become a tool for preserving memory, heritage, and the very essence of Nigerian identity.
From the outset, Adedayo’s journey was marked by intentionality and rigor. He began formal studies in photography at Westminster College in Bath, UK, in 2003, where he learned to understand photography not merely as art, but as a language of record and history. “If I hadn’t gone to school, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he reflected. His return to Nigeria revealed a surprising gap. Most professional photography assignments in the country were either outsourced to South Africans or handled inadequately, leaving much of the nation’s culture visually undocumented.
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“This realization changed everything for me,” Adedayo said. “I knew I had to capture Nigeria in a systematic way, not just as a photographer, but as a chronicler of history.” His first project began with a photograph of the National Assembly in Abuja, marking the start of what would become a monumental effort to document the entire nation. Over the years, he has photographed all 774 local government areas, capturing ordinary lives, local architecture, landscapes, and the rhythms of everyday Nigeria.
Adedayo emphasized the significance of photography as cultural infrastructure. “Most countries document themselves early, not because their lives are extraordinary, but because they understand that memory, and indeed culture, is foundational. Much of Africa hasn’t done this systematically, and I wanted to ensure Nigeria did.” His work has become a historical archive, preserving images of places and practices that are rapidly disappearing due to urbanization, modernization, and demographic shifts.
Among his iconic contributions is the project Lagos in Motion, a visual exploration of Nigeria’s largest city, often described as chaotic. From the air, Lagos transforms into a breathtaking urban tapestry, with waterways that crisscross the city like Venice, neighborhoods vibrant with life, and vegetation interspersed with architecture in ways that reveal both resilience and beauty. “What others see as chaos, I see as harmony,” he explained, describing the overlapping informal systems that have historically governed Lagos long before formal regulations existed.
Dayo’s photography has received national recognition. His images now appear on Nigerian passports and Naira notes, a symbolic testament to the country’s cultural richness. “To have my work recognized at such a high level, to see it welcomed by the nation and shown to foreign dignitaries, was the highest point of my career,” he said. Yet, for Adedayo, the true reward is far deeper. He aims to inspire future generations to connect with their heritage and see the country’s history through the lens of knowledge, pride, and beauty.
Beyond capturing images, Adedayo is a mentor and role model for young Nigerian creatives. He believes in nurturing talent while emphasizing values that often go unrecognized today, including education, integrity, character, and vision. “Photography is more than money,” he said. “Love, dedication, and patriotism are free and cannot be influenced by wealth. That is the message I want to pass on.”
Adedayo’s work is a profound reminder of the power of visual storytelling. From remote villages to bustling cities, from historical monuments to everyday lives, his photographs document Nigeria in ways that are as educational as they are artistic. They serve as a permanent record for future generations, who will not only see Nigeria as it was, but also understand the enduring spirit and resilience of its people.
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Reflecting on his life’s work, Dayo Adedayo expressed a simple yet profound sentiment. “I eat, sleep, and breathe Nigeria. My mission is to show the world the beauty, diversity, and strength of this nation, and to ensure that future generations can look back and understand the rich history we inherited and the legacy we leave behind.”
Through his lens, Nigeria is more than a country; it is a living, breathing story captured with patience, precision, and profound love. Dayo Adedayo is not just photographing Nigeria. He is preserving it for eternity.
