The first panel session at the New Media Conference 2025 in Lekki turned into one of the most talked-about highlights of the event. Moderated by communications strategist Njideka Akagbogu, the panel featured Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck, Yinka Adebayo, Yemisi “Sisi Yemmie” Odusanya, Olukunle Folarin, and Atinuke Babatunde. Together, they tackled the challenges of digital storytelling, the opportunities for collaboration, and the responsibility that comes with influencing audiences online.

Yemisi Odusanya brought a personal perspective to the conversation as she reflected on her early struggles as a content creator. From battling poor internet connections and power outages to dealing with skepticism from those who dismissed content creation as a career, her story resonated with many in the audience. She reminded creators to keep creating and to rely on communities for support. The session lightened when Dr. Lakin joked that she should have invested in MTN fibre to solve her internet challenges, drawing laughter from the hall.

Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck, who has built his career in communications and advocacy, shifted the conversation toward media diplomacy. He explained how global audiences often form skewed impressions of Nigeria and Africa through limited or negative media coverage. He stressed that creators play a role in correcting those perceptions by telling authentic stories that build trust, both locally and internationally.

For Yinka Adebayo, the central message was collaboration. He urged participants to adopt “agility, adaptability and collaboration” as core values, noting that partnerships give creators more opportunities to scale their impact. He emphasized that “collaboration to compete gives us access to do more,” and called on everyone in the media ecosystem to use their voices with responsibility.

Olukunle Folarin closed with a call for responsibility in the digital age. He advised creators to protect their intellectual property by consulting legal experts and warned that careless content can have serious consequences. “Disrupt responsibly,” he urged, reminding participants that even a single tweet can escalate into larger conflict.

By the end of the session, the panelists had painted a picture of a creator economy driven by innovation but grounded in accountability. Their collective insights reflected the very mission of the New Media Conference: to build a digital culture that informs, entertains, and strengthens Nigeria’s global presence.