World Photography Day 2025: Official Address by ISPPAN President Comrd. Onyeahialam Chibueze T.

An address presented by Comrd. Onyeahialam Chibueze T. of Lovers Multimedia, Chairman of the Imo State Professional Photographers and Videographers Association of Nigeria (ISPPAN), on the occasion of World Photography Day, August 19, 2025.

Theme: “My Favorite Photo”

Protocols

Distinguished Guests,

Members of ISPPAN,

Fellow Photographers and Videographers,

Today, August 19, 2025, we gather to celebrate World Photography Day under the theme “My Favorite Photo.”

This theme invites us to reflect on the images that resonate with us most deeply — the photographs that evoke emotions, preserve memories and tell stories close to our hearts.

As Chairman of the Imo State Professional Photographers and Videographers Association of Nigeria (ISPPAN), I am honoured to lead this celebration in our great state.

Our Commitment to Professional Excellence

Under my leadership, ISPPAN has continued to pursue important objectives, including:

• Promoting excellence in photography and videography.
• Providing a platform for members to showcase their talents.
• Advocating for the professional growth of photographers and videographers in Imo State and beyond.
• Fostering a community of creative professionals who inspire, support and learn from one another.

Despite the challenges we have encountered, ISPPAN has recorded significant progress.

Our achievements include the association's incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the introduction of professional identity cards for members, the launch of our annual ISPPAN Magazine and the continuous organization of World Photography Day celebrations since 2022.

These initiatives reflect our determination to build a stronger, more organized and professionally recognised association.

Supporting Our Members and Communities

Beyond professional development, ISPPAN has remained committed to the welfare of its members and the wider community.

Through our annual sponsored raffle draws, we have provided assistance and encouragement to members.

We have also extended support to less privileged individuals through charitable programmes undertaken as part of our corporate social responsibility.

Our association has stood in solidarity with members experiencing illness and has offered support and condolences to families mourning the loss of loved ones.

Another important achievement has been securing space for an ISPPAN secretariat to improve correspondence and administrative coordination.

These efforts demonstrate that ISPPAN is not merely a professional association, but a community built on unity, compassion and shared responsibility.

Strengthening Institutional Partnerships

Today, we are not only celebrating World Photography Day; we are also reflecting on the progress and achievements of ISPPAN.

Within a relatively short period, our association has worked to strengthen its professional identity and expand its relationships with important institutions.

We have pursued partnerships and working relationships with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

We have also extended our institutional engagement to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

I am particularly pleased that the NDLEA Commander is here with us today as a Special Guest of Honour.

These relationships demonstrate the importance of professional photography and videography in public communication, documentation, security awareness and national development.

Photography as a Tool for Storytelling and Development

There is a popular saying that good wine needs no bush.

The value of ISPPAN and the integrity of our members can be demonstrated through the camera lens.

Photography is a powerful medium for storytelling, communication, historical preservation, media business and photojournalism.

Our work contributes to the documentation of events, the preservation of memories and the presentation of important stories within Imo State and across Nigeria.

As professional photographers and videographers, we must continue to uphold the standards that give our work credibility and lasting value.

Celebrating “My Favorite Photo”

As we celebrate this year's theme, “My Favorite Photo,” I encourage every member to reflect on the photographs that have made a meaningful impact on their lives.

Let us share our personal stories, our favourite images and the memories that make them special.

Let us inspire one another through our creativity, passion and dedication to the art and craft of photography.

Every photograph has a story, and every photographer has a responsibility to tell that story with professionalism, purpose and integrity.

Appreciation and Acknowledgements

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Imo State, led by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, for the support and enabling environment provided for business activities in the state.

I also acknowledge CN Ohida Adamu Ibrahim, identified in this address as Commander of the NDLEA Imo State Command, for his efforts in combating substance abuse and promoting a safer environment.

My appreciation extends to the Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Barr. Jerry Egemba.

I am equally grateful to our members, partners, supporters and organizations whose contributions have strengthened ISPPAN's activities.

Special appreciation goes to:

• Osicon Homes and Development Company.
• Ridex Logistics and Delivery Company, Imo State.
• Ndigo Photo Lab, Lagos.
• Photo Speed Lab, Lagos.
• Magnetic Photo Lab.
• ED Williams Photo Lab, Owerri, Imo State.
• Bendllass Photo Lab.
• KSS Lab.
• Blessed Chizoba.
• Chibesco.

To all our members and supporters, thank you for your unwavering commitment to professional excellence and the advancement of photography and videography.

Your contributions continue to make our collective achievements possible.

Closing Remarks

As we celebrate World Photography Day 2025, let us renew our commitment to unity, professional growth, creativity and service.

Let us continue building an association that supports its members, promotes industry excellence and contributes meaningfully to the development of our society.

Together, we can achieve even greater milestones.

Happy World Photography Day!

Comrd. Onyeahialam Chibueze T.<br /> Chairman, ISPPAN<br /> Lovers Multimedia<br /> August 19, 2025