Storytelling and Mentorship Are Critical to Nation Building, Says Femi Odugbemi
Renowned filmmaker and media entrepreneur, Mr. Femi Odugbemi, has emphasized the pivotal role of storytelling, values, and mentorship in shaping the future of Nigeria, describing the creative industry as a powerful tool for nation-building.
Odugbemi, Founder and Executive Producer of Zuri24 Media, spoke at the colloquium organized to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of former National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) President, Mr. Idorenyen "Idy" Enang, in Lagos.
Addressing participants on the theme of mentorship and national development, Odugbemi argued that the stories a society consumes ultimately shape its identity, values, and aspirations.
"What people consume is what they become," he said. "How we manage people who claim to be storytellers becomes vital for nation-building."
The award-winning filmmaker introduced the concept of what he called "imagination engineering," describing it as a deliberate process through which societies shape collective values and national consciousness.
"That is how most nations are built," he noted. "It is about shaping values and shaping what a country believes in."
According to him, the lack of intentional investment and value-driven development within the creative sector has contributed to a culture where standards and direction are increasingly blurred.
"The absence of intentional seeding in the creative sector has created an environment where everything appears to be a free-for-all," he said.
Odugbemi further identified a broader societal challenge, pointing to failures within homes and educational institutions that have left many young people without clear moral and ethical guidance.
"From the home to the school system, there have been gaps and failures, leaving young people to determine for themselves what their values should be," he observed.
Drawing from his experience as a storyteller, he noted that every story is ultimately built around choices, and those choices are influenced by deeply held values.
"You cannot tell a story without creating characters, and those characters are confronted with choices. Those choices are made based on values," he said.
He argued that beyond skills and technical knowledge, the true essence of mentorship lies in the transmission of values from one generation to another.
"At the heart of mentorship, regardless of the industry, is the transfer of values," he stated. "We don't merely teach people how to make films; we teach them why we make films."
Odugbemi stressed that stories carry powerful lessons capable of shaping behaviour, attitudes, and societal norms, making mentors responsible for the values they pass on to younger generations.
Reflecting on the theme of the colloquium, Passing the Torch, he challenged aspiring mentors to first examine themselves before attempting to guide others.
"When we talk about passing the torch, we must also look at ourselves in the mirror and ask: what is the quality of the torch we are carrying?" he asked.
He concluded by calling for deeper engagement with young people on the meaning of success, urging leaders and mentors to redefine success beyond wealth and status and anchor it on character, purpose, and positive societal impact.
His remarks resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the event's central message that mentorship is not merely about transferring knowledge, but about passing on the values necessary to build responsible leaders and a stronger nation.
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