Leading entertainment company, 16: Xisten Events, has deflated the theory that industry practitioners cannot thrive outside of Lagos.
Chief Executive Officer of the company, Smith Oseghale, acknowledged the immense infrastructure and support that the industry receives in Lagos but asserted that not everyone needs to be based in the former capital to contribute their quota to the sector.
He emphasized the need for diversification within the industry to promote excellence and professionalism, aiming to satisfy the entertainment needs of millions of Nigerians living in different regions. According to Oseghale, Nigeria’s large population offers significant opportunities for any business venture, challenging the notion that relocating to Lagos is the only path to stardom.
While applauding the vital role Lagos plays in the growth and development of various entertainment sectors—such as music, movies, comedy, dance, and event management—Smith pointed out that stars have been discovered in other parts of the country over the years.
The 16: Xisten CEO argued that the world has become a global village due to the emergence of various social media platforms, insisting that the idea that one must be in Lagos to succeed is a misconception held by a few naysayers.
“As the sky is wide enough to contain millions of birds, so is the industry wide enough to accommodate practitioners, regardless of their location,” he stated.
Oseghale highlighted that Nigeria’s population is one of its greatest strengths and suggested that by exploring the vast market potential, practitioners can thrive in cities like Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Lokoja, Benin, Owerri, Osogbo, or Ilorin.
The young entrepreneur, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Toxicology from the University of Benin, maintained that the successful shows he has produced in Benin, Abuja, Warri, and other cities prove that true professionals can blossom anywhere.
He shared, “I just produced a massively successful event, Edwardo Untamed, on October 1st, which is an annual show held in Benin City. That event also made its debut in Abuja in February this year, and we are working assiduously to replicate the second edition in Abuja in 2025.”
