Fresh Unilag graduate wins Lagos Photo Festival’s $10, 000 prize

L-R: Jennifer Samuel, associate photo editor, National Geographic, Antony Obayomi, winner of Lagos Photo Festival’s $10, 000 prize and Kaitlin Yarnall, the vice president, Media Innovation, National Geographic Society.

Anthony Obayomi, a fresh graduate of the University of Lagos, on Sunday won the $10,000 prize money for the best submission for Photography Portfolio Review at the 2017 Lagos Photo Festival.
He was announced as the winner of the top prize after a jury comprising a representative of the sponsor National Geographic Kaitlin Yarnall, ace photographers TY Bello, Bayo Omoboriowo and others reviewed numerous entries sent in by photographers.
Obayomi’s portfolio focused on the shortage of students accommodation at the University of Lagos.

“The entire panel of judges was blown away by Anthony’s work. His work on the housing shortage at the University of Lagos was thorough, varied, and intimate,” said Kaitlin Yarnall who is also the vice president, Media Innovation, National Geographic Society in a tweet chat with The Guardian on Monday.
“It was clear that he had spent a year working this topic and had gained incredible access.”
She added: “We looked at dozens of portfolios and gave a prize of $10,000 to the best submission. But most importantly, we gave feedback to every single photographer.”
The Lagos Photo Festival 2017, runs from November 24 to December 15.