By Edoamaowo Udeme
Three Nigerians, Shamaki Rimamkongnde, Matthias Aragbada and Ikechukwu Okeagu were top winners of the “NaijaGEMS” photography contest, a contest organized by the US Embassy Nigeria
The winners recieved their awards from the US Embassy Country Public Affairs Officer, Aruna Amirthanayagam, yesterday at The Thought Pyramid in Abuja.
In his remarks, Amirthanayagam thanked everyone who participated in the contest including the judges from outside the U.S. Embassy. He also expressed how striking the photo submissions were. “You are in for a real treat as you look at the images in this exhibition”.
“These are striking pictures that capture the beauty, diversity, and energy of Nigeria. Each reflects the fine eye and skill of the photographer,” he said.
The grand prize went to Shamaki Rimamkongnde who won a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Certificates and the book “100 Photographs (the most influential images of all time)” by Geoff Dyer, while Matthias Aragbada won a Canon EOS 80D with lens for second place and Ikechukwu Okeagu won the third place prize, Canon EOS Rebel T7i with Lens
Consolation prizes were also given to the top 20, while the top 50 images are on display at the Thought Pyramid for a week.
While thanking the US Embassy for motivatation, the grand prize winner Shamaki Rimamkongnde whose picture was that of Riyom Rock, seized the opportunity to lament on the recent killings in Riyom, Plateau State, the same place he took the picture.
In a very emotional voice, Rimamkongnde said “I am from Taraba state, I grew up in Jos, Plateau State , it was so peaceful, I took these pictures in Riyom the same place many people were recently killed, I therefore dedicate this award to those that lost thier lives in Riyom, Plateau State” .
Second place winner Mathias Aragbada whose picture was that of Olumo Rock on his part, said he always was more of a beauty photographer but got interested when he heard about the competition.
“I travelled all the way from Lagos to Abia state just to take pictures, of all the ones I took for some reason, I decided to submit this one and I am elated that I won”
“Maybe my emotions played a major role because of all the pictures I took, this was the only one I had a guide who explained the history of the rock to me when the Egba people of Abeokuta found refuge during the inter tribal war in the 19th century” Aragbada added
Ikechukwu Okeagu whose picture was that of hippopotamus surfacing in Kainji Lake National Parks said he took that picture while camping with friends and when the opportunity arose to submit pictures he did. “I chose this one because I know a lot of Nigerians are not aware of what we have”
“I have been to three National Parks, three Reserves and some other strange locations in the country and nobody really talks about them and I think it’s time we showcased them to not just Nigerians but the world” said Okeagu
“Nigeria is an incredibly creative country with an enormous resource of talents”, said Russell Brooks, the US Embassy Information Officer.
“We have all heard about talented writers like Chimamanda Adichie but Nigeria also has talented photographers, graphic artists and talents of all types and we have seen that today in the form of photograph” Brooks noted
“They have captured very well the beauty of the country, every positive story about what is contained here in this country and we hope that others especially from other countries are exposed to this and come and see this for themselves” he stressed
Brooks added that US government will be pleased if through this gesture, foreigners are attracted to Nigeria “If we play any role whatsoever in encouraging people to come here and see these wonders in Nigeria, I think we have played our part”
The NaijaGEMs photo contest was initiated by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington to offer Nigerians an opportunity to showcase the beauty of their country through magnificent photography and tell a positive story through pictures.
Participants were asked to produce high-resolution, original photographs of places of beauty that are peculiar to a region or state; the locations were to be symbols of pride to the people and culture of that state.
At the end of the submission period, a total of 330 entries were submitted and reviewed by a committee of judges who then selected the winners as well as the top 20 and 50.
On June 28, 2018, Ambassador W. Stuart Symington announced the three winners via a recorded video which was shared on all the U.S. Embassy’s social media channels.
He said the idea behind the NaijaGEMS contest was to ensure that Nigerians who lived in cities and villages and have not had the chance to go round the country, will realize the spectacular beauty of Nigeria.
