In a bid to guide the ethical use of artificial intelligence in creative expression, the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) has unveiled the Lagos Youth Storytelling Competition, targeting students aged 13 to 20 across the state.
The initiative was announced during a press conference on Thursday by the board’s Executive Secretary, Adebukola Agbanimoja, at the agency’s Ikosi office. She said the competition aims to nurture storytelling skills among youth while ensuring AI tools are used responsibly and ethically.Agbanimoja noted that while AI has the potential to enhance creative storytelling, its unchecked use poses significant regulatory challenges. “In this age of technology, we must not only harness these tools but also teach our youths how to use them wisely,” she said.
According to her, the competition is designed to inspire students to share stories that reflect their culture, values, and identity — both as individuals and as proud representatives of Lagos and Nigeria.
“Storytelling is not just art — it’s a tool for cultural expression and social change,” she said. “When young people are empowered and supported by the government, they can create sellable content that uplifts their community and preserves their heritage.”
She called on parents, guardians, and school authorities to support their wards’ participation, assuring that full details would be made available on an upcoming dedicated website.Otome Oyo, the Project Lead for the competition, explained that entries would come from both secondary schools and tertiary institutions,with activities set to take place during the school holidays to give students ample time for research and development of their stories.
He added that the winning entry would be developed into a full production, passing through Plotweaver — an AI-powered platform that evaluates stories for cultural relevance, commercial viability, and production quality.“The goal is to take the best ideas from page to screen,” Oyo explained. “Plotweaver helps ensure stories align with our values and have the potential to reach a wider audience.”Also speaking at the event, Noah Ibrahim, a member of the Plotweaver Board of Advisors, highlighted the platform’s commitment to empowering young creatives. “Plotweaver gives storytellers a voice and a path to bring their vision to life,” he said.
With the competition set to kick off soon, stakeholders expressed hope that it will inspire a new generation of responsible storytellers, equipped with both creative freedom and ethical direction in the digital age.
