CROSSROADS November 2018 | Page 11

u w k u h Ikec OKEAGU - @ikechukwuokeagu began creating photographs while he was still in secondary school. His tool was a vintage Yashica film camera and naturally, he had to be a lot more prudent while shooting due to the cost and time involved in developing film. This early start led him to pursue photography and filmmaking professionally, enrolling in the prestigious National Film Institue, Jos, Plateau state. Presently, while he practices all kinds of photography, his preference is for shooting travel photos in the sub-genres of nature, landscape, and wildlife. For someone who states that he loves to be on the road, meet new people, and discover new places, travel photography comes naturally. This passion clearly came in handy in capturing the spectacular photo which won him third place in the NaijaGEMs contest. Besides heading Jabe Studios, a growing multimedia studio in Abuja, Ikechukwu is working on a yet untitled photo book in which he hopes to publish his travel photography and inspire the world at large by showcasing the unexplored beauties that can be found all over Nigeria. When asked how the contest had impacted him, he responded “Participating in the contest exposed me to new people, cultures and places I am yet to explore. I am friends with other participants with whom I share thoughts and ideas. It has opened up a network of people interested in my activities and that has made me hungry for greater creative work.” Ikechukwu won a Canon EOS Rebel T7i for his entry into the contest and it is now his go-to camera on his trips as he shoots photos and videos. The KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK is located in Niger and Kwara States. It boasts a wide range of biodiversity including hippos. Pictured here is one of the hippo pools. The park makes a great vacation spot for people who enjoy relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery. There are also many activities available such as walking, camping, or going on a wildlife safari. CROSSROADS | November 2018 Special Edition 11