Stanley Anigbogu is an exceptional creative. He plies his creative path on the idea of providing simple practical solutions to everyday human needs and challenges on a global scale. He was a participant at the IICDCenter’s Upcycling Redefined Workshop 2021, funded by the US Embassy Abuja in partnerships with Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja and Skill ‘G’ Innovation Hub. He speaks with our media team on his experience at the workshop and his recent award as the Innovator of the Year at the Anambra Man of the Year Award.

Who is Stanley Anigbogu?

Stanley Anigbogu is a 22-year-old Nigerian creative technologist from Amichi Nnewi in the state of Anambra. The Federal Government of Nigeria has designated him as a scholar with a BSc in Multimedia Development from Ensa Kenitra Morocco.

You have recently been named Innovator of the Year at the Anambra Man of the Year Award. How do you feel?

Being nominated for Young Innovator of the Year is an incredible honor. Having my efforts and work recognized at such a high level means a lot for me and my team, it is extremely inspiring and powerful.

Can you share an insight into your journey as an innovator?  

As a young innovator in Nigeria, I faced numerous obstacles including a lack of funding, resources, and networks. This didn't deter me. I kept pushing and crossing my own limitations with what I had on hand, which enabled me to become more creative and resilient. I am are going to use everything I have learned to help the next generation of innovators by giving them access to tools and resources so they can work on their own ideas with ease.

Can you share your experience at the IICDCENTER’s Upcycling Redefined Workshop held in September, 2021?  

I would say that attending the IICDCenter’s Upcycling Redefined Workshop was one of my highlights for 2021 because I was exposed to a new universe of possibilities on how art and science can come together to generate new possibilities and ways of upcycling garbage.

How has the experience impacted your journey as an innovator?

Working with waste materials has always been a favorite of mine since I began my career as an innovator. But, the workshop was unique in that I collaborated with artists from various backgrounds. It was incredibly inspiring, and I was able to discover new ways to use waste materials to create solutions while still maintaining an artistic touch.

Do you think the experience at the Upcycling Redefined Workshop provides innovators and artists like yourself with skills requisite to meet emerging challenges within the creative economy in Nigeria and Africa?

The Workshop is an incredible opportunity for innovators and artists to collaborate on creative projects in one space. It is the best ground for collaborations and networking. The facilitation is also a fantastic way for young artists and innovators to learn from experienced hands from various fields in the industry who have a lot of experience and expertise to share.

What inspires you to create?

I am a problem solver. My ideas and projects are always laser - focused on fixing problems in the world around me. This motivates me to go to my board or into the workshop. I was raised in a culture where there is a problem around every corner, which inspires me to create, solving one problem at a time with my creative solutions.

Any advice for upcoming young innovators?

Don’t be afraid to show the world what you are capable of. Everyone is unique, but those who share their uniqueness with the world are incredibly uncommon. Dear young creative, be rare and solve as many problems as you can.