Instig Labs empowers new generation of African storytellers via “Prompt to Screen” AI competition

Tech firm, Instig Labs has taken a strategic leap in advancing creative expression through the Prompt to Screen AI competition, a flagship project under its Generative AI Network GAIN initiative.

The competition forms part of the Creative AI Storytelling Lab, a project designed to equip students and early career professionals with practical skills and strong portfolios in artificial intelligence-driven creativity.

GAIN focusses on building real world capacity in AI Automation and Storytelling. Through hands on learning and applied projects, the network supports emerging talents as they explore how artificial intelligence can be applied across creative and technical disciplines.

According to Michael Osumo, Program Manager for Instig Labs, the Creative AI Storytelling Lab is aimed at nurturing a new generation of storytellers and builders who use artificial intelligence to create films, art and applications that push creative boundaries.

“In the Prompt to Screen Storytelling Competition, judges typically look for cultural resonance and technical mastery. Contestants used prompts to create videos that bridge African storytelling with high-end tech.” Osumo added.

The programme includes courses that teach participants how to leverage and optimise AI tools to support storytelling and filmmaking, and a storytelling competition. The Prompt to Screen AI competition served as a practical platform where participants translated ideas into tangible creative outcomes.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Chude Jideonwo, Nigerian TV host, filmmaker and media entrepreneur, described the competition as a timely intervention for creative growth.

“This project reflects the need to equip young creatives with tools that help them tell authentic stories while staying relevant in a rapidly evolving creative economy.”

Hillz, a musician and one of the judges, noted that the quality of submissions showed how artificial intelligence can support originality rather than limit it. He said the competition highlighted the power of combining human imagination with modern technology.

Tejumade Salami, Chief Operating Officer of Falcon Aero, the mother brand for Instig labs, emphasised the value of partnerships in driving innovation.

According to Salami, “collaborations such as Prompt to Screen demonstrate how industry support can help unlock opportunities for emerging creatives and builders.”

Under theme 1, Okechuckwu Obi and Daniel Ikemsinachukwu emerged winners for their video, Created to Create.

Janet Ajah emerged under theme 2 with her project, Far Away, a musical video. Nunsi Shiaki won the Theme 3 category with Roots and Rhythm, a metaphorical video depicting the immense opportunities for AI to shape culture.

Omu Inetimi won under theme 4 with Red Niger, a nerve wrecking tale of the Asaba Massacre during the Nigerian Civil War.

Reflecting on her experience, Janet Ajah said the competition pushed her to think differently about storytelling and experiment confidently with artificial intelligence as a creative tool.

The Prompt to Screen AI competition reinforces Instig Labs’ commitment to empowering creatives and builders with practical skills, exposure and opportunities for growth.

Through initiatives such as GAIN and the Creative AI Storytelling Lab, Instig Labs continues to support the development of talent capable of shaping the future of creative and technological innovation

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers.

She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay.

She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos.

As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender.

She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies.

Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category.

She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category.

She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations.

Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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