Nigerian visual storyteller Abel Kayode Otitoju has been named one of the winners of the ‘2026 Shutterstock Impact Awards’. The Kaduna-born photographer won the “Heal” photo category with his collection documenting an outdoor community health outreach for ageing men in a Nigerian village.
Shutterstock announced the winners three days ago, revealing that Otitoju emerged from a pool of more than 1,000 nominations submitted by contributors across the world. His work stood out in a competitive field that featured photographers and visual creators from different countries and backgrounds.
The judges praised the collection for its authenticity and emotional warmth. According to Shutterstock, the images offered a sincere and human look at healthcare in a community setting. Rather than focusing only on medical procedures, the photographs captured conversations, gestures, and moments of quiet understanding between elderly men and healthcare providers.
Otitoju works under The Yudel Media and has built a reputation for telling stories that reflect everyday life. With this win, he joins a select group of international creators recognised for meaningful visual storytelling.
Read: Hamamat Montia Named Ghana’s First Ambassador of Shea
The Story Behind “Heal”
The winning collection falls under the “Heal” category, one of eight themes introduced for the Impact Awards. This category focuses on healthcare stories that feel honest and inclusive, highlighting healing as more than treatment. It also looks at trust, dignity, and the connection between people.
Otitoju’s photographs depict elderly African men undergoing basic health checks in an outdoor environment. The outreach appears to be community-driven, with healthcare workers engaging closely with patients. These are candid images rather than staged studio shots, capturing genuine expressions, attentive listening, and care provided in person.
Otitoju explained that he aimed to shine a light on “connection, respect, and the growing importance of accessible community health for older African men.” He focuses on capturing everyday moments that people might easily overlook..
The judges described the collection as an honest and deeply human portrayal of community care. They noted how naturally the images presented healthcare in Nigeria, without exaggeration or artificial polish.
What the Shutterstock Impact Awards Represent
Shutterstock launched the Impact Awards in 2025 to recognise contributors who respond thoughtfully to creative briefs while staying grounded in real life. The awards are open to creators who submit cohesive, model-released collections aligned with specific themes.
The inaugural edition featured eight categories, with two winners selected in each category, one for images and one for video. In total, 16 contributors were honoured this year, including Otitoju.
Each winner received a cash prize of 1,000 US dollars, along with an exclusive profile badge, increased submission limits, and promotional opportunities on the Shutterstock platform. For many creators, the recognition also opens doors to wider visibility among global clients.
Otitoju is among the first group of photographers to receive this honour. His win places him on an international stage and highlights the growing presence of Nigerian creatives in global visual media.
Read: Tems Makes History as First African Female Artist With Seven Hot 100 Hits
From Kaduna to International Recognition
Abel Kayode Otitoju was born and raised in Kaduna State in north-western Nigeria. In 2011, he made a decision that would shape his future. He left behind a certificate in Computer Science and moved to Lagos to pursue photography full-time.
At the time, he had no formal training in photography. He taught himself through constant practice, studying his own images, and learning from experience. Over the years, he developed a style known for strong storytelling and thoughtful composition.
It all started with a spark of curiosity. After stumbling upon an image on his computer screen, he found himself drawn to uncover how such visuals came to be. That initial interest soon blossomed into a genuine passion for the craft.
Today, Otitoju is known for crafting conceptual photography that explores social themes and reflects everyday life. He often focuses on people and their environments, using images to tell stories one frame at a time.
He has previously spoken about staying true to his goals despite distractions. That steady focus appears to have guided his path from a self-taught beginner to an award-winning visual storyteller.
A Milestone for Nigerian Photography
Otitoju’s win reflects more than personal success. It signals increasing recognition for Nigerian photographers on global platforms. His “Heal” collection draws attention to community healthcare in Nigeria and presents it through a lens of dignity and care.
By competing against over 1,000 nominees and emerging as a category winner, he has demonstrated that stories rooted in local realities can resonate internationally. His work reminds audiences that powerful storytelling does not require elaborate settings. It requires attention, patience, and respect for the subject.
As the creative industry continues to evolve, achievements like this show that Nigerian artists are contributing meaningfully to global conversations through images that reflect lived experiences.
For more updates on Nigerian creatives making global impact, follow RefinedNG for in-depth entertainment and culture stories that matter.