Building a Creative Capital: Inside the Vision Behind the Abuja Comic Art Convention

Meet the visionaries behind Abuja’s biggest creative experiment — and find out why they believe community is the new currency of success.

In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, a new wave of creativity is taking shape — one that celebrates the bold, colorful world of comics, animation, cosplay, gaming, and storytelling. At the center of this movement is Creative Art Studio Ltd, the team behind the Abuja Comic Art Convention (ACAC).

What began as a simple dream to give Northern creatives a platform has now evolved into a vibrant community-led celebration of art and imagination. From its roots as the Capital City Comic Convention, ACAC has rebranded and redefined itself — not just as another event, but as a creative revolution built on collaboration, inclusion, and visibility.

We sat down with the organizers to talk about what makes Abuja’s creative scene unique, why this convention matters now more than ever, and how ACAC hopes to connect Nigerian creators into one national creative family.

Q: To start off, can you introduce yourselves to our audience? Who are the organisers behind the Abuja Comic Art Convention, and what inspired you to launch this event?

Creative Art Studio Ltd are the organisers of the Abuja Comic Art Convention. This year, we had members from the community join our planning committee because we believe that everyone is important and is an incredible addition. Truly, they have made amazing contributions, proving our belief in the power of community.


What inspired us was our vision: To be a global umbrella organization that nurtures and protects creative artists, fostering a collaborative environment where talents can thrive and achieve spectacular success. We wanted to create a space for illustrators, animators, cosplayers, gamers, and storytellers to showcase the beauty of their works.

Q: Why Abuja? What made you decide that the time was right to start a brand-new comic convention in the nation’s capital?

First of all, Creative Art Studio is an Abuja-based company, so it only made sense to start from where we are. Secondly, it just didn’t make sense that the nation’s capital didn’t have a comic convention. With the government currently showing interest in the creative industry, we also see this as an opportunity to attract attention and possibly secure funding for the industry.

Q: Can you tell us when and where the very first Abuja Comic Art Convention will be holding, and what attendees should expect?

We hosted the first edition last year under the name Capital City Comic Convention. This year, we changed the name to Abuja Comic Art Convention (ACAC). It will be held at Truck Central, Abuja. Attendees should expect a different kind of vibe this year because my team and I are testing an event organogram that merges the regular comic convention setup with Abuja city vibes. Trust me, it will be one of a kind.

Q: Abuja has a unique creative scene compared to Lagos. How would you describe the comic art and storytelling landscape in Abuja right now?


I’d describe it as a fertile farm ground with growing mango seeds. Some have grown faster than others, but they will all grow eventually. Very soon, people won’t be able to get enough of Abuja, just like a farmyard filled with ripe mangoes.

Q: What are some of the challenges comic artists and creators in Abuja face, and how does this convention hope to address or spotlight them?


One of the major challenges is community. Without a strong community, it’s difficult for artists to connect, learn, and grow together. Another challenge is visibility. Someone once asked me if Nigeria even had comics or animation, which shows the lack of awareness.
The convention is solving these two issues: by creating a community (through our monthly Capital Creative Hangout and WhatsApp group), and by giving visibility through the showcase of Nigerian-made comics and animations.

Q: We’ve seen the rise of comic events in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and other states. How do you think comic conventions across Nigeria can work together instead of competing?

The real issue starts with leadership. Unlike the film industry, which has structured bodies like AGN, DGN, and SWGN, the comic and pop culture industry doesn’t yet have that kind of umbrella organization. Once leadership structures are in place, we can create standards for conventions — licensing, professionalism, credibility.
With that structure, hosts can build a community of conventions across Nigeria where we share insights, connections, and even sponsors. Collaboration becomes easier when there’s trust and leadership at the top.

Q: What makes Abuja Comic Art Convention different from existing comic events in the country? What’s your “special sauce”?


ACAC is different because it’s built on community first. While other conventions focus mainly on showcasing, we’re creating a platform where artists, fans, and industry stakeholders can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Our special sauce is visibility and inclusivity. We’re not just bringing comics to Abuja, we’re giving Nigerian creatives a stage that puts them on the map nationally and internationally. This year, fans can look forward to bigger setups, more interactive experiences, and that unique Abuja energy. ACAC isn’t just an event — it’s a movement.

Q: Are you focusing only on comics, or will the convention also celebrate animation, cosplay, gaming, or other aspects of pop culture?


We’re having everything included in the convention — comics, animation, cosplay, gaming, art, and more. And it’s going to be a blast.

Q: Looking ahead, what’s your long-term vision for ACAC?

Our long-term vision for ACAC is huge. We plan to expand to other states in Northern Nigeria soon, while keeping Abuja as the hub. Yes, it will be an annual tradition — every year we’ll bring geek lovers from multiple states together.

Q: Finally, for fans and creators who may be hearing about ACAC for the first time, why should they show up, and what do you hope they take away?

This isn’t the inaugural edition — last year we hosted Capital City Comic Con, and this year we’ve evolved into ACAC. If you’re a fan or creator hearing about us for the first time, this is your chance to be part of history.

ACAC is where Nigerian comics, animation, cosplay, gaming, and pop culture are celebrated on our own terms. It’s not just about attending an event, it’s about joining a community that’s shaping the future of African storytelling.

Fans will discover new stories, new heroes, and a creative family they belong to. Creators will find visibility, opportunities, and a platform that says, “your work matters.” At the end of the day, ACAC is more than a convention — it’s a movement.

And before we wrap up, we want to give a massive shout-out to some incredible community members who have gone above and beyond in shaping this year’s convention plans. Charles Akano, Gabriel Onoche, Elochukwu Confidence, Annie Johnson, Iwunze Emmanuel Chukwuma, and Prince Chima — you are the heartbeat of this movement. Your passion, creativity, and commitment prove exactly why community is the foundation of ACAC.

The Abuja Comic Art Convention isn’t just about showcasing art — it’s about building a home for dreamers, innovators, and storytellers in Nigeria’s capital. From uniting creatives under one roof to sparking collaborations that will shape the future of African pop culture, ACAC stands as a bold reminder that the next generation of comic creators is already here — and they’re ready to make history.

As Abuja gears up to welcome fans, artists, and industry voices from across the country, one thing is clear: ACAC isn’t just an event. It’s the start of something bigger — a creative movement powered by community, vision, and love for the art.

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