Tolani Alli’s path to becoming Nigeria’s leading visual storyteller was anything but conventional. Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, she initially pursued a career in medicine, following a well-trodden path of academic excellence. However, an unexpected gift—a DSLR camera on her 18th birthday—sparked a curiosity that would eventually redefine her future. What began as a hobby, capturing campus events and everyday moments, quickly grew into a serious craft. The more she explored photography, the more she realized it was more than just a pastime. It was a way to document life, tell stories, and offer perspectives that words often failed to capture.
Tolani Alli’s transition into political photography was a turning point in her career, marking her as a trailblazer in a field largely dominated by men. Her appointment as the personal documentary photographer for Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State was groundbreaking—not just because she was the first female to hold such a role in Nigeria, but because she brought a fresh, artistic approach to political storytelling. Through her lens, she documented not only the governor’s official engagements but also the human side of leadership, capturing moments that traditional political photography often overlooked.
Her work during this period reflected a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of visual storytelling, and an ability to translate governance into images that resonated with the public. She wasn’t just taking pictures of ribbon-cutting ceremonies or official meetings; she was capturing the expressions, gestures, and interactions that gave life to leadership. Her photos told a story of governance beyond policies and infrastructure—they portrayed the people behind the decisions, the emotions behind the formalities, and the impact of leadership on the lives of ordinary citizens.
As her reputation grew, so did her opportunities. In 2019, she was appointed as the official photographer to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a position that placed her at the heart of Nigeria’s political landscape. The role was significant not just for her career but for the evolution of political photography in Nigeria. In a country where politics often seems distant and detached from the people, Tolani’s work played a key role in bridging that gap.
She captured moments that the public rarely saw—Vice President Osinbajo deep in thought before a major speech, candid conversations with citizens during visits to communities, and lighthearted moments with staff and colleagues. Her ability to humanize governance was widely recognized, earning praise for how it changed perceptions of leadership. Rather than static, overly formal images, she produced dynamic visuals that made political figures appear more relatable.
Her photography extended beyond official functions. Whether it was capturing the Vice President interacting with children at an IDP camp, comforting a grieving family, or sharing a genuine laugh during a meeting, her images told stories that resonated far beyond government corridors. She gave Nigerians a glimpse into the personalities behind the politics, a perspective that traditional media often failed to provide.
Her time with the Vice President also exposed her work to a global audience. With her images frequently featured in national and international media, she cemented her status as one of Nigeria’s most influential visual storytellers. Beyond simply chronicling political events, she played a role in shaping narratives, influencing how leadership was perceived both locally and internationally. By breaking barriers and setting new standards for political photography in Nigeria, Tolani Alli not only paved the way for other women in the field but also redefined the power of visual storytelling in governance.
Her contributions to photography have earned her numerous accolades. In 2019, she received The Future Awards Africa Prize for Photography, recognizing her impact and influence in the industry. Her work has been featured on international platforms such as CNN, BBC, and Time Magazine, amplifying Nigeria’s narratives on the global stage. Additionally, she showcased her talents on Netflix’s ‘Strong Black Lens,’ highlighting her commitment to authentic storytelling.
In 2023, Tolani’s dedication was further acknowledged when she was conferred with a National Order of Merit (NPOM) award by the National Productivity Centre under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. This honor reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence and her role in shaping Nigeria’s visual history.
Continuing her trajectory of growth and impact, in late 2023, Tolani joined the African Development Bank (AfDB) as an Executive Digital Storyteller. In this capacity, she documents the institution’s leadership and initiatives, working closely with President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. Her role at AfDB signifies a broader canvas for her storytelling, capturing developmental strides across the continent.
Tolani Alli’s evolution from a medical student to a celebrated photographer underscores the power of following one’s passion. Her work continues to inspire many, demonstrating how visual storytelling can influence perceptions, document history, and drive change.
