By Roving Reporters | Akure, Ondo State
In Akure, the usually vibrant capital of Ondo State, birthday celebrations are taking on a quieter tone—one that reflects the economic struggles of the times.
Once considered a must-have for every celebrant, birthday photoshoots are rapidly fading from the cultural landscape, giving way to smartphone cameras and budget-friendly alternatives.
From once-busy photography studios to once-crowded souvenir shops, the signs are unmistakable: the birthday photoshoot industry in Ondo is facing an economic reality check.
—
📉 From Boom to Bare: Declining Demand Hits Local Photographers
Just a few years ago, photographers in Akure couldn’t keep up with the demand. Today, many have shuttered their studios or relocated abroad in search of better opportunities.
“I used to get at least four bookings a week,” says a professional photographer in Akure. “Now, I’m lucky if I get one in two weeks.”
The average birthday shoot—once priced between ₦4,000 and ₦50,000—has become a luxury many can no longer afford. Rising inflation, shrinking disposable incomes, and stiff competition from amateur photographers with little overhead have created a perfect storm for the industry.
—
📱 The Smartphone Takeover: Goodbye Studio, Hello Selfie
Another factor fueling the industry’s decline is the rise of technology. With the growing popularity of high-end smartphones like the iPhone 13 and 14, many celebrants are choosing DIY photography over professional shoots.
“I took my last birthday pictures with my phone and used editing apps to enhance them,” says Amaka Adeyemi, a 24-year-old resident of Akure. “It saved me a lot of money, and the pictures still looked great on Instagram.”
This shift toward self-produced content is not just a cost-cutting measure—it’s becoming a new cultural norm, especially among Gen Z and millennial celebrants.
—
💸 Tough Times, Tough Choices: Economic Realities Bite
Economists and social observers point to broader financial pressures as a major reason for the changing trend. With inflation eroding purchasing power and unemployment rates climbing, birthday photoshoots have slipped down the priority list for many families.
“During a recession, spending on non-essential services like photoshoots is one of the first things people cut back on,” says Dr. Temitope Adebayo, an economist based in Akure. “It’s a reflection of the hard choices people are being forced to make.”
Souvenir vendors and event planners in Akure also confirm a drop in business, noting that birthday parties are now simpler affairs with fewer bells and whistles.
—
🎭 Changing Culture: The End of the Cash-Splash Era
Beyond economics, there’s a deeper cultural shift underway. The once-glamorous tradition of “spraying” cash at birthday parties is now under legal and moral scrutiny.
In line with a 2007 Central Bank regulation against mutilation of the naira, enforcement agencies—particularly in Lagos—have cracked down on the practice.
Though Ondo is not currently at the forefront of such clampdowns, the ripple effect is being felt. Celebrants are now resorting to discreet donations or symbolic gestures, instead of open displays of wealth.
—
🥳 A New Way to Celebrate: Intimate, Meaningful, and Budget-Friendly
Despite the challenges, Nigerians—ever adaptable—are finding new ways to mark personal milestones. In Akure and across Ondo State, small gatherings at home, charity donations, and social media shoutouts are replacing the glitz and glamour of photoshoot parties.
While Big cities celebrities continue to indulge in elaborate birthday themes, the average Akure resident is embracing simplicity.
“It’s no longer about showing off,” says Mrs. Bimbo Oladapo, a mother of two in Akure. “It’s about appreciating life and making memories—without breaking the bank.”
—
📝 Conclusion: A Portrait of Change
Ondo State’s birthday photoshoot industry stands at a crossroads—caught between economic hardship and evolving societal values. As more people choose personal meaning over public display, the industry must adapt or risk obsolescence.
The flash of the camera may not be as frequent, but the essence of celebration remains. In the quiet moments, with a phone in hand or a smile shared at home, birthdays in Ondo state continue—just differently.
