Lightspeed, a fast-rising Nigerian creative-tech company founded by Adedotun Olateru-Olagbegi, has broken new ground by unveiling the country’s first large-scale water projection mapping installation. The historic launch took place at the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) terminal in Falomo, Ikoyi. With this achievement, Nigeria has officially entered a new era in outdoor entertainment and visual storytelling.
The innovative showcase featured a massive 12-metre-tall water screen, which served as a digital canvas for moving images, lights, sound, and interactive design. For many guests, it was the first time seeing technology blend so seamlessly with the natural elements of water and light to tell captivating stories in an open-air setting.
The event attracted high-profile attendees, including representatives from advertising agencies, brand managers, media executives, tech enthusiasts, and creatives from across Lagos and beyond. Many praised the installation as a game-changer for Nigeria’s entertainment and tech space.
Founder of Lightspeed, Adedotun Olateru-Olagbegi, said the launch represents more than just a technical success. “This launch marked a new frontier in experiential storytelling. We’ve shown what’s possible when imagination meets innovation—right here in Nigeria,” he said. He added that the project demonstrates the company’s belief in homegrown talent and its commitment to putting Nigeria on the global map of creative technology.
Projection mapping on water screens is considered an advanced form of visual display technology that is usually found in places like Dubai, Singapore, or Las Vegas. Lightspeed’s entry into the space means that Africa now has a homegrown company capable of producing world-class immersive experiences using this tech.
The Falomo showcase featured several unique highlights. First, the water curtain, rising 12 metres high, acted as the main projection surface. Lightspeed then paired this with custom-made soundtracks that were carefully timed to match the visual sequences. To top it off, the team demonstrated real-time content mapping and live adjustments, showing the flexibility and dynamic capabilities of the technology.
According to the organisers, this water projection mapping system can be used for concerts, brand activations, cultural festivals, advertising campaigns, and corporate product launches. Because it is both temporary and environmentally friendly, it can be set up almost anywhere with access to water and space.
The success of this installation also aligns with Lagos State’s larger vision of becoming a smart and tourist-friendly city. Just recently, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioned the Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Centre in the same Falomo area. The centre is designed to improve water transportation, safety, and tourism across the state.
With this kind of forward-thinking infrastructure, events like Lightspeed’s water projection show are more likely to succeed and inspire similar innovations. Industry watchers believe Lagos has the potential to become a creative and technology hub, not only for Nigeria but for West Africa as a whole.
Lightspeed’s approach shows that Africa has both the talent and the technical know-how to create world-class experiences. From Lagos to Accra, and even Nairobi, there is now potential to roll out this kind of event in partnership with local governments, festivals, and corporate brands looking to engage audiences in a more interactive way.
As the demand for outdoor digital experiences grows—especially among younger Nigerians—more companies may look to explore immersive media. And with this successful debut, Lightspeed has already positioned itself as a leader in that space.
Olateru-Olagbegi and his team say they are already in talks with clients across various sectors and are planning to take the water projection mapping installation to other Nigerian cities and even international locations.
For now, Lightspeed has shown that innovation and imagination are alive in Nigeria, and they have only just begun.
