Tinubu backs AFRIMA, orders ministry to set up LOC to partner with Lagos state

The President’s endorsement came in response to a letter from the African Union Commission (AUC) requesting Nigeria’s collaboration for the next edition of the prestigious awards show.

Following the President’s nod, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs by setting up an inter ministerial Local Organising Committee (LOC) to work with the official Host City, Lagos, African Union and International Committee of AFRIMA to plan and deliver an historic event under the theme, ‘Unstoppable Africa.’

Speaking during the inauguration of the federal government’s LOC at her office conference room in Abuja on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the ministry is fully ready to work hand-in-hand with the Lagos State Government and the International Committee of AFRIMA to host what she described as the best AFRIMA yet.

According to the Minister, AFRIMA perfectly aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of leveraging the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth, national development, and social re-engineering.

“This is more than just an awards show,” Musawa said. “It is a major platform to create jobs, promote tourism, celebrate African talents, and tell our positive stories authentically through music to the world. We are excited to work with the Lagos State government, the AFRIMA team, and the African Union to deliver a world-class event.”

Also, speaking at the event, Mrs. Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, the Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy in the ministry, conveyed the official message of President Tinubu’s approval and praised his support for the industry.

“On behalf of the Honorable Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and our agencies, we appreciate the administration of President Bola Ahmed inubu (GCFR) for granting us the opportunity, Nigeria opportunity, to host this historic event during this administration, and we also thank the Honourable Minister for providing a platform for us to collaborate with AFRIMA for this event to come true in November this year, and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs as well, that is co-chair with our Honourable Minister, to make this dream come to pass,” she said.

The newly inaugurated federal government‘s LOC for AFRIMA 2025 includes representatives from key federal ministries such as Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Information and National Orientation; Foreign Affairs; Interior; Youth; Education; and Aviation, among others.

Also represented are top government agencies, including the Nigerian Film Corporation, National Film and Video Censors Board, and the National Council for Arts and Culture. Delegates from the AFRIMA International Committee and the African Union are also on board.

President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, expressed deep appreciation to the federal government for its swift response and full support.

“We thank President Tinubu for his quick and visionary approval and backing of AFRIMA 2025,” Dada said. “This is not just an event approval. It’s a loud statement that the Nigerian government values the culture and creative industry (CCI) and its power to promote unity and prosperity across Africa.”

He also thanked the Lagos State Government for accepting to be the official host city and for its valuable partnership, as well as its deliberate investment in the creative industry.

“Nigeria has always been a creative and cultural powerhouse,” Dada said. “With this support, we are confident that this year’s AFRIMA will be an unforgettable celebration of African talent and creativity for the whole world to see. It is fantastic that the Federal Government has come on board, and we are happy that the Minister has mentioned that all of us are going to work together with the Host City, Lagos state, to deliver the best AFRIMA in history.”

The awards returned to Nigeria after a successful event held in the city of Dakar, Senegal, hosted by President Macky Sall, and the 2025 edition is scheduled to be held from November 25 to 30 in Lagos.