The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, on Sunday November 6, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, played host to over 5,000 guests and 2100 international delegates at the third annual All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA which was broadcast live to countries around the world.
A cross section of photographs of the artistes with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode during the courtesy visit to the Governor’s house
The event witnessed an array of officials of the African Union and African music superstars; AFRIMA past winners; 2016 nominees; top government functionaries; members of the diplomatic corps, corporate Africa, stakeholders in the creative/entertainment industry in Africa, media executives, and music artistes.
With 42 countries of the African continent in attendance including African Union officials, Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo, was represented by Senator Babafemi Ojodu.
Meanwhile, an art-loving Ambode had on Saturday November 5, hosted foreign delegates and nominees of AFRIMA, ambassadors and the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe, Honourable Anastarcia Ndulovu, to a dinner at the State House, Ikeja.
Also present were artistes, AFRIMA nominees and a host of other media executives.
While welcoming his guests at the Governor’s Lodge, Ambode reiterated Lagos State’s vision of making the city an undeniable entertainment capital of Africa, as well as being the hub of creative expressions in the continent. This, he opined, will open up the economic-viable state for more foreign and local investors.
The governor, who was accompanied to the November 6, AFRIMA 2016 awards ceremony by his wife, Abimbola; the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, and hundreds of government officials including commissioners, has successfully placed Lagos as the first state in the country and on the continent to officially host thousands of Africa’s stars in the city.
Prior to the prestigious occasion, the African Union had targeted four cities as potential hosts for the continental awards ceremony. These cities were: Calabar (Cross River State), Lagos (Lagos State), Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and Uyo (Akwa Ibom State).
However, having considered which state has the most motivation to host AFRIMA in line with its values; which has the strongest vision in tourism, culture and entertainment, the AU announced Lagos as the Host City for AFRIMA 2016 on August 15, 2016.
Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule holding the AFRIMA T-Shirt during AFRIMA courtesy visit to the Governor’s house
L-R: Executive President of All Africa Music Awards, (AFRIMA) Mike Dada; Director of Social Affairs African Union, Ambassador Olawale Mayegun; Wife of the Governor Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Governor Akinwumi Ambode; Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mrs Ananstacia Ndhlovu during AFRIMA courtesy visit to the governor
L-R: Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, (AFRIMA) Mike Dada, Wife of the Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode holding the AFRIMA branded T-Shirt during the artistes’ courtesy visit to the governor
L-R: Wife of the Executive/President of All Africa Music Awards, (AFRIMA) Dupe Dada; President/Executive of All Africa Music Awards, (AFRIMA) Mike Dada; Director Social Affairs Africa Union, Ambassador Olawale Mayegun wife; of Lagos State Governor Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Yvette Ngandu, Coordinator of the UN, AU-RECs; Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule; and Head of Africa Union Commission (Department) Angela Martins.