Events

20th Abuja International Film Festival: A Celebration of Global Cinema

Published

3 years ago

October 31, 2023

The 20th Abuja International Film Festival, themed “Beyond Borders: Globalisation and Film Business,” commenced with a star-studded opening ceremony that brought together luminaries from the film industry and the diplomatic corps. Among the distinguished guests was Hajia Hanatu Musawa, the representative of the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, who graced the event with her presence.

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The festival was further honored by the attendance of ambassadors from several nations, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Cote d’Ivoire, and Egypt. Notable personalities like the Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, the CEO of the Nigeria Film Corporation, and Startimes CEO, Joshua Wang, also added to the grandeur of the occasion. The event was a magnet for both local and international filmmakers, creating a dynamic and diverse atmosphere.

During the opening ceremony, the festival’s founder seized the opportunity to reflect on its modest origins, harking back to a time when cinema spaces were a rarity in Abuja. He eloquently underscored the festival’s pivotal role in nurturing the growth of the Nigerian film industry, the globally acclaimed Nollywood.

Ambassadors and high commissioners present at the event expressed their deep admiration for the festival’s remarkable success and longevity, offering heartfelt commendations and messages of goodwill. They emphasized the enduring value and global significance the festival has acquired over its two-decade history.

The Abuja International Film Festival will unfold over the next four days, featuring a diverse program of daily screenings, engaging panel discussions, and various interactive activities. The festival’s highlight, the highly anticipated awards ceremony, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023.

During this prestigious event, winners will be honored in 16 different categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in the world of cinema.

With a rich history and broad international participation, the festival promises to be an exhilarating showcase of global cinema, uniting talents from around the world in the spirit of creativity and storytelling.

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Events

Hamzat, Kola Adesina, Liakouris to Headline Real Talk With Kike @7

Published

1 week ago

September 27, 2026

Basit Saba

Organisers of Real Talk With Kike have unveiled a high-profile lineup of speakers for the programme’s seventh anniversary celebration, which will also commemorate ace broadcaster Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati’s more than 20-year journey in the Nigerian media industry.

The milestone event will hold on October 10, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, bringing together leaders from government, business, media and culture for conversations on Nigeria’s future.

Leading the keynote sessions are Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and Mr Vlassis Liakouris, Group Managing Director of Mandilas Group Limited.

Also confirmed as distinguished speakers are Mr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, and Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder of Rise Network, while Mrs Bola Adesola, Chairman of the Board of Ecobank Nigeria, will deliver the goodwill message.

The speakers will engage the theme, “The Future of Nigeria: Where Leadership, Innovation, Culture and Media Converge to Shape Nation Building,” exploring how governance, enterprise, innovation and storytelling can shape national development.

According to the organisers, the theme reflects the philosophy that has defined Real Talk With Kike over the past seven years as a platform for meaningful conversations on leadership, society, business, relationships, culture and contemporary issues affecting Nigeria.

For Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, the celebration marks two significant milestones. Beyond the programme’s seventh anniversary, it also celebrates more than two decades of broadcasting, making the occasion a tribute to longevity, impact and the power of dialogue.

The multidisciplinary speaker lineup mirrors the event’s nation-building focus. Hamzat is expected to share perspectives on public leadership and governance, while Adesina and Liakouris will discuss private-sector leadership, enterprise and innovation. Akerele-Ogunsiji will contribute insights on education, youth development and innovation, with Adesola bringing the perspective of corporate governance and financial-sector leadership.

The October gathering is expected to attract policymakers, business executives, media personalities, creatives and guests who have been part of the Real Talk With Kike journey since its inception, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for thought-provoking conversations.