AFRIMA 2016: Ambode Hosts Africa in Lagos

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he 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.

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.