Sanwo-Olu endorses AFRIMA 2025, pledges support for Africa’s creative industry

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has thrown his full support behind the hosting of the 2025 All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to nurturing the creative industry as a vital pillar of the state’s economic and cultural development.

Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the International Committee of AFRIMA and representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC) at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos remains steadfast in providing opportunities, hope, and a thriving environment for talents in entertainment, fashion, and the arts.

“We are very intentional because we realise that the creative industry is a space where our youth, with their dynamic energy, want to be. It’s also one of the largest employers of labour and a key vehicle for telling the African story in a way the world has yet to fully appreciate,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor stressed that Lagos State has historically supported the dreams of thousands of creatives, helping them grow into globally recognized brands. He noted that the decision to host AFRIMA 2025 in Lagos is a reflection of the state’s strategic importance and capability in Africa’s entertainment landscape.

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“Lagos is big enough to take on AFRIMA. We have the structures and infrastructure to support such a world-class event. It is an honour, and it also comes with responsibility and commitment. We will take it forward,” he assured.

Sanwo-Olu also emphasized that the entertainment and tourism sectors were deliberately included in the THEMES+ agenda of his administration because of their potential to create jobs and boost the economy. “As a government, we will continue to support people in the creative space to thrive. We will provide the enabling environment and business opportunities needed for them to succeed,” he added.

Ms. Angela Martins, leader of the AFRIMA delegation and Head of the Culture Department at the African Union Commission, expressed appreciation for Lagos’ previous support and said the city’s dynamic creative ecosystem made it a natural choice to host AFRIMA again.

“Lagos has hosted AFRIMA before, and we are thankful. We believe Lagos State Government’s support will make AFRIMA 2025 a huge success and possibly extend the hosting to future editions,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr. Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, revealed that the hosting rights for AFRIMA 2025 had been awarded to Lagos in recognition of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to the creative sector, which is a major pillar of his administration’s THEMES+ agenda.

“Lagos is the Mecca of entertainment and music in Africa and the Middle East. We are here to seek the state’s full support — institutionally and financially — as we prepare to welcome over 1,500 artists and industry stakeholders to Lagos in November,” Dada said.

AFRIMA, a flagship initiative in African music, celebrates excellence in the continent’s music and cultural industries and is supported by the African Union to promote unity and showcase Africa’s diverse artistic heritage.