In a glittering ceremony amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has once again emerged as a beacon of leadership and innovation, clinching the prestigious Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence. This accolade, shared with Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscores remarkable dedication to nurturing Nigeria's burgeoning creative and entertainment industry. The award ceremony, held during the ongoing festival, highlights the intersection of governance, culture, and economic development, celebrating visionaries who propel Africa's creative narrative forward on the global stage.
The Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence is not merely a trophy but a testament to transformative impact. Named in honor of the late Herbert Wigwe, the visionary banker and philanthropist who tragically passed away earlier this year, the award recognizes individuals whose efforts have significantly bolstered Nigeria's entertainment sector. Governor Oborevwori's receipt of this honor comes as no surprise to those familiar with Delta State's longstanding reputation as a cradle of talent in Nollywood and beyond. From iconic actors to groundbreaking filmmakers, Delta has consistently produced luminaries who dominate Nigeria's film and music landscapes. This recognition at AFRIFF, a premier platform showcasing African cinema, reaffirms Oborevwori's administration as a staunch ally of the arts.
Representing the Governor at the event was his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, who accepted the award with profound gratitude. In his acceptance speech, Onyeme conveyed the Governor's appreciation to the AFRIFF organizers, emphasizing that such honors are both humbling and motivating. "On behalf of the Governor and the people of Delta State, I want to thank the organisers of the Africa International Film Festival for this honour. We do not take it for granted; we truly appreciate," Onyeme declared, his words resonating with sincerity amid the applause of industry stakeholders, filmmakers, and international guests.
Onyeme seized the opportunity to spotlight Delta State's pivotal role in Nigeria's entertainment ecosystem. "Delta is one of the states most renowned for its contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many of the talented people in this sector hail from Delta State, and we will continue to do everything necessary to sustain our support for the film industry in Nigeria and across Africa," he stated. This assertion is backed by historical facts: Delta natives have starred in countless blockbusters, directed award-winning films, and composed chart-topping soundtracks that define Nigerian pop culture. The state's Asaba axis, often dubbed "New Nollywood," has become a bustling hub for film production, rivaling Lagos in output and creativity.
Delving deeper into the administration's proactive measures, the Deputy Governor outlined initiatives designed to fortify the creative economy. He praised the peace and stability prevailing in Delta State, which has created an investor-friendly environment for entertainment ventures, film shoots, and related businesses. "Delta has remained peaceful and conducive for investments in entertainment, film production and other businesses," Onyeme noted, attributing this serenity to effective governance and community engagement strategies under Governor Oborevwori.
A key highlight was the revelation of infrastructure developments aimed at elevating Delta's status in the global creative arena. The previous administration, Onyeme recalled, constructed a massive entertainment complex equipped with state-of-the-art film studios, modern cinemas, and dedicated children's recreational facilities. This multifaceted venue has already served as a catalyst for local productions, hosting shoots, premieres, and talent development programs. Building on this foundation, the current Oborevwori-led government is ambitiously planning a full-fledged film village—a veritable "mini-Hollywood" in the heart of Delta. This proposed enclave would provide residential quarters, production lots, post-production suites, and collaborative spaces where actors, musicians, directors, and other professionals can live, create, and innovate without the logistical hurdles faced in fragmented urban settings.
"Delta State has always been at the forefront of entertainment development, and we will continue to improve the welfare of creative professionals and provide the resources they need to thrive," Onyeme affirmed. Such commitments extend beyond rhetoric; they include funding for training workshops, grants for emerging filmmakers, and partnerships with international bodies to export Delta's creative outputs. The envisioned film village promises to generate thousands of jobs, stimulate tourism, and position Delta as a cinematic powerhouse, potentially attracting Hollywood collaborations and boosting foreign exchange through co-productions.
The emotional pinnacle of the evening came with remarks from Pastor Shingle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe. Visibly moved, Pastor Wigwe lauded AFRIFF for immortalizing his son's legacy through this award. Herbert Wigwe, during his lifetime, was a passionate supporter of the arts, often advocating for investments in Nigeria's soft power sectors like film and music. "Seeing this event today brings me great joy. When I retired from the Nigerian Television Authority, there were no film festivals in Nigeria. What I see here is a true marketplace of ideas and creativity, a hub for Africa," Pastor Wigwe reflected, drawing a poignant contrast between the nascent stages of Nigerian media in his era and the sophisticated ecosystem exemplified by AFRIFF today.
He further elaborated on the festival's broader implications: "This festival is a force that will contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy and enhance our global recognition. It is truly gratifying to witness such progress in our creative landscape." Pastor Wigwe's words underscore AFRIFF's evolution from a modest gathering to an international powerhouse, screening films from over 50 countries, hosting masterclasses with global icons, and facilitating deals that inject millions into Africa's GDP. The festival not only celebrates completed works but fosters networking, skill-sharing, and policy dialogues that address challenges like piracy, funding shortages, and distribution bottlenecks.
Governor Oborevwori's win is part of a pattern of accolades that affirm his M.O.R.E. Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. Since assuming office, he has prioritized human capital development, including in the creative industries, recognizing them as engines of youth empowerment and economic diversification away from oil dependency. Delta's entertainment push aligns with national goals under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which Vice President Shettima, the co-recipient, also champions through cultural diplomacy.
The AFRIFF event itself was a spectacle of African ingenuity, featuring red-carpet glamour, panel discussions on topics like AI in filmmaking and sustainable production, and screenings of critically acclaimed movies. Attendees included Nollywood stars, Hollywood influencers, and policymakers, all converging to amplify Africa's voice in global cinema. Oborevwori's honor, therefore, transcends personal achievement; it symbolizes governmental buy-in to the creative sector's potential to drive Nigeria's non-oil exports, projected to reach billions in the coming years.
In conclusion, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's receipt of the Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence at AFRIFF is a resounding endorsement of Delta State's trailblazing efforts in entertainment. Through infrastructure like the upcoming film village, sustained peace, and talent nurturing, the administration is scripting a success story that could inspire other states. As Pastor Wigwe aptly put it, platforms like AFRIFF are marketplaces of ideas propelling Africa forward. With leaders like Oborevwori at the helm, Nigeria's creative industry is poised for unprecedented growth, promising jobs, innovation, and cultural dominance on the world stage. This award is not just a shine for Oborevwori—it is a beacon for Africa's entertainment renaissance.
