The Lagos State Government has called on companies and multinationals operating in Nigeria and the state to support the 2017 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) which the state is scheduled to host on June 18.
Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who represented Governor Akinwumi Ambode at the AMAA 2017 Sponsors’ Night on Thursday made the call when he said the government of the state is prepared to make the awards this year a very beautiful experience adding that the excellence which Lagos is known for will be on display during the awards.
“We are very happy that AMAA is holding this year in Lagos and for the first time in its 13 years history Lagos is hosting it officially. We are using this Sponsors’ Night event to call on businesses and corporate Nigeria to come on board and support the awards through sponsorship and I am glad that the various marketing and branding opportunities which AMAA offers sponsors have been unveiled to us.
“Let me also state that we have in Lagos, a governor who is committed to the development of the creative sector of our economy. Governor Ambode is a lover of arts and this is the reason why entertainment and tourism are key drivers in his policy agenda to create jobs and inclusive growth in Lagos. We are committed to grow the creative and tourism economy in Lagos,” Ayorinde said.
Earlier in her welcome address, AMAA founder, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, thanked United Bank for Africa, Globacom, Sterling Bank, Airtel and other companies that had sponsored and supported AMAA in the past and charged them and others to take advantage of the brand activation opportunities that AMAA as a continental award platform offers sponsors.
“Corporate organisations, especially those that have pan-African vision and targeting youths, should partner with us and we take over the whole of Africa. Film and entertainment sector generally has become big business in Africa and major contributor to GDP. AMAA has the appeal and reach with over 680 films from all over African countries and Diaspora submitted for this year’s edition. Disney Studio in America submitted four films for consideration of AMAA this year and we are very happy about this and this goes to confirm the respect and acceptability of AMAA as the most credible awards for motion picture in Africa. We want more corporate support for AMAA and not only AMAA but for the entire creative industry in Nigeria and Africa. In the days ahead we will be knocking on your doors with our sponsorship proposal,” she said.
The event was attended by the Erelu of Lagos, Abiola Dosunmu; Chief Executive of Terra Kulture, Mrs. Bolanle Austen Peters; and actors Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Doris Simon, Fred Amata, Kunle Afolayan, Kate Henshaw, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva among others.
