The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union highlights the Durbar festival’s role in addressing cultural and social issues, promoting unity, and boosting the local economy.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has emphasised the significance of the Durbar festival in Ilorin.

Alhaji AbdulMumini AbdulMalik, President of the union, revealed that the festival was introduced by the Emir of Ilorin as part of a cultural revival effort aimed at addressing both cultural and social issues.

Also read: Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

The Durbar festival is designed to counteract the negative effects of external influences on local youth by fostering unity and encouraging positive social interactions.

It strengthens community bonds and supports the local economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality sectors.

By providing a cultural alternative to un-Islamic and traditional carnivals, the Durbar festival offers a constructive outlet for youth.

AbdulMalik also praised State Governor Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq for his development efforts, which are enhancing Ilorin’s status as a prominent state capital.

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) will showcase over 1,100 entries from 112 countries. The festival, held from October 29 to 31, highlights global and African talent, with significant submissions from the US, Nigeria, and France.

The 2024 Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) is set to feature an impressive 1,106 entries from 112 countries, marking its position as one of Africa’s premier animation festivals.

The festival will run from October 29 to 31 and promises to be a significant event for showcasing animation talent on a global scale.

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The United States has led with the highest number of submissions, contributing 142 short films, while Nigeria tops the list of African countries with 28 entries.

South Africa follows with 19 submissions. In Europe, France leads with 62 entries, with the United Kingdom trailing with 46 submissions.

Festival founder and director Muyiwa Kayode expressed gratitude for the continued support of the Bank of Industry, which is sponsoring the event for the second consecutive year.

Kayode emphasized that this support highlights the bank’s recognition of the creative industry as a vital economic growth sector.

LIFANIMA, established in 2016, aims to promote African animation and is endorsed by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB).

In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Embassy of France in Nigeria, the festival covers various animation forms and visual effects, awarding entries in five categories: 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion animation, visual effects, and animation commercials.

The festival will feature screenings of selected works, award presentations, networking opportunities, and entertainment.

As the second-largest animation film festival in Africa, LIFANIMA continues to play a crucial role in celebrating and advancing the animation industry on the continent.

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has announced that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will take place this September. This year’s event promises to be uniquely different with a display of arts, culture, entertainment, traditional cuisines, and tourism activities.

The Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has revealed that the 2024 Arochukwu New Yam Festival, also known as the Ikeji Festival, will be held this September.

Speaking during a global Zoom session, ‘Ububo Eze Aro n’Umu Aro’, with over 375 participants, the monarch stated that this year’s festival will feature a wide array of arts, culture, entertainment, and traditional cuisines, making it a uniquely exciting experience for all attendees.

Also read: Cross River State Priorities Agriculture at Leboku Yam Festival

Eze Dr Oji emphasised that the 2024 Ikeji Festival will stand out from previous years, with the reintroduction of traditional delicacies and classical activities that were popular in the past.

The festival will span four special days dedicated to welcoming visitors, friends, family, and tourists from around the world to celebrate in Arochukwu.

The monarch expressed his vision for transforming Arochukwu into a year-round tourism destination, attracting visitors every month with various cultural events.

He also highlighted efforts to ensure peace within the kingdom, positioning Arochukwu as not only a cultural hub but also an economic and industrial zone.

These initiatives are aimed at boosting tourism and making Arochukwu a key destination in Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.