Lagos to host AMAA 2017
This year’s edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) will be hosted by the Lagos State government. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, according to a release by Habib Aruna, his Chief Press Secretary announced on Thursday that plans were concluded to begin a total revamping of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos by April in time for AMAA ceremony holding in the State later in the year.
Ambode, said this when he hosted AMAA officials led by its President, Ms. Peace AnyiamOsigwe at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
He said: “I want to also say that I am very particular about the venue of the AMAA, so we would use everything possible to make sure that the National Arts Theatre is ready. We are in a process and before the month ends, we should have something to start doing within the first week of April to getting the whole place ready,” he said.
Also speaking on the State’s upcoming May 27 Golden Jubilee, the Governor said that the hosting of the AMAA event in Lagos would add more glamour to the celebration of the State’s Golden Jubilee and showcase its hospitality to the continent and the world at large.
He said: “This is a very historic moment for us in Lagos. In 2017 we are celebrating the existence of Lagos for 50 years. If you look at the calendar, you would wonder in what ways and manner can we celebrate Lagos.
“Without your sector, there is no Lagos. So, when we say 50 years, we are talking about 50 years of history, so somebody documents it, somebody dramatizes it, and then somebody keeps it, so that those who are yet unborn would see it, so even when we are not there, it would be displayed through your creative talents,” he said.
While officially accepting the hosting rights for AMAA 2017, Governor Ambode said the State would take advantage of the opportunity to boost its tourism mileage beyond Lagos @ 50.
Anyiam-Osigwe had earlier commended the Governor for his interest in the creative industry, saying that it has given the sector a major boost in recent time.
She said: “It’s amazing to have a Governor who is like a family that seems to understand what our needs are. We’ve never had a Governor of Lagos State who has shown so much deep interest in Nollywood.”
She also said the 2017 AMAA ceremony, the 13th in the series would feature films from 72 countries with over 3,000 guests from across the African who will attend awards.