The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy has endorsed the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA) 2024.
In a statement, the Ministry’s Director of Press, Chindaya Ahmadu, highlighted LIFANIMA as one of Africa’s premier animation festivals, emphasising its role in advancing Nigeria’s animation industry and showcasing the nation’s creative talent on a global stage.
“Now in its seventh year, LIFANIMA has played a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s animation landscape by showcasing local talent and integrating animated content into mainstream cinema.
“Organised by Mr Muyiwa Kayode of USP Brand Management, the festival not only elevates storytelling in Nigerian films but also offers valuable opportunities for animators to refine their skills through workshops that introduce cutting-edge animation technologies. The festival further solidifies Nigeria’s position as a hub for animation, drawing international attention and promoting tourism through its dynamic programming.
According to the statement, the Ministry’s collaboration with LIFANIMA commenced in early 2024, following strategic discussions at the Omniverse Summit and was further strengthened by engagements at the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival in France.
The statement further noted that these discussions culminated in a formal partnership under the Ministry’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), aimed at significantly boosting animation capacity across Nigeria.
It read, “Through this initiative, the Ministry is equipping Nigeria’s creative sector to thrive in the rapidly expanding global animation market, projected to reach nearly $600 billion by 2030.”
“By officially endorsing LIFANIMA 2024, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to empowering young Nigerian creatives with the necessary tools and exposure to excel on the world stage. This collaboration not only amplifies local talent but also aligns with the Ministry’s vision of harnessing the creative economy for national growth and cultural preservation. LIFANIMA has become an essential conduit for global engagement, ensuring that Nigeria’s animation industry is both competitive and innovative.
“As LIFANIMA continues to grow, the Ministry looks forward to a successful festival that will spotlight Nigeria’s creative brilliance, foster international partnerships, and catalyse the next phase of growth for the nation’s vibrant animation industry.”
