Paul Akomolehin
DAILY COURIER – The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy has officially endorsed the 2024 edition of the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA), marking a major step in boosting Nigeria’s rapidly growing animation industry. Now in its seventh year, LIFANIMA has emerged as a key platform for showcasing Nigerian animation talent and advancing the nation’s creative potential on the global stage.
LIFANIMA, organized by Mr. Muyiwa Kayode of USP Brand Management, has been instrumental in integrating animated content into Nigeria’s mainstream cinema, elevating the quality of storytelling in local films. The festival, which includes workshops on cutting-edge animation technologies, offers Nigerian animators valuable opportunities to hone their craft. As a result, it has helped to position Nigeria as a hub for animation, attracting international attention and promoting tourism through its vibrant and dynamic programming.
The Ministry’s endorsement of LIFANIMA 2024 is the culmination of several engagements that began earlier this year. Following discussions at the Omniverse Summit and collaborations at the Annecy Animation Festival in France, the Ministry partnered with LIFANIMA under its Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP). This initiative is aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s animation capacity and preparing the country’s creative sector to thrive in the global animation market, which is projected to reach $600 billion by 2030.
Through its official support of LIFANIMA, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to empowering young Nigerian creatives by providing them with the tools and exposure they need to excel internationally. This collaboration aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision of leveraging the creative economy for national growth and cultural preservation.
"LIFANIMA has become a vital conduit for global engagement, ensuring that Nigeria’s animation industry is both competitive and innovative," said Chindaya Ahmadu, Director of Press at the Ministry. The festival not only amplifies local talent but also fosters international partnerships that contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s animation sector.
As LIFANIMA continues to expand, the Ministry anticipates a successful 2024 edition that will spotlight Nigeria’s creative brilliance and catalyse further growth in the country’s animation industry. This endorsement further highlights the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to position Nigeria as a leading player in the global creative economy.