Entertainments
AFRIFF 2025: David Oyelowo, Flavour, Gov. Peter Mbah, Hakeem Muri-Okunola Receive Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence
The 2025 edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) concluded in remarkable style at the AFRIFF Globe Awards, held at the prestigious Banquet Hall of the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.
This year’s honorees were a distinguished group of creatives and public figures: David Oyelowo, the internationally respected Hollywood actor known for elevating African stories on global platforms; Flavour, one of Nigeria’s most popular musicians and a cultural force whose sound resonates across generations; Governor Peter Mbah, recognised for his reform-driven governance and efforts to enhance infrastructure and economic development in Enugu State; and Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Secretary to the President of Nigeria, celebrated for his administrative expertise and commitment to youth-focused initiatives.
Herbert Wigwe’s connection to AFRIFF was both strategic and deeply personal. Through his guidance and support, the festival broadened its influence in talent development, educational collaborations, and international co-productions. He facilitated AFRIFF’s access to financial institutions, opened doors to training opportunities for emerging African filmmakers, and promoted collaborations that merged storytelling with business innovation. His contributions helped shape AFRIFF into a dynamic platform featuring tech labs, masterclasses, and funding avenues for young creatives—extending its purpose beyond film screenings.
Wigwe’s passion for narrative as a tool for development was also reflected in his investments in education and youth empowerment. He championed the establishment of Wigwe University, envisioned to become one of Africa’s leading institutions with a strong emphasis on leadership and creativity. His broader ambition was to nurture a generation of Africans capable of excelling not only in finance but also in culture, media, and innovation.
The 2025 AFRIFF Globe Awards embodied this vision, bringing together industry leaders, creatives, and public figures to celebrate heritage, innovation, and forward-thinking.
The Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence, launched in 2024, honours the legacy of Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, the late Group CEO of Access Holdings. More than an award, it represents a movement that celebrates bold leadership, visionary ideas, and catalytic influence. AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude described it as “a legacy tool to keep Herbert’s vision alive—a man who passionately believed in Africa’s global potential, especially through the creative economy.” She noted that Wigwe supported AFRIFF with not just resources but conviction, valuing impact-driven storytelling and mentorship. According to her, he viewed the festival as a platform to amplify African voices and believed that creativity and culture could reshape Africa’s place in the world.
The evening concluded with a captivating performance by the Lord Urban Choir, whose harmonies enveloped the audience and brought the ceremony to a warm and inspiring close.
Media Contact
Latasha Ngwube, Head AFRIFF PR & Media Relations
Email: prforfestival@gmail.com
Website: www.afriff.com