By Oluwatope Lawanson
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has unveiled a N22.5 million creative animation award to promote national identity.
The Director-General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.
He stated that the project, a unique opportunity for the creative community to engage with the Nigerian Identity Project, is being implemented in partnership with the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA).
He said that it was an initiative of NOA, aimed at promoting the ideals of the National Values Charter (NVC).
He explained that “the NVC outlines seven national promises and seven citizen codes that define who we are, what we stand for, and the values that unite us as Nigerians.
“The theme of the 2025 challenge is ‘Who is a Real Nigerian?’, which explores the true spirit of Nigerians, including resilience, optimism, creativity and collective sense of responsibility.
“Through this award, we invite our animators to interpret these ideals and express them through the powerful art of storytelling and animation.
“The theme goes beyond appearances or geography but reflections on the true spirit of the people.”
He added that participants are required to create a three-minute maximum animated short film using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion techniques that creatively explored what it meant to be a real Nigerian.
He further added that the focus was not on the form of animation, but on the strength of the narrative, the story that connects with the shared identity and national values.
“This competition is exclusive to Nigerians, designed to empower local creators and strengthen national pride.
“Whether you are an individual animator, a small studio, or a creative company, this platform belongs to you.
“It is an open invitation to use your talent to inspire others and help to shape the image of our nation through your craft,” he said.
Issa-Onilu also said that the animation award 2026 is designed to recognise and reward outstanding talent in the Nigerian animation industry, with three lucky winners going home with the total cash prize of N22.5 million.
He announced that the top prize winner will receive N10 million, the second-place winner will walk away with N7.5 million, while the third-place winner will receive N5 million.
“These prizes are testaments to NOA’s commitment to fostering creativity and promoting Nigerian culture through animation,” he said.
Issa-Onilu also disclosed that beyond the financial prizes, winning entries would enjoy nationwide broadcast exposure across all NOA partner networks.
According to him, this include major television platforms for a period of three months following the LIFANIMA 2026 Awards Night.
He said the festival would start receiving submissions in January 2026.
He noted that all entries are to be submitted online through www.FilmFreeway.com/lifanima, adding that deadline for entries will coincide with the festival’s normal submission period in June 2026. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
