Lagos: 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).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative, aimed at promoting the ideals of the National Values Charter (NVC), is a strategic effort by NOA. The NVC outlines seven national promises and seven citizen codes that define who Nigerians are, what they stand for, and the values that unite them. The theme of the 2025 challenge, ‘Who is a Real Nigerian?’, seeks to explore the true spirit of Nigerians, focusing on resilience, optimism, creativity, and a collective sense of responsibility. Through this award, animators are invited to interpret these ideals and express them through storytelling and animation, reflecting the true spirit of the people.
Participants are required to create a three-minute maximum animated short film using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion techniques that creatively explore what it means to be a real Nigerian. The focus is 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 an individual animator, a small studio, or a creative company, this platform offers an open invitation to use talent to inspire others and help shape the image of the nation through creative craft.
Issa-Onilu announced that the animation award for 2026 is designed to recognize and reward outstanding talent in the Nigerian animation industry, with three lucky winners sharing a total cash prize of N22.5 million. The top prize winner will receive N10 million, the second-place winner will earn N7.5 million, and the third-place winner will receive N5 million. These prizes underscore NOA’s commitment to fostering creativity and promoting Nigerian culture through animation.
Issa-Onilu also disclosed that beyond the financial prizes, winning entries would enjoy nationwide broadcast exposure across all NOA partner networks, including major television platforms, for three months following the LIFANIMA 2026 Awards Night. Submissions for the festival will be accepted starting in January 2026.