As ikon Activate Deepens, Foster Partnership Between Nigeria, Uganda

Ayodeji Ake

The second edition of the Ikon Activate Award night and Symposium held recently at EbonyLife Cinemas, Lagos, brought together under one roof, celebrated actors from Nigeria and Uganda.

Speaking at the event, Humphrey Nabimanya, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), who also serves as the Visioner of Ikon Activate, expressed that the motive is to connect and celebrate the brilliant minds who are rewriting Africa’s narrative.

“The electrifying heartbeat of African storytelling, where dreams are woven into stories that captivate the world. To our extraordinary Nigerian hosts, our vibrant Ugandan delegation, our fellow filmmakers from across Africa, and every soul in this room who fuels the fire of creativity.

“The energy in this city is nothing short of magical, a living testament to the power of Nollywood and the perfect stage for uniting the unstoppable creative forces of East and West Africa. Together, we are about to ignite something extraordinary. iKON Activate is not just an event, it’s a revolution born from a dream in Kampala with the iKON Awards.

“It’s a sacred promise to educate, to connect, and to celebrate the brilliant minds who are rewriting Africa’s narrative. This is a platform to empower, to spark collaborations that transcend borders, and to shine a blazing global spotlight on the storytellers who are shaping our continent’s legacy,” Nabimanya said.

Fielding an answer to why the Ikon Active Awards took place in Lagos, Nigeria, he said, “Nollywood is a force of nature, a phenomenon that has shown the world what happens when passion, resilience, and raw talent collide. A foundation has been built that inspires us all, and today, we are here to learn from you, to partner with you, and to build bridges that will carry African cinema to heights we’ve only dared to dream. Lagos is not just a city; it’s a movement, and we are honoured to be part of it.”

Speaking further, Nabimanya added that African cinema is stronger when there is unity. “iKON Activate 2025 is proof that when we unite our voices, our stories, and our dreams, the world doesn’t just listen, it trembles in awe. We must rise, create, and show the world what Africa’s storytellers can do.”

Industry heavyweights including the president of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria, Uche Agbo; Head of Operations at Viva Cinemas Nigeria, Patrick Lee; National Secretary of the Film Distributors Association of Nigeria, Mary Ephraim-Egbas; CEO of Blue Pictures Entertainment and FDAN President, Joy Odiete; and actor-cum-director, Ramsey Nouah were present.