Abeokuta, My Second Home- Minister For Arts, Culture, Tourism Ms Musawa
The 2026 edition of the Abeokuta Film Festival, held on the 28th of May 2026.
The event was officially declared open by the Honorable Minister Arts Culture tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa.
In her opening speech, she commended the convener and organisers of the festival after paying homage to the Kabiyesi Alake of Egbaland, Oba Dr Michael Adedotun Arẹmu Gbadebo.
The Minister also visited the home of Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka in Abeokuta.
The Minister said Abeokuta is her second home apart from Katsina because of the hospitality and reception she gets each time she visits the historic city.
The Minister further buttressed the fact that Abeokuta is the home of notable arts, culture and literary Icons with Fela Kuti and Kizz Daniel Music, Wọle Soyinka, Obasanjo, MKO Abiola and others as Global Icons. Aare Dr. Lai Labode Jnr.
Also who is one of the patrons of the Abeokuta Film Festival, was also named by the Honorable Minister as the Aare of Africa.Having brought over forty countries cultural ambassadors to the recent Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta.
Royal evergreen awards was given to the Alake of Egbaland through Ààrẹ of Egba land, Dr Lai Labode Jnr. while the executive director of the National films and Video Censors Board Dr. Shaibu Hussain was given a meritorious award for his Great impact on the Film and Creative industry in Nigeria.
The award of the Executive Director NFVCB was presented to him by the Hon. minister who commended the Director and agreed that the Festival Organizer on the Honor to Dr Shaibu Hussein.
Other highpoints of the Abeokuta Film Festival this year includes special recognition of former Ogun state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, whose contribution to Abeokuta Films, Arts and Culture Projects including the construction of the massive Pavilion in which event is taken place was put on record.
The children embrace the Minister who took her time to celebrate the future leaders as the season of children’s day celebration too.
Lai Labode ‘COUTURE’ also featured with the EGBALIGANZA Fashion display from the patron, cultural dances and the shows of Nigerian Films nominations and awards.
The Minister was accompanied by her Senior Special assistant, Hadiza Musa, Omoba Doyin Diya and others.
Hon. Kehinde Soaga appreciated the Honorable Minister for her dedication and commitment to her official duty by leaving her Katsina State down to Abeokuta on public holidays for the festival.
