Afia Media, the only Nigerian broadcaster dedicated to the South-East on DStv and GOtv, has announced the launch of the Afia Annual Lecture and Awards, set for the fourth quarter of 2026 in Enugu. The initiative aims to drive dialogue on regional development and recognise individuals and institutions contributing to societal progress. The inaugural event, themed "Uwa Bu Afia: Trading Ideas for Development," draws from the Igbo expression meaning "the world is a marketplace," symbolising the region's entrepreneurial culture. It will be broadcast live on Afia TV (DStv Channel 263 and GOtv), Afia 99.3 FM Enugu, and digital platforms, reaching audiences in Nigeria and the diaspora.
The event will feature two main components: the Afia Annual Lecture, hosting high-level discussions with leaders from government, business, academia and civil society, and the Afia Awards Gala, which will honour excellence in categories such as Governance, Business Leadership, Technology and Innovation, Cultural Excellence, Diaspora Impact, Civic and Humanitarian efforts, Leadership in Education, and Youth. Organisers expect over 1,000 in-person attendees, with millions more tuning in remotely. Emeka Mba, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Afia Media, said the platform reflects the organisation's commitment to advancing the South-East's development agenda. "The South East is one of Nigeria's most entrepreneurial and culturally vibrant regions. The Afia Annual Lecture and Awards is designed to provide a credible platform for dialogue, recognition and collective action towards the region's future," Mba said.
Mrs Ijeoma Ezeasor, Director at Afia Media, emphasized the importance of the region shaping its own narrative, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence. "If we do not tell our own story, others will tell it for us," she said, noting that AI systems interpret history and influence decisions based on available data. The organisers said the platform will also serve as an annual forum to assess progress, attract investment, and strengthen public-private collaboration. Further details on nominations, partnerships and programme activities will be released in the coming months.
Emeka Mba positions Afia Media as a driver of South-East development while launching an event two years away, raising expectations without immediate deliverables. The emphasis on AI shaping narratives contrasts with the lack of current projects to document regional achievements. When the inaugural lecture is still scheduled for 2026, the immediate impact rests more on symbolism than substance.
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