NOA, LIFANIMA partner to launch N22.5m Animation Award for Nigerian creatives
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in partnership with the Lagos International Festival of Animation (LIFANIMA), has opened submissions for the NOA Animation Award, offering a total prize pool of ₦22.5 million to Nigerian animators and creative storytellers.
According to the NOA, the competition forms part of the agency’s efforts to promote national identity and civic responsibility through creative storytelling by encouraging artists to interpret and communicate the ideals of the National Values Charter and the Nigerian Identity Project through animation.
In a statement made public by the agency, the 2026 edition would see participants exploring the theme, “Who is a Real Nigerian?” As revealed, contestants would be expected to reflect on the qualities of resilience, unity, integrity, optimism and the creative spirit of Nigerians during their presentation.
The organisers further indicated that the initiative seeks to harness animation and digital storytelling as tools for promoting responsible citizenship and national values, particularly among younger audiences.
Western Post confirmed that the award carries a total prize value of ₦22.5 million; with the first prize winner receiving ₦10 million, while the second and third winners getting ₦7.5 million and ₦5 million respectively.
In addition, winning entries will also receive nationwide broadcast and digital exposure for three months across partner platforms of the NOA after the LIFANIMA 2026 Awards Night.
The competition which is open exclusively to Nigerian creators will only accept submission entries of not more than three minutes and must be produced in 2D, 3D or stop-motion animation formats.
The NOA further urged interested participants to submit their entries through the official LIFANIMA platform at www.filmfreeway.com/lifanima before the July 3, 2026.
