coder After it was hosted by
Governor Nysom Wike of Rivers State, last year, this year’s Africa
Movies Academic
Awards, AMAA, is billed to take place in Lagos. Governor
Akinwunmi Ambode, Thursday, confirmed the good news when he announced plans by his administration to begin a total revamping of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos by April.

Ambode made this disclosure when he played host to
officials of the Africa Movies Academic Awards, AMAA, led by
its President, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

He expressed optimism of his
administration’s plan to give the National Arts Theatre a face
lift ahead of the AMAA
ceremony coming up later in the year.
“I want to also say that I am very particular about the venue of the AMAA, so we will use everything possible to make sure that the National Arts Theatre is ready.
“We are in a process and before the month ends, we should have something to start
doing within the first week of April to getting the whole place ready,” he said.
Ambode said that he was very much committed to seeing the creative arts industry thrive, hence the recent interventions by the government in recent
times.

The governor said that the hosting of the AMAA event in Lagos would add more
glamour to the celebration of the state’s Golden Jubilee and showcase its hospitality to the
continent.

Responding, Anyiam-Osigwe commended the governor for his interest in the creative industry, saying that it has
given the sector a major boost in recent time.
“It is amazing to have a governor who is like a family that seems to understand what our needs are.

We have never had a governor of Lagos State who has shown
so much deep interest in Nollywood,” she said. She said the 2017 AMAA ceremony, the 13th in the series would feature films from 72 countries
with over 23,000 guests from across the African continent
vying for various awards.