Afia Media unveils annual lecture, awards to drive South-East development

Afia Media, Nigeria’s only broadcaster dedicated to the South-East on the DStv and GOtv platforms, has unveiled the Afia Annual Lecture and Awards, a new initiative aimed at driving conversations on the region’s development while recognising individuals and institutions making outstanding contributions to society.

The platform is designed as an annual gathering that will bring together leaders from government, business, academia, culture and civil society to discuss the future of the South-East through policy dialogue, thought leadership and collaboration.

The inaugural edition, themed “Uwa Bu Afia: Trading Ideas for Development,” is scheduled to hold in the fourth quarter of 2026 in Enugu. The event will be broadcast live on Afia TV (DStv Channel 263 and GOtv), Afia 99.3 FM Enugu, and streamed digitally to audiences across Nigeria and the diaspora.

According to the organisers, the initiative will provide a platform for policymakers, business leaders, academics, innovators, creatives, development partners and other stakeholders to examine opportunities and address the challenges facing the South-East.

Speaking on the initiative, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Afia Media, Emeka Mba, said the platform reflects the organisation’s commitment to advancing the region’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.

The event will feature two major segments: the Afia Annual Lecture, which will host high-level discussions involving public and private sector leaders, policymakers and development stakeholders, and the Afia Awards Gala, where individuals and institutions making significant contributions to society will be honoured.

Organisers said the maiden edition is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants physically, while millions more will follow proceedings through television, radio and online platforms.

Explaining the choice of theme, “Uwa Bu Afia,” an Igbo expression meaning “the world is a marketplace,” the organisers said it reflects the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience and innovative culture that have long defined the South-East.

Speaking on its significance, Mrs. Ijeoma Ezeasor, Director at Afia Media, stressed the importance of preserving and promoting the region’s story in an increasingly digital and artificial intelligence-driven world.

“If we do not tell our own story, others will tell it for us. We are entering an era where artificial intelligence is shaping conversations, interpreting history and influencing decisions based on the information available to it. If the South-East does not deliberately document its achievements, define its aspirations and contribute its perspective to global conversations, others will define us on our behalf. ‘Uwa Bu Afia’ is therefore a call to think critically about our future, confront our challenges honestly and shape the narrative of our region in a rapidly changing world,” she said.

Beyond recognising excellence, the organisers said the platform will serve as an annual forum to assess regional progress, stimulate policy conversations, attract investment, encourage innovation and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The Afia Awards will honour excellence across categories including Governance, Business Leadership, Technology and Innovation, Cultural Excellence, Diaspora Impact, Civic and Humanitarian, Leadership in Education, and Youth.

Afia Media added that details of nominations, partnerships and other programme activities will be announced in the coming months, with the long-term goal of establishing the initiative as a lasting institution for regional storytelling, excellence and sustainable development in the South-East.