Afia Media, Nigeria’s only broadcaster dedicated to the South-East on the DStv and GOtv platforms, has announced the launch of the Afia Annual Lecture and Awards, an initiative conceived to bring together leaders from government, business, academia, culture and civil society to discuss the future of the South-East and celebrate excellence across the geo-political zone.
The initiative is expected to become an annual gathering focused on thought leadership, policy dialogue, regional development and the recognition of outstanding contributions to society.
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 Annual Lecture and Awards are designed as a platform that will convene policymakers, business leaders, academics, innovators, creatives, development partners and other stakeholders to examine opportunities and challenges facing the South-East.
Speaking on the initiative, Emeka Mba, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Afia Media, said the platform reflects the organisation’s commitment to amplifying the voices, aspirations and development priorities of the region.
“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 programme will feature two major segments: the Afia Annual Lecture, bringing together public and private sector leaders, policymakers and development stakeholders for high-level conversations on the future of the region, and the Afia Awards Gala, celebrating individuals and institutions making significant contributions to society.
Organisers said the event is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants physically, while millions more are projected to follow proceedings through television, radio and online broadcasts.
The theme, “Uwa Bu Afia,” derived from the Igbo expression meaning “the world is a marketplace,” was chosen to reflect the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience and innovative capacity that have long defined the people of the South-East.
Speaking on the theme’s significance, Mrs. Ijeoma Ezeasor, Director at Afia Media, said the region must take ownership of its narrative in an increasingly digital and AI-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.”
The platform will serve as an annual opportunity to evaluate regional progress, stimulate policy conversations, encourage investment, promote innovation and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The Afia Awards will recognise individuals and institutions making outstanding contributions to regional development, across categories including Governance, Business Leadership, Technology and Innovation, Cultural Excellence, Diaspora Impact, Civic and Humanitarian, Leadership in Education, and Youth.
Nominations, partnership opportunities and additional programme details will be announced in the coming months.
Afia Media said it intends for the initiative to evolve into a lasting institution that promotes regional storytelling, celebrates achievement and contributes to the long-term development of the South-East.
