The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has launched a new initiative to spotlight Nigeria’s creative talent: The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts. This $20,000 award is designed to support young Nigerian filmmakers aged 18 to 35 in reshaping the country’s global image through powerful storytelling and documentary filmmaking.

Announced at a press conference in Lagos, the Prize encourages the creation of short documentaries that celebrate Nigeria’s identity, challenge global stereotypes, and showcase originality and visual excellence.

Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasised the Prize as a tool for national development:  

 “The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts is an invitation for young Nigerians to own their narrative, to show the world our complexity, our brilliance, and our resilience through film,” Horsfall said. 

Entries open in February 2026, while the Prize Announcement is slated for October 2026 at NLNG’s Grand Award Night.

The Prize will be administered by the Advisory Board, chaired by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, alongside Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi and Professor Ahmed Yerima.  

Emmy-winning filmmaker Joel Benson will serve as Technical Advisor, ensuring global standards are met.

 Judging Panel will be chaired by Dr. Sam Dede (Actor & Lecturer, University of Port Harcourt), while Adeola Aderonke (Director, Historian, Producer), and George Ugwuja (International Film Producer) are members.

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Only short documentaries under 20 minutes will be accepted. Entries will be judged on storytelling craft, originality, production quality, and creativity.

NLNG’s new Prize bridges Nigeria’s vibrant youth with its dynamic creative industry, amplifying the country’s voice on the global stage. It’s a call to action for young filmmakers to turn their lens toward truth, memory, and meaning — and to help shape the narrative of a resilient, brilliant Nigeria.

‘Devil is a Liar’, a gripping drama about a realtor whose life spirals after welcoming the wrong man into her world, leads Nigeria’s Netflix film chart this week.

The movie, praised for its suspenseful storytelling and emotional depth, explores themes of trust, betrayal and survival, resonating with Nigerian viewers and keeping it firmly at number one.

‘Welcome to Sudden Death’, an action-packed film about a security guard who must rescue his children after criminals seize a basketball arena, secured second place on the chart.

The high-energy thriller has earned attention for its fast-paced fight scenes and tense storyline, making it a popular pick among Nigerian action film lovers.

In third place is ‘Maa’, a dramatic tale that highlights family bonds, sacrifice and resilience, appealing strongly to audiences who favour films with strong emotional cores.

Comedy took centre stage in fourth with ‘One of Them Days’, a light-hearted story offering comic relief to viewers seeking humour amidst heavier chart-topping dramas.

Romantic drama ‘Fall For Me’ landed fifth, exploring love, heartbreak and second chances, while the crime thriller ‘The Courier’ placed sixth, adding intrigue to the week’s list.

In seventh position is ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’, a fantasy-driven adventure combining music and supernatural battles, while ‘Abandoned Man’, a gritty drama, claimed the eighth spot.

‘Gold Rush Gang’, a heist-centred film filled with ambition and betrayal, ranked ninth on the list, reflecting Nigerians’ growing appetite for thrillers centred on high stakes.

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Rounding off the chart is horror movie ‘Conwebs’, whose chilling plot and jump-scare moments have captivated fans of the genre, completing Nigeria’s current Netflix top 10. 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has formally recognised the Sango Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, has presented UNESCO’s certificate on the inscription to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Majesty Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I.

The Newsmen reports that the minister made the presentation at the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival held over the weekend in Oyo State.

Musawa stated that the achievement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

According to her, the feat is a demonstration of the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage and promoting it as a tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

The minister lauded the collaborative efforts between her Ministry and the Oyo community, noting that the recognition aligns with the federal government’s broader goals of cultural promotion, employment generation, wealth creation, and community empowerment.

“I heartily congratulate Your Imperial Majesty, the new Sango Chief Priest, the Oyo community, and indeed the entire Yoruba nation on the grand finale of the 2025 World Sango Festival.

“The  Sango Festival has now attained global recognition with its inscription by UNESCO on the Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“This is made possible by effective collaboration between the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Oyo Community.

“This milestone firmly places Sango’s rich heritage on the world stage and underscores its importance as a shared global heritage.

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“This achievement is a shining gain of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, through our Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding our rich cultural heritage as a powerful tool for international diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

“The foregoing further strengthens the foundation of our strong cultural identity, geared towards employment generation and wealth creation for sustainable development, empowerment of the host community, and Nigeria,” she said.

In his remarks, Alaafin of Oyo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the ministry for their renewed commitment to expanding Nigeria’s culture and heritage, which has led to the remarkable feat.

The monarch reiterated the Oyo Kingdom’s cooperation with the administration and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to further promote Nigeria’s cultural identity on the global stage.

The 2025 Sango Festival, which drew dignitaries from within and outside the country, served as the backdrop for the certificate presentation.

It highlights the festival’s significance as a cultural treasure and a symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage.