Prof. Azaiki Accepts Role as Patron of Bayelsa International Film Festival

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – May 19, 2025

In a momentous step toward the 2025 edition of the Bayelsa International Film Festival (BIFF), the festival’s organizing team held a successful meeting and deliberation with esteemed scholar, statesman, and cultural advocate, Professor Steve Azaiki, during which he was officially named the Patron of the festival. The meeting, held in Yenagoa, culminated in Prof. Azaiki graciously accepting the role, pledging his full support for the festival’s vision and goals.

As part of the deliberations, the BIFF organizers also announced the creation of a special honorary award titled “The Azaiki Award for Impact and Inspiration”. The award will be presented annually during the festival to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to societal development and the promotion of African identity through film, literature, culture, or public service.

Prof. Azaiki, visibly moved by the gesture, expressed gratitude for the recognition and lauded the team for their commitment to the arts and cultural heritage. “It is a great honor to be part of this noble initiative,” he stated. “The Bayelsa International Film Festival is not just about cinema—it is about telling our stories, shaping our identity, and inspiring the next generation. I commend the organizers for their bold vision and assure them of my full support.”

Professor Steve Sinikiem Azaiki, OON, is a distinguished academic, author, former federal lawmaker, and public intellectual. A former Presidential Adviser and National Coordinator of the National Think Tank, Prof. Azaiki is known for his decades-long commitment to education, youth development, and the promotion of the Ijaw culture. He is the Founder of the Azaiki Foundation and the Niger Delta Museum, and has authored several books addressing socio-economic development, national integration, and environmental justice. His work has earned him numerous national and international honors.

The 2025 Bayelsa International Film Festival is scheduled to hold from September 3rd to 6th in Yenagoa, the capital city of Bayelsa State. This year’s edition is set to feature a rich blend of film screenings, masterclasses, industry panels, and cultural showcases, bringing together filmmakers, scholars, and creatives from across Nigeria, Africa, and the global diaspora.

With the support of Prof. Azaiki as Patron, BIFF is poised to scale new heights in its mission to spotlight indigenous stories and empower Africa’s next generation of storytellers.

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