National Orientation Agency NOA, has unveiled a new animation award, with a total cash prize of N22,500,000.
The award was unveiled at the 9th Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA on Thursday 9th October, 2025.
This project is being implemented in partnership with LIFANIMA.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the project is a unique opportunity for our creative community to engage with the Nigerian Identity Project—an initiative of the NOA aimed at promoting the ideals captured in the National Values Charter (NVC).
According to him, “The NVC outlines seven national promises and seven citizen codes that define who we are, what we stand for, and the values that unite us as Nigerians. Through this award, we invite our animators to interpret these ideals and express them through the powerful art of storytelling and animation”.
Speaking further at the event, he revealed the theme for this year’s challenge as: “Who is a Real Nigerian?” a question which according to him, goes beyond appearances or geography but invites reflection on the true spirit of our people —our resilience, our optimism, our creativity, and our collective sense of responsibility.
Participants are required to create a three-minute maximum animated short film, using 2D, 3D, or stop-motion techniques, that creatively explores what it means to be a Real Nigerian.
The focus is not on the form of animation, but on the strength of the narrative—the story that connects with our shared identity and national values.
“This competition is exclusive to Nigerians, designed to empower local creators and strengthen national pride. Whether you are an individual animator, a small studio, or a creative company, this platform belongs to you. It is an open invitation to use your talent to inspire others and help shape the image of our nation through your craft,” Issa-Onilu said.
The NOA Animation Award 2026 offers a total prize value of N22,500,000:
₦10 million for the first prize,
₦7.5 million for the second, and
₦5 million for the third.
Beyond the financial prizes, winning entries will enjoy nationwide broadcast exposure across all NOA partner networks, including major television platforms, for a period of three months following the LIFANIMA 2026 Awards Night.
All entries are to be submitted online through FilmFreeway (www.filmfreeway.com/lifanima), consistent with the regular LIFANIMA submission process. The deadline for entries will coincide with the festival’s normal submission period in June 2026.
The Festival will start receiving submissions to the competition in January 2026.