By Stanley Okehie
The Imo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Mandela Ukaegbu has pledged the ministry’s partnership and support for the successful hosting of the second edition of the Imo International Film Festival (IIFF).
Dr. Ukaegbu made the pledge when the organizers of the festival paid him a courtesy visit at his office in the State Secretariat, Owerri.
The Commissioner said the ministry remains committed to supporting indigenous initiatives that promote youth development and creativity, describing the Imo International Film Festival as a laudable project with immense potential for empowering young people in the state.
He commended the organizers for the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the festival and assured them of the ministry’s support to ensure an even more successful second edition.
Dr. Ukaegbu noted that the festival aligns with the ministry’s vision of discovering, nurturing and promoting youth talents across different creative sectors.
He also highlighted the ongoing Nigeria-Japan Youth Game Creator Contest in the state, which focuses on transforming African stories into digital games. He encouraged Imo youths with storytelling and filmmaking skills to participate in the competition and showcase their creativity on the global stage.
Earlier, the President of the Imo International Film Festival, Hon. Chikezie Don Nkemdirim, said the visit was to formally inform the Commissioner about the forthcoming festival and seek the ministry’s partnership.
He disclosed that the three-day festival will commence on July 23 and climax with an awards ceremony on July 25, 2026, at Golden Vista Hotel, Owerri.
Hon. Nkemdirim invited Dr. Ukaegbu to deliver the keynote address at the event, explaining that the festival is designed to celebrate film, arts and youth creativity while building the capacity of emerging filmmakers and other creative talents in Imo State.
He added that participants will benefit from a rich lineup of activities, including masterclasses, practical filmmaking sessions, film screenings, a tour of the famous Oguta Lake, networking opportunities and other engaging events.