Governor Oborevwori Receives Excellence Award at Warri International Film Festival 2025: A Landmark Event for Nigeria’s Creative Economy- Check It Out Now

Published on December 14, 2025

The Warri International Film Festival (WARRIFF), held in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, recently concluded its inaugural edition, attracting over 5,000 attendees and celebrating the vibrancy of the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood. This event, which took place from December 8 to December 12, 2025, was a monumental occasion for the country’s growing film tourism sector and also marked a significant moment for Warri as a cultural and creative hub. One of the high points of the festival was the Award of Excellence presented to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in recognition of his ongoing support for Nollywood and the transformation of Warri into a thriving urban center.

Governor Oborevwori’s recognition was not just an accolade for personal achievement but a testament to the larger developmental strides under his leadership. The event highlighted the growing intersection between urban regeneration and film tourism, where Warri has emerged as a key player in Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy. This new focus on film tourism brings to light the increasing significance of Warri as a desirable destination for both domestic and international visitors, especially for those interested in Nigeria’s cinematic landscape.

Warri International Film Festival: A New Era for Film Tourism in Nigeria

The Warri International Film Festival (WARRIFF) was founded in 2021 with a commitment to celebrating the art of filmmaking while contributing to the development of the region’s economy. Set in the heart of Warri, the festival was conceptualized to offer a platform for both local and international filmmakers, helping them showcase their work to a global audience. By emphasizing inclusivity, WARRIFF ensures that filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are able to participate, irrespective of their region, country, or cultural background.

For those seeking authentic experiences, Warri is quickly becoming a prominent cultural tourism destination. The festival brought together people from all walks of life: filmmakers, cultural promoters, and other stakeholders from the creative sector. The presence of international filmmakers has increased Warri’s visibility as a destination that celebrates both local and global cultures. This not only promotes the city’s artistic heritage but also drives tourism and economic growth in the region. The annual event serves as a cornerstone in Delta State’s tourism strategy, leveraging the growing interest in Nigerian cinema to boost the local economy.

The festival’s mission goes beyond showcasing films. It offers an educational touch with a diverse program of seminars, training, and master classes. These events provide filmmakers with invaluable knowledge and equip them with new skills, fostering collaboration between Nigerian and international artists. By focusing on the creative economy, WARRIFF also contributes to job creation and local development, drawing attention to Warri as an emerging film production hub in West Africa.

Governor Oborevwori’s Award: A Reflection of Leadership and Vision

The Award of Excellence given to Governor Oborevwori underscores his commitment to transforming Warri through infrastructure renewal, urban regeneration, and creating a conducive environment for the creative industries to thrive. Under his leadership, Delta State has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure, including better roads, urban beautification, and enhanced security measures, all of which make the city more attractive to tourists and filmmakers.

The award ceremony, which took place during the closing event of WARRIFF 2025, was a celebration of the city’s achievements in film, culture, and urban development. In addition to the recognition of Governor Oborevwori, other notable figures in the creative sector were honored, including a representative from the Warri Federal Constituency and the Chairman of Warri South Local Government. These recognitions highlight how public leadership and local government initiatives can foster collaboration between government and the creative industry.

By supporting Nollywood and the film industry, Governor Oborevwori’s administration is playing a critical role in the transformation of Warri into a key tourism and cultural destination in Nigeria. The city’s transformation has positioned it as a prominent place to visit for those wanting to experience the unique combination of artistic expression, cultural diversity, and economic rejuvenation.

Film Tourism: A Catalyst for Local Economic Development

One of the most exciting outcomes of the Warri International Film Festival is its potential to drive tourism to Delta State. The festival provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore Warri’s local attractions, such as its vibrant commercial districts, cultural institutions, and the beautiful Niger Delta region. Warri’s tourism infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation, benefits greatly from the influx of visitors attending the festival. This not only enhances the region’s economic resilience but also solidifies Warri’s place on the map as a growing cultural hub in Nigeria.

The increased focus on film tourism in Warri means that local businesses can look forward to increased exposure to international markets. The city’s role as a creative industry center is expanding, and with the continued support from state and local government, it will undoubtedly attract more investment in the entertainment sector. Moreover, the establishment of a film village in 2026, as announced by the Warri South Local Government Chairman, will further boost the city’s status as a major destination for filmmakers and creative professionals.

This commitment to film tourism and urban regeneration presents a long-term vision for Warri’s economic growth, helping the city to establish itself as a leader in the Nigerian film industry. Additionally, with initiatives like the film village, Warri will create opportunities for filmmakers to not only produce their works in the region but also for international collaborators to take part in the burgeoning creative economy.

The Role of Government in Fostering Cultural and Economic Growth

The development of Warri as a film tourism destination is a prime example of how government support for the creative sector can yield tangible benefits for both the local economy and national tourism. Governor Oborevwori’s recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of his administration’s broader commitment to building a thriving creative economy. By investing in infrastructure, public safety, and the arts, the government is creating a more inviting and economically vibrant environment that attracts tourists, artists, and investors alike.

The Warri International Film Festival has set a benchmark for future cultural events in Nigeria, showcasing how festivals and public-private partnerships can drive both economic growth and cultural awareness. As Warri continues to develop, the creative sector will play a significant role in positioning the city as a global tourism destination, contributing to Nigeria’s broader goal of becoming a powerhouse in the global film industry.

Conclusion: A Vision for Warri’s Creative and Economic Future

Governor Oborevwori’s receipt of the Award of Excellence at the Warri International Film Festival 2025 symbolizes his dedication to the revitalization of Warri and his commitment to the growth of the creative economy in Nigeria. The festival’s success illustrates how film tourism can help transform Warri into a thriving cultural hub, creating new opportunities for filmmakers, entertainers, and local businesses. With further investments in infrastructure and creative initiatives, Warri is poised to become a global destination for cultural and film tourism, offering a dynamic blend of history, culture, and creativity.

As Nigeria continues to build on the momentum generated by events like WARRIFF, Warri’s place in the international film and tourism community is only set to grow. The Warri International Film Festival has set the stage for even greater things in the years to come, with Governor Oborevwori’s leadership serving as an inspiration for future development and collaboration in the Nigerian creative sector.