The Afro-Heritage Broadcasting and Entertaining Awards (AHBEA), a renowned intercontinental platform recognizing the achievements of Africans and their descendants in tourism, entertainment, and broadcasting, has formally proposed Ekiti State as host for its 2025 Pre-Award event.
Led by Ambassador Yomi Fashlanso, a delegation from AHBEA visited the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to deliver a formal proposal addressed to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The proposal outlines plans to host the prestigious Pre-Award gathering in Ekiti during the third week of September 2025.
The team was received by the Director General of the Bureau, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq., who assured the delegation of the State Government’s attention and commitment to reviewing the proposal promptly.
The AHBEA team also held consultative meetings with Hon. Olalekan Ijidale, Director General of Ekiti State Local Content, and Mr. Ayo Ojo, Technical Advisor to the Governor on Youth Inclusion, as part of efforts to broaden engagement for the event.
According to Ambassador Fashlanso, the proposed event will attract past award recipients and 2025 nominees from across the African continent, creating a historic cultural convergence in Ekiti State. “Ekiti has been identified as a strategic location due to its iconic, organic tourist assets. We believe this event will amplify the global visibility of Ekiti’s cultural richness and tourism potential,” he said.
Now in its ninth edition, the AHBEA Awards have become a global celebration of African excellence. While the main award ceremony is scheduled to take place in the United States in October 2025, the proposed Pre-Award event in Ekiti aims to serve as a major cultural and entertainment tourism activation.
If approved, the event is expected to boost international tourism, drive economic activity in Ekiti, and foster cross-cultural collaborations.
AHBEA has previously honored outstanding Africans from various countries and the diaspora, recognizing their impact across media, entertainment, and human development.
The Ekiti State Government is expected to review the proposal and provide a formal response in the coming weeks.
