Rivers State has announced that it would host the 2020 edition of the All African Music Awards popularly called AFRIMA in Port Harcourt.

State Governor Nyesom Wike, who made the announcement said the state accepted to host the 7th edition of the event as part of efforts to restore the glorious days of the Garden City and recreate its vibrancy.

The AFRIMA which is one of the most glamorous and biggest musical awards in the African continent will further promote Governor Wike's effort to showcase the peace and hospitality of Rivers State to the world, as well as provide a solid platform for her exuberant youths in the creative enterprise to showcase themselves.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, made this known, on behalf of the Governor when management board of AFRIMA visited him on a courtesy call on Wednesday.

Dr Danagogo added that AFRIMA held in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AU), will boost the state's economic growth, strengthen and promote the cultural identity and integration of Africans to the world.

'As host State vis-a-vis host nation, I believe our gains are immense. Apart from showcasing our peculiar culture in music and hospitality to the rest of Africa and the World, our young creative artists and stars stand to gain from those ahead of them with vast experiences in the music and creative industry', he said.

He emphasized that the good people of Rivers State are open to receiving the surge of visitors and stakeholders that would troupe into the State during the AFRIMA event.

The President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said AFRIMA was established to reward and celebrate musical works, talents and creativity around the African continent.

He noted that, apart from the main AFRIMA award ceremony, the host city stands to benefit from having the AFRIMA Music Village, AFRIMA Music Business Summit, a tour of the host city, amongst other events.

The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Special Service Bureau Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr George C Nwaeke.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan