“Chris on the Bike” in Badagry as the  Badagry International Film Festival Comes to an End.

Chris, a long-distance cyclist from Germany, recently wrapped up his journey in Badagry, Nigeria, as part of his goal to cycle through countries all over the world. For Chris, each country holds a unique significance, as he is inspired by the people, culture, landscape, and nature he encounters. With Nigeria marking his 120th country visited out of the 193 UN member states, Chris’s bicycle trip aimed to promote the sporting activities of the Badagry International Film Cultural and Sports Festival (BIFIF). Having explored places like Elmina, Cape Coast, and Accra, with their rich historical connection to the slave trade, Chris was eager to explore the exhibitions and attractions in Badagry. With well-documented cycling tours totaling over 125 since 1981, Chris completed an impressive 130,000 kilometers on his bike tour through Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria.

 

During his visit, Chris had the pleasure of meeting Viyon Awhanse, a remarkable filmmaker and community advocate, along with his team from the Badagry International Film Festival. They had fascinating discussions about Chris’s achievement of reaching his 120th UN-cycling country while in southwestern Nigeria, as well as surpassing 130,000 kilometers in his bike trips overall. Chris saw this as a meaningful opportunity to encourage more tourists to visit the historical town of Badagry.

To further promote cultural exchange and celebrate the intersection of film, culture, and sports, Chris had the honour of officially launching the 2nd edition of the Badagry International Film Cultural and Sports Festival. Set to take place in November 2024, this event is poised to not only enhance the reputation of Badagry but also attract a diverse range of individuals passionate about film and sports.

 

However, Badagry International Film Cultural & Sports Festival (BIFIF)  received over 3,030 movie submissions worldwide on filmfreeway.com, and  hosted over 2,000 attendees from Nigeria, Africa, and Diaspora. Over the past few years, we have created a platform for young people through our sister organisation MBMFIF trained and engaged as content creators, writers, production assistants, buyers, makeup artists, props managers, art directors, costumier, camera assistants, cultural consultants, production managers, gaffers, sparks, location scouting agents, location managers, caterers, camera operators, directors, producers and other expressions of arts and entertainment for short films, movies, music video, live shows, reportage, and documentary productions. Awhanse added that the festival is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Solomon Bonu.

He said: “My appreciation goes to Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Chairman House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu; Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Honourable Commissioner Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja; Honourable Commissioner , Ministry of Home affairs , Hon.Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode; Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mrs. Adebukola Agbaminoja; Federal House of Representative Member, Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Sesi Whingan; Deputy Chief Whip, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr S e t o n j i David; Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Badagry Constituency 02, Hon. Engr. Setonji David; Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Onilude Segun Adeniran; Hon. Hodewu Suru Avoseh; Chief Executive Officer of Reftop Homes, Dr. David Asogba; and paramount ruler De When, Aholu Menutoyi 1, The Akran of Badagry Kingdom, and the chiefs in council. Segun Arinze; Ororo Pattaya 20km; Gabriel Afolayan; Yinka Davies; Jude Chukwuka; Mawuyon Ogun; Olumide Akinsanya; Mr Simeon “keke” Ewetan; Maupe Ogun Yusuf; Femi Odugbemi; fta. founder/CEO Zuri24 Media Lagos, Mr Dudu Hundeyin, Prof. Jendele Hungbo; convener Ogu General Assembly and members, Babatunde Whenu, Zosu Solomon, Basit Senapon Badaru; Hungan Miwawiwe; David Opeyemi Ok, Sewhude Akande; Dr. Sewedo Samuel; Ovi Kuponu; Gbenga Hungan; Sunny Uka Nwali; Prof. Sola Fosudo; Mr Remi Ogunpitan of IBST Media; Engr. Mejabi Oluwadamilare Michael.(Daddymee); Babatunde Ajose; Mrs Bisi Onola-Nyemenim; Olufemi Iroko; Jay Franklyn Jituboh; of Display Universal Studios Lagos, Dr Olaide Mesewaku ; Prof. Mejai Bola Mike Avoseh; Peter Mesewaku; Prince Seyon Akran; Prof. Senayon Olaoluwa; The Awhanse/Ewetan Family; Mr. Towanu Abiodun Hundeyin; Retired Deputy Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and President of the elite Badagry County Club, Benjamin Hundeyin; Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command , DSI Usman Shehu; The Comptroller Immigration Service Lagos Border Patrol Command, DT Audu, Pcc, Jp; The Comptroller Seme Border Command , DSI ENOCH APARSHE; Pro. Seme Border Command , Kikekon Manoah; Editor, News Peddlers – are working to make Badagry home for all.” Special thanks to the BIFIF ambassadors, the press , partners  and the team who made it possible.