The 360 Grand TV urged the federal government to boost investment in Nigeria’s creative industry, particularly in dance and performance arts, describing the sector as a vital channel for youth empowerment, cultural expression, and economic growth.
Founder of 360 Grand TV and organiser of the upcoming Grand Awards, Henshaw Victory, shared this in Abuja during a press briefing. He emphasised that Nigeria’s lively young talents in dance merit both recognition and institutional backing to flourish locally and internationally.
Victory said: “We need more theatre spaces, fully functional ones. We need funding, we need workshops, we need knowledge exchange platforms for dancers to train and grow. That’s what happens in developed countries: government investment in the arts helps fuel creativity and employment.”
He said the Grand Awards aim to honour Nigeria’s vibrant dance culture, recognising not just popular performers but the entire ecosystem, from choreographers and studio instructors to digital content creators.
He added, “This is more than an awards night. It is a movement, a platform that celebrates, empowers, and gives visibility to Nigerian dancers both at home and abroad.
“In response to the changing digital landscape, five new categories have been added, including TikTok Dancer of the Year, Most Influential Dancer of the Year, New Wave Choreographer of the Year, and Outstanding Locking Dancer.”
He stated that nominations will open from July 20 to August 10, while voting will run from August 24 to September 14. The award ceremony will take place at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, featuring more than 30 categories spanning traditional, urban, contemporary, and digital dance genres.
In her remarks, a partner from Destination Dreamers Ltd, Zana Ime, echoed Victory’s call for government engagement, stressing that the entertainment industry, particularly dance, holds economic and cultural potential that has yet to be fully tapped.
She said, “Imagine a modernised dance festival that’s treated like a cultural carnival. Investors would come in, people would travel, and it would not only promote tourism but add joy and vibrancy to the nation.”
