What a year, nakamas!
From epic debates to jaw-dropping events, creative cosplay contests, and riveting community-driven activities, 2025 was packed with incredible moments. It was the year we proved that the anime community in Nigeria isn’t just growing but thriving, and at a scale never seen before. From the weekly online gatherings that serve as the heartbeat of this beautiful community, to sold-out cinema events across seven cities, we’ve built something truly special together.
If you’re reading this as a new member, welcome to the family. You’ve joined something extraordinary. And if you’ve been here since day one, you already know we’re just getting started. This newsletter celebrates what we achieved together in 2025 and gives you a glimpse of the incredible momentum we’re carrying into 2026. Whether you’re a community member or just looking to connect with Nigeria’s most engaged anime fanbase, here’s why 2025 was our biggest year yet.
Physical Events: Where The Magic Happened
Solo Levelling Watch Party
March 29, 2025 | Lagos (Pop Landmark) & Ile-Ife (OAU)
We kicked off 2025 strong with our first physical event, drawing over 500 attendees to watch the single most anticipated anime episode of the year, Solo Leveling’s Season 2 finale, complete with video games, a themed Kahoot session, anime charades, spirited debates, and games with prizes that had everyone competing. This event set the tone for everything that followed, proving to everyone watching that when AniWe brings people together, we show up in numbers.
Bakugo’s Kitty Easter Egg Hunt
April 21, 2025 | Pop Landmark, Lagos
“A world of riddles, adventure, and anime madness”… and that’s exactly what we delivered. With riddles, laughter, various games and side quests, one of which had players trying to find a hidden “One Piece,” this immersive experience featured carnival games, treasure hunting, and a hidden grand prize of ₦100,000, with total prizes worth up to ₦500,000. The creativity, the competition, and the sheer fun of it all showed that AniWe creates experiences, and that matters.
Demon Slayer Watch Party
September 12, 2025 | Lagos & Abuja
This event was history in the making.
FilmOne Entertainment announced record-breaking sales of ₦73 million on release day, making this the largest anime movie event in West Africa. Tickets sold out in both cities. Hundreds of fans gathered for an unforgettable experience featuring cosplay competitions, video games, and parade celebrations.
When people ask what AniWe is capable of, we point to this moment—one of the largest anime community gatherings Nigeria has ever seen.
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
October 24, 2025 | Filmhouse Landmark, Lagos
Brought to you by FilmOne Entertainment, this mind-blowing screening left both dedicated fans and newcomers speechless. The action, comedy, and emotional rollercoaster of Chainsaw Man’s animation style and storytelling reminded everyone why we love this medium so much.
Japan Day with the Japanese Ambassador
This “By Invitation Only” event was recognition on an international level. Our representative, Omotanwa Gbadebo, met with Ambassador Hideo Suzuki and Japan Foundation Managing Director Masakazu Takahashi during this prestigious event, a collaboration between the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria.
The discussions centered on increased cultural exchange opportunities, and for us at AniWe, this recognition validated what we’ve known all along: the anime community in Nigeria is a force that demands attention.
JJK Watch Party: The Great Domain Expansion
December 5, 2025 | Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Port Harcourt & Ilorin
Seven cities. One night. This was by far AniWe’s largest event of 2025.
When we set out to bring Jujutsu Kaisen to seven cities simultaneously on release day, many questioned whether it was possible. Could we coordinate that many venues? Could we ensure consistent quality across every location? Could we deliver the AniWe experience at that scale? The answer was a resounding yes.
Brought to you in partnership with FilmOne Entertainment, this multi-city event was a logistical masterpiece that tested every system we’ve built and proved the strength of our nationwide network—massive thanks to our partners who made the impossible possible.
Online Events: The Heartbeat of AniWe
Game Night (Weekly, Wednesdays)
Discord
Our most relaxed weekly tradition. Every Wednesday night, the community gathers on Discord for multiplayer games—Among Us, Call of Duty Mobile, Uno, Codenames Online, and more. With rotating game selections and open participation, Game Night became the space where many first-time members found their footing and where lasting friendships began. Low stakes, high fun, pure community vibes.
AKAT (Weekly, Fridays & Saturdays)
Discord & Instagram Live
AniWe’s Kahoot Anime Trivia became the weekly ritual that members planned their schedules around. Fast-paced, competitive, and consistently packed with both familiar faces and newcomers, AKAT proved to be a social anchor for the community.
The December End-of-Year AKAT Specials elevated everything: 30 players, 30 questions, ₦30,000 in prize money each weekend. Themed nights like Shonen Special, Isekai Special, The Big Three Special, and 2025 Bangers Special generated massive excitement and showcased just how engaged our community is. If you want to experience what makes AniWe special, start with AKAT.
Debate Night (Monthly)
Instagram Live & X (Twitter)
Every month, we turned up the heat with our most passionate online event. From power scaling arguments to deep discussions about storytelling and what makes an anime “peak,” Debate Night gave members a platform to engage in spirited discourse. Hundreds tuned in to watch opinions clash and friendships forge in friendly rivalry. Members didn’t just consume anime—they thought critically about it, and weren’t afraid to have their perspectives challenged.
Trivia Night (Monthly)
Instagram Live
Our monthly tradition where community members compete for actual anime merch, delivered anywhere in the country. Prizes ranged from stickers and posters to rings and necklaces. Beyond regular editions, special pre-event trivia sessions built excitement ahead of physical events, helping new members feel connected. Some of our favorite moments came from watching someone passionately defend why their favorite anime is “peak” or win free event tickets during special giveaways.
To Our Partners,
Our physical events could not have reached the scale they did without incredible partnership support. In 2025, we collaborated with:
FilmOne Entertainment, Filmhouse Cinemas, Silverbird Cinemas, Jabi Lake Mall, Game Evo, Pop Landmark, 10N8E, Standage, Africacomicade, KraksTV, Minimie, VFD Microfinance Bank, Case Games, Uchiha Store, Comiccon Ibadan, Viva, Club Zella, Munch It, Monster Energy, Landmark, and more!
With their help, we took anime community experiences in Nigeria to a whole new level. To our partners: thank you for believing in this vision and helping us create moments that will be remembered for years to come.
Special recognition to the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria for the collaboration that resulted in our Japan Day experience. Here’s to more international recognition and cultural exchange in the years ahead.
To Our Community,
To every member who showed up to an event, joined a Game Night, competed in AKAT, argued passionately during Debate Night, showed up for Trivia Nights, or simply repped AniWe online, we appreciate you. None of this would have been possible without our vibrant, passionate community.
2026 is going to be even bigger. Stay tuned and remember; it’s AniMe, AniYou, AniWe!
Rep Your Fandom: Anime Merch and Cosplay,
Looking to show off your anime pride? We’ve got you covered! From limited edition merch to cosplay essentials for your next event, visit our online shop at aniwe.net/shop for everything you need to rep your favorite series. Planning to cosplay at an upcoming event? Check out our collection or reach out to us via our website or Instagram—we’ll help you level up your look!
Join The Family
Discord: https://discord.gg/VVHtKfbE
Website: https://aniwe.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aniwe_convention/
Anime Merch: https://aniwe.net/shop/
WhatsApp Community: https://tr.ee/CMSvt87_LR
Wish I heard of this Community when all this happened🤧, but that’s not stopping me from joining now❤️