Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was unveiled as the chief host of the 2017 edition of Best Of Nollywood, BON, Awards, on Friday, August 4.
The event took place at the governor’s office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, and had in attendance a delegate of BON Awards organizers, led by the executive producer of the awards, Seun Oloketuyi and a constellation of Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze, who also doubles as the artistic director of the award ceremony, Abeokuta based actor Mr. Latin, fast rising actor Jumoke Odetola, and a host of others.
Oloketuyi in his address reiterated that it was home coming for BON, as the awards which prides itself as the longest running awards platform that is strictly for Nigerian film makers, commenced the journey of touring different cities of Nigeria in Ijebu Ode, and has gone to other states and cities like Port Harcourt, Asaba, Akure, Aba and still counting.
“We started the journey of taking the BON Awards to different cities here in Ijebu Ode, in Ogun State. It is a known fact that Ogun State in a major player in the Nigerian Film industry today, as among the Yoruba sub-sector of film makers, there is a faction popularly called ‘Abeokuta film makers’; here represented by Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr. Latin.
“We know for a fact that these film makers based here in Ogun State have refused to relocate to Lagos, which is known as the hub of entertainment, because the government of Ogun state provided them an enabling environment for them to ply their craft and business.
Oloketuyi speaking further, said, part of the events that will take place before the major Award night which comes up Saturday, December 16, are BON Reading and Talent Meet Class.
“By God’s grace the event shall take place December 16, where we shall have everyone that is relevant in the film industry all present under one roof. Before the main event, we shall be having build up events, like BON Reading, where celebrities read literature to and inspire young pupils of the state, Talent Meet Class, where the cooperate world and Nollywood practitioners meet in a forum to chart a course for mutual benefit, and the potentials of host state is explored.
“We hope that the government of Ogun State will make this year’s event the best of our ceremonies so far.”
The governor in his reaction assured the creative industry of his administration’s continued support; in line with the call to diversify the economy of the country, holding that the entertainment industry is one of the most employers of labor in the country even more than oil and gas.
“I’m happy that the journey of BON Awards started in Ogun State; because this state is the home of notable figures in the entertainment industry like Hubert Ogunde, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Olu Jacobs and many new generation entertainers.
“We shall continue to support the industry, by providing enabling environment for the growth of that sector and all sectors of the economy.
“We assure that the awards in December shall be an excellent outing. We look forward to receiving the industry in our state.”
