Enugu State has been selected to host the 2026 edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, in a move expected to further spotlight the state’s growing influence in Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industry.

The announcement was made by the executive producer of the prestigious awards, Seun Oloketuyi, who said Enugu was chosen in recognition of its rich history, cultural heritage and growing contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

The 2026 BON Awards is expected to bring together leading actors, filmmakers, producers, directors, entertainers and other stakeholders in the Nigerian creative sector.

Enugu, widely regarded as one of the historic centres of Nigeria’s film industry, has over the years played host to several major productions and entertainment events.

The hosting right is also expected to provide an opportunity for the state to showcase its tourism attractions, cultural heritage and investment opportunities to visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

The BON Awards, established to celebrate excellence and outstanding contributions to Nollywood, have become one of Nigeria’s prominent platforms for recognising talents and achievements in the film industry.

The 2026 edition is expected to feature awards across several categories, with nominees and other details to be unveiled by the organisers ahead of the ceremony.

The Enugu State Government is expected to work with the organisers and other stakeholders to ensure a successful hosting of the event.

Nigerian actor and film producer, John Tyler Ekanem, has told a spiritual story using totally different twists and plots in his new film, Brothers in Arms.

The feature film, which began showing on John Ekanem TV on Saturday, April 5, 2026, has become a source of discourse for fans and viewers alike.

Without losing the essence of storytelling, Ekanem, who wrote the story as well as serving as Executive producer for the film, highlights the importance of prayers in the lives of both successful and struggling individuals.

Directed by Valentine Edochie, Brothers in Arms features Stan Nze, John Ekanem, Tana Adelana, Eso Dike, Blessing Obasi-Nze, and Chinonso Arubayi.

In the words of Tana Adelana, one of the cast of the film, the film is relaxing and enjoyable. “This is content for sit back, relax, and enjoy literally,” she said.

Brothers in Arms tells the story of three ambitious partners—Chuka, Bola, and Jimoh—who rise from humble beginnings to build a thriving company rooted in trust and shared vision. As their success grows, so do the pressures of leadership, relationships, and personal desires. When one partner begins to drift, struggling to balance business, loyalty, and personal life, cracks form within the brotherhood. They had to introspect and return to the core of their foundation – prayers – to surmount the troubles and problems threatening to tear down their core and all they have built.

“I am excited about the release of this film. It’s currently airing on John Ekanem TV, and I can assure you it’s a story that will literally leave you on the edge of your seat. For every season, Brothers in Arms is the right film for you, your brothers, sisters, friends, and associates because it gives insight into relatable events of our daily lives,” said Ekanem.

Oluwamayowa Lawrence produces the film for John Ekanem and YET studios.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has confirmed that the Port Harcourt refinery is progressing towards meeting its scheduled August deadline for commencing petroleum production.

In a statement made during an interview with Channels TV on Thursday, Zarma Mustapha, IPMAN’s National Operations Controller, revealed that the refinery is expected to supply approximately 10-12 million liters of petrol to marketers.

This development is anticipated to enhance the national supply of petroleum products to a daily range of 11-15 million liters, thereby ensuring widespread energy availability.

Furthermore, Mustapha noted that the refinery will operate autonomously, selling products at prevailing market rates with minimal government intervention.

“There is this understanding that the Port Harcourt refinery is going to perform independently and sell at whatever prevailing market price for them to recover their cost.

“It is not going to be run like a government entity as it has been before. I believe that the refinery coming up, will really boost the demand and supply of PMS to nothing less than 11 to 15 million litres daily.

“I am confident and optimistic that this August deadline is going to be a realistic deadline. It will come on stream and fully produce all the necessary components that the refinery is supposed to produce. At least, at its capacity of 0,000 barrels, can give you 10 to 12 million litres of PMS,” he said.

Commenting on whether the refinery will help reduce the price of petrol in the country, Mustapha said that might be the case if the operators decide to sell at a subsided rate.

He, however, explained that the refinery has to recover its cost of operation, particularly the $1.5 billion loan it obtained from a creditor for its maintenance in 2021.

Accordingly, the spokesperson of the marketer said since the operators are also buying crude at an international price, they will have to recover their cost also.

“It depends on how much they are willing to sell. How much did they get the crude? Because they’re buying the crude at an international price too.  They have to pay back the loan they took also.

“The $1.5 billion is a loan they took from one of these African financial institutions. I don’t know which one among them. They took the loan with the promise of paying back with whatever recoup from the earnings of the refinery,” he added.