The inclement economic period notwithstanding, the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, is delighted that his beloved state has been considered worthy to host an event of the magnitude, renown and reverence of the Best of Nollywood Awards 2016.
Speaking during the acceptance of hosting rights of BON Awards 2016 at a brief ceremony in the Governor’s Lodge, Umuahia, last Wednesday, Governor Ikpeazu said, “For us in Abia State, Nollywood has contributed immensely to the well-being of our people because one of the marketing and distribution pivots of the industry, Pound Road, is here in Aba, the SME capital of Africa.
Just like Idumota in Lagos and Iweka Road, Onitsha, Pound Road contributes more than 50percent to Nollywood. So, prior to now, I always thought about how to further get involved with the industry which is why we are working on a film village and are glad to host the Best of Nollywood Awards 2016 on December 10th. ”
The governor averred that his affinity with the homegrown movie industry has been further buoyed over the years because, “Unlike in the past when Nigeria used to receive a lot of flaks from the outside world, now, we receive considerable buffer from Nollywood.
Nollywood has given us a new level of respect across the world. Therefore, when I was approached to host the awards, I thought that while this might not be the best of times financially for us as a state, it avails us a platform to bring the industry back home, show our various tourism and economic potential and join you to celebrate an industry which contribution to the GDP of Nigeria is invaluable.”
As this year’s host, Abia State joins an elite list of states like Lagos (2009, 2011 and 2012), Ogun (2010), Delta (2013), Rivers (2014) and Ondo (2015) that have hosted the Best of Nollywood Awards. Dr Ikpeazu promised that the state would join forces with the organizing team to produce a world-class event that would surpass all other editions and create the high watermark by which awards ceremonies in Nigeria and beyond would be measured.
The executive producer, Seun Oloketuyi, thanked the governor for agreeing to host the event, saying,
“The Best of Nollywood Awards was created in 2009 as a veritable premium platform to honour the enterprise and ingenuity of stars and stakeholders of the Nigerian movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood.
I am happy to say that we are now the longest running homegrown movie awards ceremony.
We designed BON as a travelling awards ceremony and in the intervening years, has been hosted by the Ogun State government under Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Delta State government (Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan), the Rivers State government (Hon. Rotimi Amaechi) and the Ondo State government (Dr. Olusegun Mimiko).”
Oloketuyi assured the governor that there’s no better ceremony to officially launch the new ultra-modern international events centre being constructed by the state than the BON Awards.
Also present at the ceremony were actors;Walter Anga, Yomi Fash Lanso, Rex Nosa and Tayo Sobola and members of the BON Awards organizing committee.
BIG STORY
Governor Abdulrazaq Commits To Hosting 2025 BON Awards, Makes History As First To Host Consecutive Editions [PHOTOS]
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has announced his agreement to host the 2025 edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards in Ilorin, making him the first Governor in the event’s history to host it for two consecutive years. The Governor expressed his admiration for the 16th BON Awards, praising the event’s vibrant atmosphere and the engaging after-party that showcased the rich cultural and creative potential of Kwara State.
Held at the state-of-the-art Sugar Factory Film Studio in Ilorin, the BON Awards brought together top talents and stakeholders from Nigeria’s movie industry. Governor Abdulrazaq, who personally presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Nollywood icon Kanayo O. Kanayo, commended the organizers for their professionalism and the remarkable success of the event.
“The BON Awards have shown the immense possibilities of Ilorin as a center for creativity and entertainment. I was thrilled by the energy, talent, and warmth that defined this year’s edition. The after-party further reinforced our vision of Kwara as a hub for the creative economy, tourism, and hospitality,” the Governor said.
Governor Abdulrazaq emphasized his desire for Ilorin to become the permanent venue for the BON Awards, citing the city’s unique blend of modern infrastructure, serene environment, and rich cultural heritage.
“I would be honored to host next year’s edition of the BON Awards and beyond. Ilorin is ready to offer unmatched facilities and an enabling atmosphere to support events of this magnitude. With landmark projects like the Sugar Factory Film Studio, Visual Arts Centre, and remodeled Kwara Hotel, we are poised to set a new standard for hosting creative events,” he added.
The Governor extended his appreciation to the Nollywood stars and stakeholders for their significant contributions to the Nigerian creative industry and their warm embrace of Kwara as a destination for film and entertainment.
“We invite the creative community to consider Kwara not just for future productions but also as a home for their endeavors. Together, we can build a creative hub that reflects our shared aspirations for excellence and innovation,” he concluded.
The 16th BON Awards, which featured celebrated actors such as Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Abraham, and many others, was a resounding success, with winners and attendees alike applauding the state’s infrastructure and hospitality.
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