Enugu to host BON Awards in November

The organisers of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards have announced Enugu State as the host of the 18th edition of the ceremony, scheduled for November, but kept the date and venue under wraps.

In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, the organisers said the event would attract filmmakers, actors and other entertainment industry stakeholders to the South-east for the annual celebration of Nigerian cinema.

They said guests would arrive via the newly launched Enugu Air, which the state government has positioned as part of a major transport overhaul to improve domestic and international access to Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

The organisers said the awards would do more than celebrate film and entertainment, describing the event as a chance to present Governor Peter Mbah’s $30 billion tourism economy to a global audience.

They further said the ceremony would put six major tourism sites under development in the state in the international spotlight through global television coverage.

The organisers said: “As November approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Nollywood’s biggest stakeholders, actors, and producers are preparing to descend on Enugu.

“November in Enugu is shaping up to be an economic masterclass. Just as the BON Awards wrap up, the state will transition into hosting the 23rd National Sports Festival, the “Coal City Games,” beginning 27 November.”

The organisers said delegates and nominees would visit Awhum Waterfall and Monastery, one of the event’s attractions.

They said the 5.32km Okpatu-Awhum Cable Car, described as one of Africa’s longest, would provide access to the site.

The itinerary also features the canopy walkways at the Nsude Pyramids, the Lejja Ancient Iron-Smelting Site and the Ngwo Pine Forest, which boasts Nigeria’s first 400-metre zipline.

Other destinations include the Landmark Nike Lake Resort, which features West Africa’s second Upside-Down House, and the Centre for Memories (Ncheta Ndigbo), which showcases Igbo history and heritage.

BON founder Seun Oloketuyi led a delegation to the state in August to present the hosting rights to the governor, this newspaper gathered.

The delegation comprised Feranmi Olaoye, the awards’ executive producer; Tomi Falade; actor Enyinna Nwigwe; and Olukizzy Michael.

In July, this newspaper reported that veteran actor Pete Edochie, actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri, actress Peju Ogunmola and filmmaker Steve Sodiya would receive Special Recognition Awards at the ceremony.

According to the organisers, the four personalities earned the honours through their contributions to the film industry, long-standing careers, mentorship and impact on filmmakers and audiences.

Edochie’s award recognises his decades in acting and his portrayal of authoritative, wise characters rooted in African culture.

Kadiri would be honoured for her work as an actress, producer, and screenwriter, as well as her contributions to YouTube-based filmmaking.

Ogunmola’s recognition reflects her work in Yoruba- and English-language films and her efforts to promote indigenous culture through theatre and cinema.

Sodiya would receive the honour for his contributions as a filmmaker, editor and director, including his work in talent development and production.

The Best of Nollywood Awards, founded in 2009 by the publisher of Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET), recognises excellence across Nigeria’s film industry.

Its categories cover acting, directing, screenwriting and technical filmmaking in English and indigenous languages.

The awards also present annual Special Recognition Awards to individuals whose contributions have helped advance the industry.

The organisers said this year’s recipients represent different generations of Nollywood and have influenced its development through their work and mentorship.