Kwara Showcases Creative Economy at 16th BON Awards

The stars of Nigeria’s film industry gathered in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Sunday night for the 16th Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. The event, hosted at the state-of-the-art Sugar Factory Film Studio, served as a platform for Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to highlight Kwara’s potential as a creative and tourism hub.

Addressing the audience, which included Nollywood legends and dignitaries, the Governor emphasised the state’s commitment to supporting the creative economy. He described the Sugar Factory Film Studio as a purpose-built facility designed to elevate Nigerian cinematography, nurture local talent, and attract filmmakers to Kwara.

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“This facility represents our administration’s dedication to boosting the creative economy,” Abdulrazaq said. “Beyond its cutting-edge resources, it is part of a broader initiative to position Kwara as a hub for high-quality film production, tourism, and innovation.”

The Governor listed other significant investments, such as the Visual Arts Centre, Ilorin Innovation Hub, and the remodelled Kwara Hotel. He also pointed to natural attractions like Owu Falls, Sobi Hill, and the Flower Garden, alongside improved road networks and an international airport, as making Kwara a prime destination for creativity and leisure.

The BON Awards 2024 featured an array of Nigerian film legends, including Kanayo O. Kanayo, who received a lifetime achievement award from Governor Abdulrazaq. Other winners included Femi Adebayo, who clinched Best Actor of the Year and three additional awards for his acclaimed film Jagun Jagun, and Wumi Dada, named Best Actress for her role in Unknown Soldier.

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Both stars received N5 million in wardrobe endorsements from Wura Fadaka, an Ilorin-based firm.

The colourful event also showcased the Governor’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and harmonious state. Nollywood icons praised the administration for the city’s cleanliness, infrastructure, and emerging status as a creative hub.

BON Awards founder Seun Oloketuyi and industry veterans like Patrick Doyle commended Kwara’s rapid development. Doyle noted the clean and serene environment of Ilorin, while others compared its emerging infrastructure to Lagos.