Bello set to host Nollywood award in Kogi

Barely two weeks after the successful hosting of the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA), Governor Yahaya Bello is set to host the 12th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The event, billed to hold on Saturday, December 11, promises to be a grand occasion in the history of BON.

Governor Bello promised the stars, guests and other industry professionals of a show like no other.

As part of the activities leading up to the yearly travelling, film industry awards, the organisers have announced plans to specially recognise individuals and an organisation that contributed immensely to the growth of Nollywood.

According to the organisers, individuals marked for special recognition include Abiola Atanda (a.k.a. Madam Kofo); the late movie industry titan, Chico Ejiro; and African Magic.

Founder of the BON awards, Mr. Seun Oloketuyi, stated: “It is important to celebrate our known and recognised industry icons. Not only does this encourage the spirit of growth in the industry, but we would also be doing these three parties a major disservice if we do not recognise them.

“Madam Kofo is a veteran, who quietly worked to put Nollywood on the world map for more than five decades. A thespian with both stage and screen presence, Madam Kofo worked with the likes of the late Hubert Ogunde and is today still relevant. Such a woman deserves all the accolades we can give her.”

Africa Magic, according to him, is perhaps another underserved brand.

He added: “Nollywood of today owes a lot to that brand, and because it is an organisation, we, many times, forget to give it the credit it deserves, which is why we have deemed it fit to recognise them and say thank you for their contributions to the industry.

“Finally came Chico Ejiro. This special recognition, though posthumous, struck the team the most because we would have loved that he was alive to receive the award himself. Many in Nollywood owe their careers and successes to Chico Ejiro. Even as we are sad to have lost him, this award is to help people remember his enormous contribution to the industry.”