Television drama series, Sands of Time, recorded a major awards haul, winning seven honours in one week across Nigerian and international award platforms. The series and its cast received four awards at the 2026 Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards (NEMCEA), before adding three international honours from film festivals in Canada.
  
At NEMCEA, Sands of Time: We Happy People won Best Overall Drama Series, while its producer, Stellamaris Duru, was named NTA Best Producer. The production also produced winners in the acting categories, with Hydra Aneme winning Best Actor and veteran actress Chinyere Wilfred taking home Best Actress for their performances in the series.
  
The awards run continued with three international recognitions as the TV drama series clinched the Best Television Series (Africa) at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), Best Television/Web Series at the Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (BINFF) and Best Television Series (Africa) at the International Comedy and Art Film Festival (TICAFF).
  
Reacting to the string of recognitions, Duru said the achievement reflects the production team’s commitment to creating stories that connect with audiences. “For us, Sands of Time is not just about making a television series; it is about telling stories that people can see themselves in and enjoy with their families. The response from audiences and the recognition we are receiving both locally and internationally show us that there is an audience for the kind of stories we are telling,” she said.
   
“Winning these awards is encouraging, but for me, the biggest achievement is knowing that the story is travelling. When a Nigerian series is recognised in Toronto, Brampton and at an international festival, it tells us that our stories can travel beyond the environment in which they were created,” Duru stated.
  
She also pointed to the series’ growing television reach across Nigeria, with the production currently airing on several stations throughout the week. “We have tried to make Sands of Time accessible to as many viewers as possible. For instance, viewers can watch us on RSTV Port Harcourt on Mondays from 7:00 to 7:30 pm, TVC on Tuesdays from 8:00 to 8:30 pm, and Wazobia Max Lagos on Thursdays from 6:00 to 6:30 pm. We also have other broadcast partners across different parts of the country,” she said.
  
The series also airs on Stellamarisdurutv on YouTube, as well as ITV Benin, OGTV, ITV Abuja, NTA2 Channel 5, Wazobia Port Harcourt, PRTV Jos, STV, Wazobia Max Abuja, WAPTV and EBS TV.
  
Duru noted that the wide broadcast reach has helped the series connect with viewers across different parts of the country, while its international recognition demonstrates the potential for Nigerian television stories to reach audiences beyond the country.