LagosExplorer reports: The glamour and prestige of the Best of Nollywood Awards will return to its roots this year as Lagos State has secured the hosting rights for the 17th edition of the iconic film industry celebration. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formally accepted the honour on Sunday, August 31, during a colourful presentation ceremony at Lagos House, Marina, attended by top Nollywood stars and stakeholders.
The governor, flanked by screen icons such as Segun Arinze, Biola Adebayo, Femi Branch, Wole Ojo, and Scarlet Gomez, alongside BON Awards founder Seun Oloketuyi and Executive Director Feranmi Olaoye, pledged his administration’s firm support for the creative industry.
In his address, Sanwo-Olu said the government’s role was not just about financial support but about creating an enabling environment for the arts to thrive. “Sometimes, it’s difficult to quantify what we do, but we know too well that the industry needs support. The sector needs to be elevated and encouraged,” the governor stated.
He added that his administration was deliberate about using the creative sector to uplift society. “Everything that we’re doing should be thought of around the benefits that come, not necessarily to us as a government, but in a way that people will appreciate. It’s certainly not about us, it’s not about the ministry; it is about the people, that’s the whole context for us.”
Sanwo-Olu further tied the vision to Lagos’ wider economic agenda, stressing the opportunities Nollywood creates for young people. “We are also very intentional about helping the creative industry give opportunities and voices to the voiceless that may not get the opportunity to be heard. More importantly, also help in terms of employment generation and wealth creation, ensuring that we can support a huge demographic of young people. For us, it’s really not just about supporting or sponsoring; it’s more around ensuring that the sector has the kind of support that is needed.”
Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the awards, explained that although BON began in Lagos, it has since travelled across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with states such as Kwara, Kano, Imo, Oyo, Osun, Kogi, and Ondo playing host. He described the return of the awards to Lagos after 17 years as a symbolic homecoming for Nollywood’s biggest night.
The 2025 BON Awards, scheduled for Sunday, December 14 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, promises to add glamour to Lagos’ globally recognised “Detty December” festivities, further cementing the state’s reputation as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s creative economy.
Also present at the event was the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, whose presence underscored the state government’s commitment to making the awards a landmark success.