… Sanwo-olu promises creative support from the industry
The governor of the state of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-olu, on Sunday formally accepted the rights of host for the 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) awards, marking the 17th edition of the prestigious annual Pan-Nigeria event.
The presentation took place at the Lagos House, Marina, where the governor received a delegation of Nollywood stars, including according to Arrinze, BIOLA ADEBAYO, FEMI BRANCH, Wole Ojo and Scarlet Gomez, together with the founder of Bon Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, and the executive director of Feranmi Olaoye.
The event, which was also witnessed by the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Excmo. Toke Benson, highlights the commitment of the state government of Lagos to support the creative industry. During the presentation, the governor praised the organizers for his ambitious plan to try a worldwide guinness record for the longest red carpet, which covers an impressive 8 kilometers.
In his speech, Governor Sanwo-olu spoke about the importance of government support for the creative sector, beyond financial sponsorship. “Sometimes, it is difficult to quantify what we do, but we know too well that the industry needs support. The sector needs to be high and encouraged.”
He added: “Everything we are doing must be considered around the benefits that come, not necessarily for us as a government, but, in a way that people will appreciate. It is certainly not about us; it is not about the ministry; it is people, that is the whole context for us.
“We are also very intentional to help the creative industry to provide opportunities and voices to voiceless who may not have the opportunity to be heard. More importantly, it also helps in terms of employment generation and wealth creation, ensuring that we can support a large demographic group of young people,” added the governor, linking the vision with the broader economic agenda of the state.
“For us, it is not really about supporting or sponsoring; it is more about ensuring that the sector has the type of support that is needed.”
In his statement, Olaketuyi reiterated that, although the Bon awards began in Lagos, in the last 17 years, he has visited all the six geopolitical areas of the country and has not yet returned to Lagos. He shared that the awards have been housed by states such as Kwara, Kano, Imo, Oyo, Osun, Kogi, Ondo and more.
Billing to celebrate on Sunday, December 14 at the Federal Palace Hotel, V/I, Lagos, the event promises to add even more color to the annual Detty December season that has become the celebration of Yuletide Lagos badge.
The best of the Nollywood awards, founded by Seun Oloketuyi, is a famous platform that honors outstanding achievements in the Nigerian film industry. The decision to organize the 2025 edition in Lagos is a strategic movement, solidifying the state of the State as the heart of Nigeria’s creative economy and provides a great stage for the largest night in the industry.
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