The organizers of the Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) have raised the curtain on this year’s special honorees and named veteran figures and industry leaders, Chief Pete Edochie, Ruth Kadiri, Peju Ogunmola and Steve Sodiya, as the recipients of their prestigious Special Recognition Awards. The announcement sets the stage for a spectacular celebration of the people who have spent decades shaping the identity, growth and global visibility of Nigerian cinema.
According to the BON awards committee, this year’s winners were meticulously selected for their exceptional artistry, longevity, dedication to mentorship, and their profound impact on multiple generations of cinephiles. Each honoree represents a different pillar of the industry, bridging the gap between Nollywood’s founding years and its current global dominance.
READ ALSO: FG evacuates 39 more Nigerians from South Africa
Chief Pete Edochie, MON, will be honored for his commanding screen presence and his decades of portraying Nigerian wisdom, authority and culture on screen. As a national icon, his legendary performances continue to serve as a model for storytelling in Nigeria and across the African continent.
Joining him in the spotlight is acclaimed actress, producer and screenwriter Ruth Kadiri, recognized for her consistent box office success, YouTube innovation, prolific storytelling and intentional commitment to empowering behind-the-scenes professionals through various industry-enhancing initiatives.
Honors also extend to Peju Ogunmola, a revered veteran of both stage and screen, who is being celebrated for her immense versatility in Yoruba and English cinema, as well as her lifelong dedication to preserving indigenous culture through film and theatre.
Rounding out the stellar list of honorees is Steve Sodiya, an accomplished editor, director and talent development advocate. Sodiya is being recognized for his invaluable contributions both on screen and behind the scenes, particularly through his mentorship and training programs that have helped shape the next generation of Nollywood talent.
Reflecting on the significance of the selection, the BON Awards team expressed immense pride in celebrating these pioneers, noting that the four individuals represent the very heart of Nollywoodm – excellence, resilience and service. They added that from the legendary legacy of Chief Pete Edochie and the modern industrial leadership of Ruth Kadiri to the cultural impact of Peju Ogunmola and Steve Sodiya’s commitment to talent development, their legacies are undeniable.
As one of Nigeria’s leading film awards platforms, the Best of Nollywood Awards continues its long tradition of celebrating excellence in both indigenous and English-language cinema. The Special Recognition presentations will take place during the main awards ceremony during the “ember” months in Nigeria, and organizers promise to share more details on the official date, venue and broadcast channels soon.
WATCH THE BEST VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV