Radio gal, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, has been announced as the host of this year’s edition of Best of Nollywood awards. Gbemi, as she is fondly called, will be joined by veteran actor, Fred Amata, to host the show.
Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt recently, the organisers of the awards finally released the nominees for this year’s edition.
According to Niran Adedokun, head of the screening committee, “The list came out of the best of productions that have been shot or released in Nigeria within the past 12 months. A total of 150 entries, out of which 23 were short films were received this year. These movies have produced nominees for 30 of the 32 categories that emerged with this list. The two newly introduced categories are Best Television Series and Best Documentary.”
Speaking about the upcoming awards, the executive producer of BON, Seun Oloketuyi said, “For the past six years, the BON Awards has been putting a golden seal of excellence on Nigerian movies and the brains behind them. Every year has come with its own drama and surprises but we have remained steadfast in our set mission to reward creativity, enterprise and excellence in our industry.”
Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government, Chief Peter Okocha, who unveiled the nominees on behalf of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, described the relationship with the BON Awards as mutually beneficial. According to him, “When a lot of people thought there was insecurity foisted on us circumstantially and when they thought a situation of self-help had been foisted on us, we said it was not true. We kept saying there was peace and tranquility in the state. But the organisers of BON had the opportunity of coming here to join us in our programmes, to the extent that the governor agreed to the proposal to host a dinner. So, that allayed the fear of the people who thought there was no security in the state. As a result, we were able to regain our lost glory, as nobody was kidnapped or harassed. Therefore, since you (BON) came to our rescue, I don’t see why we should not reciprocate.”
After the announcement of nominees, Kingsley James, Head, Organising Committee, announced plans by the organisers to honour the late filmmaker and director, Amaka Igwe, for her immense contributions to the growth of Nollywood. “We have taken it upon ourselves to continue to remember the late Amaka Igwe; so, we have unanimously endowed the award for the Director of the Year in her name. The award category will now be known as the Amaka Igwe Director of the Year category,” he said.
