Politics
SOME of Nollywood’s finest thespians and music stars gathered together on Saturday night, December 3 for the 14th edition of the Best Of Nollywood awards in Owerri, Imo State under the watchful eyes of the host, Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Toka McBaror’s ‘Almajiri’ and Director Mo’s ‘Obsession’ emerged as the biggest winners of the 2022 Best of Nollywood, BON, awards.
The 2023 BON awards saw various entertainment stakeholders receive awards for their works in 2022, with ‘Almajiri’ winning the ‘Movie of the Year’ award.
Apart from clinching the Best Actor in a leading role (English), ‘Almajiri’ also bagged the Best Cinematography, Best Actor in a Supporting role (English), Best Production Design, Best Child Actress, and Best Social Message awards. Giving ‘Almajiri’ a run for its money at the awards were Tunde Kelani and Jade Osiberu’s ‘Ayinla,’ Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’ and Director Mo’s ‘Obsession’.
‘Ayinla’ carted away four awards in different categories, including Best Actor in a Lead Role (Yoruba), Best Actor in a Support Role (Yoruba), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba), Best Use of Nigerian food, while Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’ also took home the award for Best Costume, Best Sound, and Director of the year.
Director Chidiebere Nwosu popularly known as Director Mo’s Obsession also won the award for Best Supporting Actress (English) and Best MakeUp categories.
In the same vein, Prince Jide Kosoko, a popular thespian, and Ebele Okaro, won the Special Recognition awards.
The awards were presented by Governor Uzodinma, who said he was happy to host the awards ceremony in Owerri.
Kosoko and Okaro expressed delight for being recognised in the creative industry with Kosoko dedicating his award to the industry as well as All Progressive Congress presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Abayomi Alvin won the award for Most promising actor, while Efe Irele won the Most promising actress, while Abayomi won the award for the Best Kiss in a film.
Other winners include Damilola Oni and Kiki Bakare, who won Trailblazers awards.
Lanre Adediwura and Juliet Njemanze for Revelations of the year awards, ‘Cold’ for Best Editing and Special Effect, ‘Breaded Life’ for Best Screenplay and Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi harped on the importance of supporting the Nigerian film industry.
“Nollywood brings about employment, and if properly structured and managed can be a major source of annual earnings.
“Looking back at the Nollywood year, it’s been tough but practitioners move on as usual while putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” he said
Oloketuyi also commended Gov. Hope Uzodinma for hosting the event and not just paying lip service, but going all out to ensure the success.
He also urged the governor to use Nollywood to sell his government as he looks towards a return to office.
He said: “I would like to seize this opportunity to ask our good governor to use Nollywood to sell his government and its programmes to the people as they relate easily with the stars.
Speaking, Lateef Adedimeji, an actor and filmmaker, commended the BON organisers for finding Ayinla’ worthy of recognition.
“I feel great and fulfilled seeing AYINLA getting the accolades it deserves.
“It’s really a big motivation to want to keep putting my best in all I do.
He therefore, expressed his appreciation to Tunde Kilani and all the AYINLA team for seeing him worthy of the role while congratulating every member of the team.
On his part, Yemi Blaq, an actor, songwriter and model, commended the BON founder for taking his place in the very highest exosphere of awards hosting in Nigeria, a space which he noted is saturated
“This year’s outing puts BON firmly in place with the very best of them.
“Growth is painful, but every intelligent person aspires to it. I was in Kogi last year for BON for the first time and I can confidently say that this year’s offering in Owerri was a HUGE step up on the part of the organisers.”
A.I
Tags: APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Chidiebere Nwosu Ebele Okaro Governor Hope Uzodinma. Prince Jide Kosoko
