Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, has made history by pledging to host the 2025 edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards in Ilorin for the second consecutive year.
This move makes him the first governor to host the event back-to-back in its history.
The governor’s decision is a testament to Kwara State’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity and entertainment.
The 16th BON Awards, held at the state-of-the-art Sugar Factory Film Studio in Ilorin, showcased the state’s potential for Nollywood, with the governor highlighting the opportunities available for filmmakers and stakeholders in the creative industry .
The governor expressed his admiration for the awards, praising the event’s vibrant atmosphere and the engaging after-party that showcased the rich cultural and creative potential of the State.
The awards brought together top talents and stakeholders from Nigeria’s movie industry.
Abdulrazaq, who personally presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Nollywood icon Kanayo O. Kanayo, commended the organisers for their professionalism and the remarkable success of the event.
“The BON Awards have shown the immense possibilities of Ilorin as a center for creativity and entertainment.
“I am thrilled by the energy, talent, and warmth that defined this year’s edition.
“The after-party further reinforced our vision of Kwara as a hub for the creative economy, tourism, and hospitality,” he said.
The governor emphasised his desire for Ilorin to become the permanent venue for the BON Awards, citing the city’s unique blend of modern infrastructure, serene environment, and rich cultural heritage.
“I would be honored to host next year’s edition of the BON Awards and beyond.
“Ilorin is ready to offer unmatched facilities and an enabling atmosphere to support events of this magnitude.
“With landmark projects like the Sugar Factory Film Studio, Visual Arts Centre, and remodeled Kwara Hotel, we are poised to set a new standard for hosting creative events,” Abdulrazaq added.
The governor extended his appreciation to the Nollywood stars and stakeholders for their significant contributions to the Nigerian creative industry and their warm embrace of Kwara as a destination for film and entertainment.
According to him, we invite the creative community to consider Kwara not just for future productions but also as a home for their endeavors.
“Together, we can build a creative hub that reflects our shared aspirations for excellence and innovation,” he concluded.
The 16th BON Awards, which featured celebrated actors such as Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Abraham, and many others, was a resounding success, with winners and attendees alike applauding the state’s infrastructure and hospitality.
