Sanwo-Olu Welcomes Nollywood Stars as Lagos Hosts 2025 BON Awards

Sanwo-Olu Welcomes Nollywood Stars as Lagos Hosts 2025 BON Awards
… Sanwo-Olu pledges creative industry support
Seun Oloketuyi noted that although the BON Awards originated in Lagos, they have not been held in the state for the past 17 years

On Sunday, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, officially accepted the hosting rights for the 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.

Eko Hot Blog reports that this event will mark the 17th edition of the highly respected annual celebration of Nigerian cinema.

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The presentation ceremony was held at the Lagos House in Marina, where the governor welcomed a delegation of Nollywood actors and stakeholders. Among them were Segun Arinze, Biola Adebayo, Femi Branch, Wole Ojo, and Scarlet Gomez. They were accompanied by the founder of the BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, and Executive Director Feranmi Olaoye.

Also present was the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Toke Benson. The gathering underscored the Lagos State Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the creative sector.

During the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the organisers for their ambitious plan to break a Guinness World Record by creating the longest red carpet in history, stretching eight kilometres.

In his remarks, the governor stressed the importance of sustained support for the creative industry, noting that such backing goes beyond just financial sponsorship.

He stated, “Sometimes it’s difficult to measure the impact of what we do, but we understand that the industry requires consistent encouragement and investment.”

He continued, “What we do should not just benefit us as a government. It should serve the people and be something they can truly appreciate. It’s not about the ministry or the administration; it’s about the impact on the lives of the people.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also emphasized the role of the creative industry in empowering underrepresented voices and creating jobs for the youth.

He explained that this aligns with the state’s broader economic goals and its mission to generate employment and wealth across a large segment of young people.

“It’s not only about providing sponsorship,” he added. “It’s about making sure the sector has the right kind of support to thrive.”

Speaking at the event, Seun Oloketuyi noted that although the BON Awards originated in Lagos, they have not been held in the state for the past 17 years. Over the years, the awards have taken place in various states, including Kwara, Kano, Imo, Oyo, Osun, Kogi, and Ondo.

The 2025 edition of the awards is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event is expected to bring additional excitement to the city’s popular “Detty December” festivities, which have become a hallmark of the holiday season in Lagos.

Founded by Seun Oloketuyi, the Best of Nollywood Awards celebrates excellence in the Nigerian film industry. Bringing the awards back to Lagos reflects a strategic effort to reinforce the state’s position as the cultural and creative hub of Nigeria, while offering a fitting stage for one of the industry’s biggest nights.

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