Kwara State is set to host the 16th edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards this November, a prestigious event that will highlight the state’s burgeoning film industry. Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq made the announcement during a ceremony in Ilorin, where he received the hosting rights for the awards.
The event will take place at the newly established Sugar Factory Film Studio, a cutting-edge facility designed to elevate Nigerian film production to international standards.
“We are honoured to be given the hosting rights for this year’s event,” Governor AbdulRazaq stated.
“Kwara is ready to dominate the film industry. The intention behind the Sugar Factory Film Studio is to advance Nigerian cinematography, enabling us to compete for global film awards.”
The Sugar Factory Film Studio, built to enhance the last-mile post-production capabilities of Nigerian filmmakers, represents a significant investment in the creative industry.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed confidence that hosting the Best of Nollywood Awards would further promote the studio within the industry, with at least 500 top filmmakers expected to attend.
The brief ceremony, held in Ilorin, was attended by top government officials and Nollywood stars. Key attendees included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji AbdulKadir Mahe; the Commissioner for Communication, Bola Olukoju; and Nollywood actors Yemi Blaq and Feyi Hassan.
Governor AbdulRazaq also emphasized that this event aligns with Kwara’s broader strategy to build a strong service and hospitality economy, attracting quality human traffic to the state.
Facilities like the Film Factory, visual arts centre, international conference centre, and the Kwara Hotel are all part of this comprehensive plan.
Olugbenga Titiloye, Managing Director of Sugar Factory Film Studio, commended the Governor for his substantial investment in the creative industry.
He noted that Kwara was chosen to host the event due to its peaceful atmosphere and the administration’s commitment to fostering the film industry.
The Best of Nollywood Awards, a major event in the Nigerian film industry, will be a significant opportunity for Kwara State to showcase its potential as a hub for film production and creativity.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
