On November 25, 2024, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State showcased the region's commitment to becoming a hub for the creative economy during the 16th Best of Nollywood (BON) awards held at the Sugar Factory Film Studio in Ilorin. The event attracted notable figures from the film industry, including top actors who praised the governor's investments in infrastructure that support the growth of Nollywood and the creative sector [04aa3eab].
During the awards ceremony, Femi Adebayo received the Best Actor award for his role in 'Jagun Jagun,' while Wumi Dada was honored as Best Actress for her performance in 'Unknown Soldier.' Each actor was awarded N5 million for wardrobe expenses, reflecting the growing recognition and financial support for talent in the industry [04aa3eab].
The event also saw the attendance of First Lady Olufolake Abdulrazaq and House of Representatives member Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya, highlighting the political support for the arts in Kwara. In a special moment, veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo was presented with a lifetime achievement award, underscoring the importance of honoring contributions to the film industry [04aa3eab].
Governor Abdulrazaq emphasized Kwara's potential in cinematography and tourism, aligning with broader national efforts to leverage the creative economy as a significant driver of economic growth. This initiative mirrors President Bola Tinubu's recent remarks about the creative economy's role in Nigeria's economic diversification, as noted during the launch of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival [8bda0abc].
As Nigeria increasingly focuses on its creative industries, the convergence of Nollywood in Kwara presents an opportunity for regional development and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the importance of the arts in national identity and economic strategy [04aa3eab].