BON 2017: Omotola Jalade, Ali Nuhu others to be recognised
Ahead of the 2017 edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards, organisers have revealed that the trio of delectable actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kannywood star, Ali Nuhu and veteran director, Lancelot Imasuen will be awarded with the special recognition awards for their immense contributions towards the growth and development of the industry.
According to the executive producer of the Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, Nuhu deserves the recognition for being the only Northern actor to cross over to mainstream Nollywood.
“Apart from that, he has inspired an entire generation of Northern youths to see a career in Nollywood. He is a true and constant Northern legend, not just a star,” he said.
Oloketuyi described Omotola Jalade Ekiende as a bankable actor, who broke into the industry at an early age.
“There was no contest in her choice in spite of her relatively young age. Here is a lady who broke into the industry before she turned 18 and two decades after, is still a veritable box-office face in an industry known for ephemeral stars.
“It goes beyond luck. The recognition from TIME Magazine as one of the Most Influential 100 people in the world in 2013 is a pointer to her relentless artistic enterprise and ingenuity. And we at BON Awards are happy to be associated with such iconic actor.” He said.
He also praised Lancelot Oduwa-Imasuen’s relevance in the industry despite the arrival of younger filmmakers.
“In spite of the incursion of younger, technology-savvy directors into Nollywood, Lancelot has evolved and attained a pied piper status of sort. He deserves the recognition like the others.”
The upcoming 2017 BON Awards will be hosted by Gbenro Ajibade, an actor who recently made his directorial debut with the Ice Prince Biopic alongside Rahama Sadau, an actress who became popular in the mainstream movie market after a ban from Kannywood in 2016.
The 2017 edition of the awards show will take place on December 16, at the Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Mutiat Alli
