Kwara gears up to host 2024 BON Awards
…as Gov Abdulrazaq eyes big prospects for Sugar Factory Film Studio
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The movers and shakers of the Nigerian movie industry are expected in Ilorin this November as Kwara State hosts the 16th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.
While receiving the hosting rights for the awards on Wednesday in Ilorin, Governor Abdulrazaq announced that the event would take place at the iconic Sugar Factory Film Studio. He highlighted that the studio was designed to elevate the Nigerian creative industry with state-of-the-art post-production capabilities.
“We are honored to be given the hosting rights for this year’s event, the Best of Nollywood Awards. As you can see, Kwara is ready to dominate the film industry. The goal of the Sugar Factory Film Studio is to take film production in Nigeria to another level,” he said.
The governor emphasized the need for Nigerian films to move beyond videos to higher levels of cinematography to gain global recognition and awards. “What we have seen in Africa and globally is that what we are producing in Nigeria are mostly videos. We want to move to another level of cinematography so that we can win global awards in film production. This is the reason for this facility,” he added.
Governor Abdulrazaq said that hosting the BON Awards would further promote the Sugar Factory Film Studio to the movie industry, with its leading figures expected at the event later this year.
“This is stage one of this facility. We intend to proceed to stages two and three, but we want stage one to be put into use first. So, marketing this studio to the film industry is part of hosting this event, and we will be glad to welcome at least 500 top film producers and active members of the film industry that day,” the Governor said.
“Kwara State is the place to be. We know that this place will definitely be a catalyst for future production in the film industry. I welcome you to Kwara and to the future of the movie industry in Nigeria.”
The Governor also highlighted that the state is focused on building a strong service and hospitality economy in phases to attract quality human traffic. He noted that facilities like the Film Factory, Visual Arts Centre, International Conference Centre, and the Kwara Hotel are part of this strategic plan.
Olugbenga Titiloye, Managing Director of Sugar Factory Film Studio, commended the Governor for his substantial investments in the facility and other projects, which he said would generate employment and revenue for the state.
He added that Kwara was chosen to host the next event due to its peaceful atmosphere and the administration’s exceptional investments in the creative industry. He emphasized that the Best of Nollywood Awards has always been a significant event, and that nearly 500 top film producers are expected to attend the next edition in Kwara.
The brief ceremony was attended by top government officials and Nollywood stars from within and outside the state. Notable attendees included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji AbdulKadir Mahe; Commissioner for Communication, Bola Olukoju; Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo; Managing Director of Sugar Factory Film Studio, Olugbenga Titiloye; Chairman of the Advisory Board for BON, Mr. Seun Oloketuyi; and President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumeen Abdulmalik.
Others in attendance were the General Manager of Sugar Factory Film Studio, Mrs. Grace Babasola; General Manager of Radio Kwara, Kayode Aremu; General Manager of Herald Newspaper, Yomi Adeboye; Executive Producer of the BON Awards, Prince Feranmi Olaoye; and Nollywood actors Yemi Blaq and Feyi Hassan.
