NFVCB celebrates Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot, other Nollywood stars at 50, 60
By Tosin Brown –
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has announced plans to celebrate Nollywood greats Rita Dominic and Desmond Elliot, alongside others who will turn 50 and 60 in 2025.
According to the NFVCB, this will be part of the 2025 edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulatory Conference, which will feature a special honour initiative celebrating 22 distinguished Nollywood stars and legends who clock the milestone ages of 50 and 60 in 2025. It added that the conference will hold on November 18 and 19, 2025, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said the celebration aims to recognise outstanding practitioners whose careers have significantly shaped the Nigerian film industry.
According to Dr Husseini, the initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to acknowledging creative professionals whose work has enriched national culture, elevated Nollywood’s global profile, and contributed to the industry’s rapid growth.
For the maiden edition, the NFVCB deliberately selected 22 practitioners who reached these milestone ages within the year, ensuring the celebration remains focused, personal, and meaningful. The honourees include Rita Dominic, Ngozi Ezeonu, Segun Aina Padonu, Desmond Olusola Elliot, Atunyota Akpobome (aka Ali Baba), Ahmed Sarari, Afeez Bello, Adebayo Tijani, Achibi Sam Dede, Lillian Amah, Eucharia Anunobi, Taiwo Adeleye, Seyi Siwoku, Jude Chukwuka, Kingsley Ogoro, and former President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Sir Bond Emeruwa.
Dr Husseini stated that the honourees represent a broad cross-section of Nollywood’s most influential actors, filmmakers, and creative contributors—individuals whose artistry, resilience, and career trajectories continue to inspire audiences and emerging talents.
He added that the tribute marks the beginning of a sustained culture of institutional recognition for Nollywood practitioners. “We are starting with this select group, but this is only the first step. From next year, the honour roll will expand to include industry veterans turning 70 and above—those whose pioneering efforts created the foundations on which today’s Nollywood stands.”
This year’s edition of the conference will be held under the theme: “From Volume to Value: The Future of Nollywood in the Digital Age.” The keynote speech will be delivered by the queen of stage and screen, Bolanle Austen-Peters.
