The Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards will return to Lagos in 2025 with a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest red carpet.
The 17th edition of the award ceremony will hold on December 14, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu received the hosting rights at Lagos House, Marina. Present were Nollywood stars Segun Arinze, Biola Adebayo, Femi Branch, Wole Ojo and Scarlet Gomez, alongside BON founder Seun Oloketuyi and executive director Feranmi Olaoye.
Commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, also attended.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said his administration is intentional about supporting the creative industry beyond just providing funds.
“Sometimes, it’s difficult to quantify what we do, but we know too well that the industry needs support. The sector needs to be elevated and encouraged,” he said.
“Everything that we’re doing should be thought of around the benefits that come, not necessarily to us as a government, but in a way that people will appreciate. It’s certainly not about us, it’s not about the ministry; it is about the people, that’s the whole context for us.
“We are also very intentional about helping the creative industry give opportunities and voices to the voiceless that may not get the opportunity to be heard. More importantly, also help in terms of employment generation and wealth creation, ensuring that we can support a huge demographic of young people.
“For us, it’s really not just about supporting or sponsoring; it’s more around ensuring that the sector has the kind of support that is needed.”
The governor also commended BON for planning a Guinness World Record attempt with an eight-kilometre red carpet.
Oloketuyi, on his part, noted that BON began in Lagos before touring all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. He described its return to Lagos as a symbolic homecoming.
Confirming the development in an Instagram post on Monday, Sanwo-Olu wrote,
“I am pleased to share that Lagos will be hosting the 2025 edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.
“This is an opportunity to show our deep commitment to the creative industry in Lagos and across Nigeria. Nollywood is a vital part of our culture, our economy, and our global identity.
“We remain committed to supporting the creative industry, and we are ready to make this year’s BON Awards truly special.”
The BON Awards was founded in 2009.
