Lagos to Host 2025 Best of Nollywood Awards as State Reaffirms Support for Creative Industry

Lagos State has officially secured the hosting rights for the 17th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accepted the hosting mandate during a ceremony at Lagos House, Marina, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the creative industry as a pillar of Nigeria’s cultural and economic development.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Nollywood remains a critical contributor to job creation, wealth generation, and global cultural recognition for Nigeria. He pledged that this year’s BON Awards would not only celebrate Nollywood’s finest talents but also spotlight Lagos as a global hub for film and entertainment.

“Nollywood is a vital part of our culture, economy, and global identity. Lagos is ready to make the 2025 BON Awards truly special while deepening our support for the creative sector,” the governor said.

Founder of the BON Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, noted that while the awards began in Lagos, they have toured different states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones over the years. He expressed excitement about bringing the event back to its birthplace and praised Lagos State for its sustained investments in infrastructure and creative enterprise.

The BON Awards, established in 2009, have become one of Nigeria’s premier film industry platforms, recognizing outstanding achievements in acting, directing, production, and technical excellence. This year’s edition is expected to attract leading filmmakers, actors, industry executives, and international stakeholders, further positioning Lagos as a cultural capital of Africa.

The state government assured that the event would be hosted at world-class standards, with deliberate efforts to integrate Lagos’ growing creative economy into broader development strategies. Beyond the ceremony, discussions are expected to focus on sustainable partnerships, intellectual property protection, and expanded opportunities for emerging talents in the industry.