Osun state governor Ademola Adeleke has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2023 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.
The BON Awards already announced Adeleke as the host for its 2023 edition, with Osun serving as the host state.
The organizers dispatched a delegation of actors to the state government house, where Adeleke was presented with the hosting rights.
The delegation was led by Seun Oloketuyi, founder of BON Awards.
It included renowned actors like Fred Amata, Yemi Blaq, Bimbo Thomas, and Kemi Adekomi.
Adeleke expressed his commitment to establishing a comprehensive policy for Osun state’s entertainment industry during his visit.
He stated that his term will be influenced by his experiences in the United States.
He emphasized the importance of infrastructure in attracting people to the state and promised to repair road issues.
The governor also criticized entertainment piracy and pledged harsh legal action against offenders in the state.
“My dream was always to have a solid policy on the entertainment industry because I lived and studied in the US for a long time, and I know the value of the industry,” Adeleke said.
“We have lands, the only constraint was the unfixed roads, and I am happy to announce that I am fixing roads in Osun state massively so that we have connectivity.
“Without good roads, people will not want to come to your state. All of the abandoned road projects, whether federal or state are my focus, that I can assure.
“I want to assure you that piracy in Osun State will not be tolerated. Anyone involved in it will be prosecuted and jailed accordingly because what they are doing is not fair.”
Oloketuyi, during the meeting, said BON would be honouring Adebayo Salami, a veteran actor, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
He said the award would be to recognise his exceptional contributions to Nollywood.
“There are so many whose hands contributed to the foundation of the Nollywood we know today, and Adebayo Salami is one of them,” he said.
“It is for this reason we have chosen to recognise and appreciate him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The 15th edition of the BON Awards is to be held on December 22 in Osogbo, Osun state.
