Sanwo-Olu’s wife urges Nollywood practitioners to make value-driven movies

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos state governor, has urged practitioners in Nollywood to make movies that will add value to the society and help keep societal vices at bay.

She spoke on Sunday at the unveiling of nominees for the 2019 edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.

Ibijoke, represented by Idowu Mohammed, wife of Jimi Mohammed, a member of the Lagos state house of assembly, said no other sector of the economy provided employment opportunities than Nollywood apart from agriculture.

According to her, the state government, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, her husband, is working hard to ensure a workable partnership with the country’s entertainment industry.

Seun Oloketuyi, the award’s convener, expressed gratitude to the industry for their acceptance of the annual award event.

She said the wealth of experience amassed by the organization since its inception and from Nollywood Awards over the last 10 years would enable it to put together better ceremonies that will add value to winners’ profiles.

Niran Adedokun, BON’s head of the jury, similarly, urged practitioners to lay more emphasis on promoting the Nigerian culture in their indigenous movies as it seems the industry is edging more towards English language.

He added that they received well over 100 Nollywood movies for consideration in various categories.

According to him, the host states and dates for the main event would be disclosed in October 2019.

Among practitioners who attended the event are Sadiq Daba, Fathia Balogun, Tana Adelana, Kunle Afolayan, Yomi Fash Lanso, Chico Ejiro, Obi Osotule, Mercy Aigbe, Allwell Ademola, Ada Ukoh, Emeka Ossai, and Yomi Fabiyi.

The 2019 nominees for BON Awards were also unveiled with Ramsey Nouah, Toyin Abraham and IK Ogbonna among those who made this year’s list.