Chico Ejiro, Madam Kofo to be honoured at 2021 BON Awards

Chico Ejiro, the late movie producer, and Abiola Atanda, the actress popularly called Madam Kofo, will be receiving special recognition plaques at this year’s Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.

Also to receive a special recognition honour is Africa Magic, the TV channel focused on Nigerian series and movies.

As part of the activities leading up to the December 11 award ceremony, the organisers also announced plans to specially recognise both individuals and the organisation for their contribution to the growth of Nollywood.

The award, which is billed to hold in Lokoja, Kogi state, promises to be “the most superlative” so far.

Yahaya Bello, the host governor, had earlier “promised guests, and other industry professionals a show like no other”.

In a statement sent to TheCable Lifestyle, Seun Oloketuyi, the founder of BON Awards, stressed the importance of celebrating Nollywood’s known and recognised icons.

“Not only does this encourage the spirit of growth in the industry, but we would also be doing these three parties a major disservice if we do not recognise them,” he said.

“Madam Kofo is a veteran who has quietly worked on putting Nollywood on the map of world industries for more than five decades.

“A thespian with both stage and screen presence, Madam Kofo worked with the likes of the late Hubert Ogunde and is today still relevant. Such a woman deserves all the accolades we can give her.

“Africa Magic is perhaps another underserved brand.

“Nollywood of today owes a lot to that brand, and because it is an organisation, we many times forget to give them the credit they deserve, which is why we have deemed it fit to recognise them.

“Finally came Chico Ejiro. This special recognition even though posthumous struck the team the most because we would have loved that he was alive to receive the award himself.

“Many in Nollywood owe their careers and success to Chico and even though we are sad to have lost him, this award is to help people remember his enormous contribution to the industry.”