Following the recent visit of a contingent of Nollywood stars to the executive governor of Osun State, to present him with the hosting rights of the 2023 edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared war against film pirates in the state.
The delegation, led by Seun Oloketuyi, founder and convener of BON Awards, had movie stars like Fred Amata, Yemi Blaq, Bimbo Thomas, Kemi Adekomi, and others.
According to the governor, the choice of Osun State to host the 15th edition of the awards was a great move by the award organisers because his government is one that understands the impact of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, which is why there will be no safe haven for piracy and its perpeteators in Osun.
He said, “My nephew, Davido, and my son B-Red recently visited me and we got talking about the entertainment industry and BON Awards.
“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.
“My family can be referred to as a political family. My father was a senator in the second republic, and my late brother, Governor Isiaka Adeleke popular as Serubawon was the first executive governor of Osun State. He was the only one to bring in the entertainment industry in Osun State, including tourism and culture before the military junta of Abacha struck.
“None of my predecessors took the entertainment industry that way.
“A lot of people do not realise the impact of the entertainment industry. So when Davido and B-Red said they wanted me to build something like an entertainment village in Osun State, I was happy.
“We have lands, the only constraint was the unfixed roads, and I’m happy to announce that I’m fixing roads in Osun State massively so that we have connectivity.
“Without good roads, people won’t want to come to your state. All of the abandoned road projects, whether federal or state are my focus, that I can assure.”
Governor Adeleke also read the riot act to film pirates in the state explaining that they were benefitting from the sweat and blood of filmmakers.
“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.”
While thanking the governor, Oloketuyi revealed that they is so much the industry can do to assist the government in its work and enlightenment of the populace, and the industry should be utilised to its full advantage.
In his words, “Countries around the world
use the film industry to market their nation, and I beleive this can work for Nigeria.”
Asides the different category of awards, the organisers have revealed that this year, special recognition will be given to Adebayo Salami for his many contributions to the industry.
Oloketuyi said, “There are so many whose hands contributed to the foundation of the Nollywood we know today, and Adebayo Salami is one of them. He not only inspires actors and filmmakers today, he remains a shining example for his children, many of whom are making waves in the industry. It is for this reason we have chosen to recognise and appreciate him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
BON Awards is billed to hold on Friday, December 22 in Osogbo, and Governor Adeleke has promised that it will be a spectacular affair.
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