Last night was one for the books—and one Femi Adebayo won’t be forgetting anytime soon. The 16th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards lit up the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin, Kwara State, and Femi Adebayo’s epic film, “Jagun Jagun,” stole the show.
With six wins under its belt, “Jagun Jagun” was the star of the night, bagging awards for “Best Costume,” “Best Indigenous Film,” “Best Production Design,” “Best Special Effects,” and the big one—“Director of the Year” for Femi Adebayo and Bayo Tijani. And if that wasn’t enough, Femi Adebayo also took home the “Best Actor” award, making it his fourth win of the evening. Talk about a clean sweep!
Hosted by actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi, the event celebrated the exceptional talent and creativity that continue to define Nollywood.
Watch Femi Adebayo’s heartfelt reaction to winning “Best Actor”—the cherry on top of an incredible night
One of the evening’s highlights was when “Momiwa,” claimed the awards for “Best Editing” and “Best Screenplay.”
Mercy Aigbe was also a major winner, taking home “Best Supporting Actress” for her role in “Ada Omo Daddy.” Her win was a well-deserved recognition of her skill and versatility in Nollywood.
Rising talents Ozechi Franklin Izuchukwu and Chioma Okafor also grabbed the spotlight as the “Most Promising Actor” and “Most Promising Actress,” respectively—a hint at the bright future of Nollywood.
Other winners include Wunmi Dada, who won “Best Actress” for her role in “Unknown Soja,” and Keppy Ekpenyong, who was awarded “Best Supporting Actor” for his performance in “The Weekend.”
Rising talents Ozechi Franklin Izuchukwu and Chioma Okafor also grabbed the spotlight as the “Most Promising Actor” and “Most Promising Actress,” respectively—a hint at the bright future of Nollywood.
A particularly emotional moment came when Kanayo O. Kanayo was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, alongside Aare Abisoye Fagade of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism.
In his acceptance speech, Kanayo dedicated the honour to Nollywood colleagues facing challenges like unemployment or illness, while expressing his gratitude to those championing the industry’s growth.
Here is the full list of winners:
Best Cinematography
Director of the Year
Bayo Tijani & Tope Adebayo (Jagun Jagun)
Best Social Message
Best Short Film
Best Actor
Femi Adebayo (Jagun Jagun)
Best Actress
Wunmi Dada (Unknown Soja)
Best Supporting Actress
Mercy Aigbe (Ada Omo Daddy)
Best Supporting Actor
Keppy Ekpenyong (The Weekend)
Best Editing
Best Costume
Best Sound
Best Soundtrack
Best Use Of Food
Best Indigenous Film
Best Child Actor
Best Child Actress
Darasimi Nadi (Unknown Soja)
Most Promising Actor
Ozechi Franklin Izuchuchukwu
Most Promising Actress
Best Production Design
Best Screenplay
Best Use of Food
Best Kiss
Halima Ganiyu & David Akande (Eti Keta)
Best Special Effect
Best Documentary
