The Best of Nollywood (BON) Award is set to honour the late Chico Ejiro and Abiola Atanda, popularly known as Madam Kofo, for their “immense contribution to the growth of Nollywood.”

Founder of the pan-Nigerian award, Seun Oloketuyi, said the award was to “celebrate and recognise actors in the industry” and lift the spirits of other individuals in the Industry.

“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 still relevant today. 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 and say thank you for their contributions to the industry.

“The special recognition for Chico Ejiro, 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,” Mr Oloketuyi said.

Other industry professionals are also expected at the event that will be hosted by Governor Yahaya Bello in Kogi on December 11.