The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has announced plans to celebrate 22 Nollywood stars and industry legends who will be marking milestone ages of 50 and 60 in 2025. The recognition will take place during the 2025 edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulatory Conference, scheduled for 18–19 November at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, said the initiative is designed to honour outstanding creative professionals whose work has shaped, elevated, and sustained Nigeria’s film industry.
According to him, the celebration underscores the Board’s commitment to recognising the people whose talent, dedication, and decades of service have strengthened Nollywood’s cultural and global influence.
“Nollywood’s strength lies in the people who give life to its stories. Honouring those who have invested years of excellence in the industry is both a responsibility and a privilege,” Dr. Husseini stated.
For its maiden edition, the NFVCB shortlisted 22 practitioners who attained milestone ages within the year, ensuring the tribute remains personal, focused, and impactful.
The honourees include: Rita Dominic, Ngozi Ezeonu, Segun Aina Padonu, Desmond Olusola Elliot, Atoyota Akpobome (Ali Baba), Ahmed Sarari, Afeez Bello, Adebayo Tijani, Sam Dede, Lillian Amah, Eucharia Anunobi, Taiwo Adeleye, Seyi Siwoku, Jude Chukwuka, Kingsley Ogoro, and former President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Sir Bond Emeruwa, among others.
Dr. Husseini explained that the selected practitioners represent a wide spectrum of actors, filmmakers, and content creators whose contributions continue to enrich storytelling and inspire emerging talents across the industry.
He added that the initiative marks the beginning of a sustained culture of institutional recognition for Nollywood professionals.
“We are starting with this select group, but this is only the first step. From next year, the honour roll will expand to celebrate practitioners turning 70 and above those whose pioneering efforts built the foundations of today’s Nollywood,” he said.
The 2025 conference will hold under the theme “From Volume to Value: The Future of Nollywood in the Digital Age.” Renowned theatre and film producer Bolanle Austen-Peters will deliver the keynote address.